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Classified Ads => Wanted => Topic started by: Shawn (EIP) on October 08, 2011, 04:29:21 PM

Title: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 08, 2011, 04:29:21 PM
I'm looking for a cheap cutter , something to get my foot in the door for names and numbers and do forth...

Anyone have one collecting dust?
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Homer on October 08, 2011, 04:34:28 PM
budget?
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Frog on October 08, 2011, 04:35:01 PM
Some folks claim good luck with some of the cheaper Chinese junk versions.
Some of the older stuff may give you problems with support, software, and parts (blades and cutter strips may be needed fairly often.)

Pierre was looking into one. Pick his brain. For those who only dabble, they might be fine.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Gabe on October 08, 2011, 05:16:07 PM
Do you guys ever quit thinking about work and gadgets
it`s saturday college football GO HUSKERS
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 08, 2011, 05:22:57 PM
A buddies shop picked up a Seiki , works just fine for 99% of his work.

Homer, you have something?
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: royster13 on October 08, 2011, 05:33:24 PM
GCC Expert 24.....Runs 450.00 these days....In 1st few months I did over 8,000 in work with it......

You can try this search on Google   plotter site:craigslist.org
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: sweetts on October 08, 2011, 06:54:01 PM
I have an expert 24, it has been about a year now and no issues. I print right from corel. I would buy another one in a second. Their tech support has been good and the thing just runs. I did look at a roland and they do seem to run faster and track better on long lengths but they are 3 times as expensive. I paid $410.00 with shipping on ebay.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Printhouse on October 08, 2011, 07:02:03 PM
I have a GCC Bengal that I think retails around $900....  Last fall Imprintables Warehouse was giving them away free if you signed a deal to do $1000 in business with them over the next 12 months.  I did that in the first 3 months easily.  It has paid for itself over and over and over.  I will be using it tomorrow for name drops and numbers on 127 hoodies.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 08, 2011, 07:29:25 PM
Imprintables Warehouse was giving them away free

Holy crap!

It's about time I get on the ball and get one of these cutters... wtf am I waiting for?
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: sweetts on October 08, 2011, 07:40:21 PM
Last week I took mine to an event and sold about $500.00 worth of names and number along with window decals. It will pay itself off in no time
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 08, 2011, 07:40:43 PM
My budget is around 300 bucks USED with software and maybe some rolls of vinyl. Found a few deals on c-list but figured I'd check here first as I trust you guys more than c-list people... that's a given.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: blue moon on October 08, 2011, 07:48:55 PM
My budget is around 300 bucks USED with software and maybe some rolls of vinyl. Found a few deals on c-list but figured I'd check here first as I trust you guys more than c-list people... that's a given.

multicraft has cutter with software and few rolls for $499. That's brand new with warranty. not sure how good or bad it is, but hey, how bad can it be?

pierre
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: royster13 on October 08, 2011, 09:20:02 PM
I am kind of biased because I have an really like the GCC Expert 24.....As I said earlier, it will run you 450.00.....Do you have a heat press?.....If so buy a a few yards of white and black Spectra Eco Film and it will get you started....
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: inkbrigade on October 09, 2011, 06:42:48 AM
We bought a cheapie one and it sucked. We got the $900 copam one from US Cutter and it's been good. Paid for itself pretty quick.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 09, 2011, 11:51:01 AM
Do you guys go to location to put up store front graphics or do you let the customer handle that?
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: royster13 on October 09, 2011, 12:15:53 PM
I install when asked....But I am still not very good at estimating my time and/or I work too slow so it ends up being less per hour that I want....I have tried to do more with wall vinyl and heat press vinyl than sign/window vinyl.....Those clients do not seem to be as price sensitive as sign/window vinyl clients.....If you have a heat press there is money to be made....I get 6.50 for a 2" high name and 3.00 per digit for 8" numbers....
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 09, 2011, 12:26:13 PM
I install when asked....But I am still not very good at estimating my time and/or I work too slow so it ends up being less per hour that I want....I have tried to do more with wall vinyl and heat press vinyl than sign/window vinyl.....Those clients do not seem to be as price sensitive as sign/window vinyl clients.....If you have a heat press there is money to be made....I get 6.50 for a 2" high name and 3.00 per digit for 8" numbers....

Yeah I have a heat press , though it's only 16x16 least it's a swingaway.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Homer on October 09, 2011, 12:45:58 PM
Do you guys go to location to put up store front graphics or do you let the customer handle that?

dude. . .call me. . we can give you training on installation & equipment. . .for ZERO start up costs. . .your move.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Frog on October 09, 2011, 12:50:00 PM
Sean, I don't mess with anything but heat seal cad cut. It's a field that goes right along with your other shirt work. Pretty easy to learn for simple stuff.
If you are wanting to expand to other areas, then there are banners, windows, and even expensive car wraps , but that's a whole new field, with a whole new learning curve, and more demands on your equipment.

Now, with these new temptations though, I would recommend a better cutter, sooner or later, because even the GCC folks say that the $450 model is really hobby or at best, "light production" level. We all remember your disappointment with your last foray into "entry level" equipment. You must accept it for what it is.

Perhaps, like the advice given you to save and get a real dryer years ago, start with whatever you can, and earmark profits to upgrade sooner than later if and when the need appears.
For occasional use,  you will probably do fine with this cheapie. If you find that you are really using it regularly, step up.

Another stop gap measure would be to have someone else cut for you, and you apply. I'm lucky enough to have an agreement with someone for just this service.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Shawn (EIP) on October 09, 2011, 02:04:50 PM
Do you guys go to location to put up store front graphics or do you let the customer handle that?

dude. . .call me. . we can give you training on installation & equipment. . .for ZERO start up costs. . .your move.

I may have to take you up on that when I get my cutter.
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: Sbrem on October 09, 2011, 08:12:46 PM
We bought a 24" Roland back in '94, and it's still cutting just fine, recently had to replace the blade holder, also replaced the strip under the blade and the ribbon cable. That's kind of like putting a set of tires on your car every 200,000 miles or so. Look for a used quality cutter is my advice. I see mine selling for 400 to 500 now and then, but I'm sure you can find something newer.

Steve
Title: Re: vinyl cutter
Post by: garagewear on October 14, 2011, 04:01:42 PM
I bought a Chinese unit and got by for about three years then my laptop died and I spent several months trying to get it working again. Gave up and gave it to Palmeto. Bought a Roland GX24. Best money I have spent in a long time. My 13 year old can operate it with no problem and I haven't messed up a single piece of vinyl (yet) in 6 months.

B