Having fun with my new vinyl plotter!

[PBR Allstar]

So years ago I worked in a race shop that also did vinyl, I got to play around with it a little and had some fun. Since then I've always had aspirations of getting my own machine. Ten years later I finally went ahead and got myself a little Chinese 12" plotter which is going to be used for RC, karts, and general goofing off! I kind of wanted to spend a little more, and get something nicer/bigger, but I figured I'd start small. I'm just running open source/free software, but I'm remembering a lot of things I've since forgotten about graphics, as well as learning as I go.

Here's one of my first little vector drawing projects. (sorry for the lousy pic, the transfer tape reflects a little weird)

[RedScampi]

That is sweet! I can see endless rc possibilities...and beyond! Can you share a bit more about the plotter itself? Is it in reach of the average guy?

[PBR Allstar]

Oh, it's definitely within reach of the average guy. In reality it's the absolute least expensive cutter on the market, but this wasn't really my motivation in the purchase, just a benefit.

The cutter is an MH series cutter from US Cutter, I've been kind of looking at them for a couple years on and off. I've read lots about them and several people say the cutters are difficult to get working. But the thing that really sold me, is that US Cutter has a very well populated message board which I've been lurking and reading on for quite a while. It's like the RC10talk of inexpensive Chinese cutters. so I figured if I had problems I had a place to go rather than trying to get a hold of some ebay seller or something. It's a really great forum, tech section and problem solving for every machine they sell, and sections for all the major software programs.

As far as the difficulty setting up and getting going, I found a great user written startup guide on that same forum, followed it to a "T" and got going just fine. I only had one little problem, and that was solved by changing the cutting speed a little.

The other major component needed is software. The cutting software that I'm using is called "Sign Blazer" it's a free program that is downloadable from the US Cutter site. The graphics Program I'm using is called "Inkscape" it's also a free, open source program, with tons of tutorial info all over the web.

Lastly, the question about it being within reach of the average guy. The plotter it's self was $179, I stayed away from the starter packages, as I read a lot of the vinyl and suplies were sub par that came with it, and remembering back to my days working with the stuff years ago that the cheap vinyl was just awful to work with. That said I went with four rolls of ORACAL 651 intermediate vinyl, it's between $13 - $15 for a 15" x 10 yard roll. Since the vinyl is 15" wide you have to cut sections that fit in the machine. All in all, the machine, vinyl, tranfer tape, a really nice 30" rule with silicone feet & a S.S. cutting strip, six pack of spare blades, some aplication squeegees, and the $9 flat rate shipping ran me a grand total of $301. I do plan on upgrading to a larger cutter in the future, but this time around it was more of a space concern more than a cost concern, The 12" unit is about the size a larger desktop printer, whereas the 28" and 34" units take up a decent amount of space with their stands.

Hope that answered your questions. Check out the website: UScutter.com and the forum link is on the home page.

[RedScampi]

Absolutely, that's great, thank you! I'll be sure to check it out. I've wanted to make my own decals for some time.

[PBR Allstar]

one of the members here was curious if I could do the "ASSOCIATED" that was on the side of Ruffy's car, here was a quick stab in blue because that is what was in the cutter. (I have to work on the blade offset settings a tiny bit, it shows up sometimes on the small letters)

[nvxwax]

Very cool,

I actually have a cutter i got about 6 years ago, Graphtec 3000-60 (24"), I used to cut graphics for real cars. The prices have come down from when i got mine lol, I like that small cutter for RC decals, a lot better then loading a 24" roll for one sticker lol

You are putting the bug into me again to start playing with it again lol.

[RC10resto]

Those blue "Associated's" look great

[Goatless]

Looks like a great investment for $179 + material. The uss for RC are endless!!

[PBR Allstar]

had some good screw around time today while everyone in the house was gone!

[GJW]

wow they look great, what program run's the cutter etc you can have some unreal race bodies with one of a kind decal's

[PBR Allstar]

the cutter is driven by a program called SignBlazer, it's a free program but it gets the job done.

[vintage AE]

Those as sweet! I bet you have PM's coming in already for requests.

nvxwax, I'm almost to the point in my Toyota FOFF Wraith where I need some Toyota decals. I will PM you when the time gets closer

[nvxwax]

Those as sweet! I bet you have PM's coming in already for requests.

nvxwax, I'm almost to the point in my Toyota FOFF Wraith where I need some Toyota decals. I will PM you when the time gets closer

Sounds Good

[PBR Allstar]

My ride 17.5 ride for the Ground Pounders Summer Series.

[Lowgear]

I've always wanted one of those decal making machines. They print them, and then even cut them out for you. The price is the only issue.