Vinyl Cutter?

[DiabloKid]

I am wondering if anyone has any insight on buying an inexpensive vinyl cutter for personal use?

I know the "Stika" is a nice one so I want to know a few things

1. which model is the preferred one?
2. which software is user friendly for a novice
3. which ones are recommended besides "Stika"

thanks gang!

[DA2000]

DK,

I've been using a couple of the Stika cutters now for 3 years. I have found them to be very easy to use, with great results. I started with the 8 and upgraded recently to the 15. The 8 may actually cut a bit better, and is a great choice for the price.

I use Corel Draw 8 for all my designs, there is a plug-in for corel. I don't think they have the plug in figured out for anything over Corel 10.

I can answer any other specific questions you have.

There is also a yahoo group dedicated to rc graphics that will get you started with a lot of the rc logos.

Daniel

[DiabloKid]

thanks for the info Daniel

do you have a link to the Yahoo group?

[BR289]

I'd be interested in doing my own graphics too. Anyone know how much it would cost to to get a decent cutter and vinyl? I wouldnt even know where to look for this stuff......
Blair

[DA2000]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rcgraphics/

Try that link to the group.

Search EBay for Stika. They usually roll around at a fair rate. Seems a lot of people dive in with the Stika and either give up, or upgrade to something bigger.

For the money, I'll stick with the Stika and make it work. I'm just learning what the few shortcomings are, but for someone who wants to cut model graphics, I think they are perfect.

I got my first Stika SX8 for 250. Vinyl is relatively cheap. A good place to buy online is www.signwarehouse.com or www.fellers.com.

Daniel

[RCMgraphics]

I buy my stuff off Alan direct..I found from many phone calls he the best over all,
http://www.stika.com/

And one thing..I run into ALOT of people that buy vinyl cutters thinking from reading from others it is easy.. Yea its easy.. the cutting part is.

Designing is a different story

the yahoo groups good to join..there alot of free stuff uploaded.. I am one of the ones that run it

ta ta injoy

Randy

	Quote: Originally Posted by DA2000
	http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rcgraphics/ Try that link to the group. Search EBay for Stika. They usually roll around at a fair rate. Seems a lot of people dive in with the Stika and either give up, or upgrade to something bigger. For the money, I'll stick with the Stika and make it work. I'm just learning what the few shortcomings are, but for someone who wants to cut model graphics, I think they are perfect. I got my first Stika SX8 for 250. Vinyl is relatively cheap. A good place to buy online is www.signwarehouse.com or www.fellers.com. Daniel

[skymaster68]

Hey DA 200 Do you sell Graphics? I would like that 14 mz you have on ruder
Pm me if you do
Rgds
Cristian

	Quote: Originally Posted by DA2000
	DK, I've been using a couple of the Stika cutters now for 3 years. I have found them to be very easy to use, with great results. I started with the 8 and upgraded recently to the 15. The 8 may actually cut a bit better, and is a great choice for the price. I use Corel Draw 8 for all my designs, there is a plug-in for corel. I don't think they have the plug in figured out for anything over Corel 10. I can answer any other specific questions you have. There is also a yahoo group dedicated to rc graphics that will get you started with a lot of the rc logos. Daniel

[BR289]

Thanks guys....Thats some good info. and I will check into it.....
Blair

[Rolling Thunder]

I have the stx-8 which is the older version of the SX-12. I am using Adobe Illistator10 and Corel draw10. The cutter works great, I still suck at designing. I have a guy that draws me what I want then I cut it.

I buy my vinyl at the signsupplystore.com, I once made the mistake of buying from a local sign shop.

[BR289]

I am wondering, What if I took a decal I already have, stick it on a peice of paper, then scan it ...wouldnt that work?
When one talks about designing, what is it they are designing?
I just want to make my own vinyl from logos and stuff for my planes.....nothing intricate....

[Rolling Thunder]

When it comes to logos, we trade files that we already have. If you list your desired logos you could have them in your email in short order. I have shared many files and I have received many files. There is also the website www.brandsoftheworld.com/catalogue lots of info here.

[sweetpea]

The problem with scanning.......

-your cut lines wont be perfect. So you have to go in and clean up the edges. Time consuming but will work if the logo is unique.

-also I found if you scan in a logo.......sometimes if its not to hard you can simply draw new lines around the logo (like tracing). Then delete the logo. Takes less time

[treym7]

	Quote: Originally Posted by sweetpea
	The problem with scanning....... -your cut lines wont be perfect. So you have to go in and clean up the edges. Time consuming but will work if the logo is unique. -also I found if you scan in a logo.......sometimes if its not to hard you can simply draw new lines around the logo (like tracing). Then delete the logo. Takes less time

I totally agree!!! I have tried a couple of times scanning and going straight from that, but it is a pain! Check the Yahoo! Groups site for a lot of good graphics. Another site to check out is: http://www.webchantier.com/_index_en.html
I actually picked up a Vinyl Express Lynx 24" cutter off of eBay for cheap. I use Adobe Illustrator CS for all of the graphic stuff and VE's own software for cutting. I just do it on the side, not out to make a living on it.

Trey

[svo]

www.jsisign.com

I have been using one of their JSI 24" plotters for years with no problems at all.
For right around 1k, it comes with some basic software and also some rolls of vinyl.
Their customer service has always been very good too.

I use that plotter with flexi sign 7.02 software.

The plotter works and tracks just as well as any of the higher priced ones that I have had experience with.

[DiabloKid]

can any of you suggest one on FeeBay fro about $500 that will work well? As a novice id like a complete setup and one that has an easy learning curve if it as possible.