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The Sign Guy
United States
Приєднався 16 жов 2014
This channels is about life as The Sign Guy. I've been designing, cutting vinyl and making signs for over 25 years, join me in my daily endeavors as I show you some tips and tricks. Heck I might even learn something from you all but I have lots of "older" school knowledge I'm willing to pass along and have fun in the process. Most of the signs I do are all off the internet, I'm a 1 man show and do pretty good at it.
I Bought A 23 Year Old Vinyl Cutter | Will it work?
I bought a 23 year old used vinyl cutter for $80 bucks. The GCC Panther or as Sign Warehouse called it the Vinyl Express GRC-61 24" Servo driven plotter with Digital LCD display. No stand and the cutter did not have the USB to connect the cutter to my Windows 7 PC with Flexi 12 Pro, I had to use a USB Serial Adapter and connect the 9pin to the 28 pin on the plotter.
A few tips and tricks I remembered along the way, like hardware flow control and what it does to interact with the cutter.
**Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable
A few tips and tricks I remembered along the way, like hardware flow control and what it does to interact with the cutter.
**Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable
Переглядів: 2 372
Відео
How To Make a Co2 Laser Stand
Переглядів 4557 місяців тому
I bought a "new to me" 50watt 12x20 CO2 laser, now I just need somewhere to put it. I figured I would make a simple, cheap and easy stand for it. I used 8 pieces of 2x4x93, 1 4x8 4 ply 1/2in sheet of plywood and a box of 3in drywall screws. Total time was about 2 hours from start to finish. It came out great, super sturdy with plenty of room under for the chiller and air pump.
I Bought a Atomstack X7 Diode Laser | Was it a Mistake?
Переглядів 8859 місяців тому
I bought a used 5 watt Atomstack diode laser off Market Place for $200, also bought a $60 rotary for the tumblers and running it all with Lightburn Software. The used Engraver was already assembled , the rotary needed put together and Lightburn needed configured ion the old HP Laptop. Very easy to set up and configure, I was engraving in about an hour start to finish. So I'm looking to get into...
Watch This Before Buying A Used ECO-SOL Sign & Wrap Printer!
Переглядів 1,8 тис.10 місяців тому
Tips and tricks to look for when buying a used Eco Solvent sign printer. These are just some of the basics to look over, always, always, always ask for the nozzle check or have the printer print something in front of you first. If the seller can't provide a good print out or if the print is questionable you may have bigger issues YOU may have to deal with. Most used printers don't have any kind...
MUTOH 1324x Valuejet Blown Head and Will not initialize
Переглядів 1,7 тис.10 місяців тому
This is the third and last part about the MUTOH ValueJet 1324x / Signwarehouse PrismJet 54. All the electronic board were sent off for testing to see if any of the boards or power supply was bad. All boards came back with a clean bill of health so I reinstalled them to see exactly why the printer stopped initializing. It was confirmed from testing that the Epson DX6 print head de-laminated and ...
MUTOH 1324x is still broken
Переглядів 60111 місяців тому
A little more progress on the issue with my PrismJet 54 (MUTOH 1324x) printer. I ran into what I think caused the issue on the power supply but some of the boards will be sent off to further test if that is the issue. If you even need that service, I used inkjetperformance.com and worked with Ed.
MUTOH 1324 Printer Might Be Toast...
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
What started as what I thought was some bad banding and a dirty machine may be a bad electrical issue for my PrismJet54 (Mutoh ValueJet 1324x). I started with replacing the maintenance station and did not get any better, it was worse. I replace the 4 dampers and that is where the BIG issue happened. I'll work on the printer as I can but it's not looking good, I know everyone like happy ending s...
Is this the End | Early Retirement on the way??
Переглядів 2,2 тис.Рік тому
It's been a few months since I posted a new video. Just wanted to take a few minutes to see what's new and a new venture I'm hoping will fire me back up! As always, thank you to the watchers, comments, phone chats and video likes without you all I would not be here. I'm not saying I'm 100% done and out but I will be putting more time in other places, for now..... Thanks Sign Folk, TSG
How to Print and Cut Colored Decals
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
How I print and contour cut on my Mutoh 1324 and Graphtec 8600 with flexisign. This video was a request I hope it helps other out. Sorry for the blurry video, I should have cleaned my lens before recording!
Finally Making Money With the EDGE 2 Printer
Переглядів 2,2 тис.Рік тому
Getting the bugs worked out and figuring out the work flow for the Gerber EDGE2 printer. This was a small print and cut job that was perfect for these printers. After a few trial runs I'm starting to get the hang of it, thanks again Clyne!! I'm printing on Oracal 6510 Fluorescent Yellow with Black and Brite Orange foil from ZERONINE. The contour cutting was off of the Q54 (AKA Graphtec 8600) an...
It Works! Test Print GERBER EDGE 2
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Рік тому
After a little trial and error, I figured out what my printer issue was. Always double check your connections, remember this printer had both circuit boards and the power supply removed and tested. Lucky for me is was a simple fix and the print head looks great!
I Bought Another Sign Printer | GERBER EDGE 2
Переглядів 3,5 тис.Рік тому
I bought a used GERBER EDGE 2 and it has some issues. I only gave a few Hundred for this one, another $250 for the 30-40 foils and and some other miscellaneous stuff needed to run this gem. A big shout out to the Plotter Doctor for the quick turn around on the boards, they tested everything and sent them back in a few weeks.
Printer Profiles, The Printer is Not Always at Fault
Переглядів 582Рік тому
If you have printing issues, it may not be the equipment. Check your printing profiles to see if the issue clears up. That's what happened here, I had to reload Flexi and one of my printing profiles looks terrible!! Luckily I did not overreact, the prints before this one was spot on, what changed? The profile for some reason does not like the "new" flexi production mananger I had to reinstall. ...
Tropical Storm Ian update, power off your equipment!!
Переглядів 171Рік тому
For the second time today the power has flickered and knocked the power out. I'm in shutdown mode after having a hard drive crash a few weeks ago. Remember to power all equipment and computers down and unplug them if not on a UPS. Stay safe out there!!
My Vinyl Work / Production Tables
Переглядів 4 тис.Рік тому
I have 1 large 4ft X 13ft production table for my vinyl work area. I just completed a 2nd (43" X 60") to extend off my light table. I use 2x4's, OSB sheeting (plywood) for the bottom storage area but I like to use MDF for the table top because it is strong and rigid. I then like to top the MDF off with a sheet of White 1/8" or 3/16" Acrylic. To cut the MDF and Acrylic I use a LENOX 7 1/2" 60 to...
To Rent or Buy your Sign Shop / Part 3
Переглядів 1,5 тис.Рік тому
To Rent or Buy your Sign Shop / Part 3
Starting a Sign Shop / Part 2 / Choosing the Right Vinyl Cutter
Переглядів 22 тис.2 роки тому
Starting a Sign Shop / Part 2 / Choosing the Right Vinyl Cutter
Graphtec FC8600 / Q Series Cutting Tool Carriage / Bearings / Alignment / Maintenance
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Graphtec FC8600 / Q Series Cutting Tool Carriage / Bearings / Alignment / Maintenance
How to Dome Vinyl Lettering and Logo's
Переглядів 31 тис.2 роки тому
How to Dome Vinyl Lettering and Logo's
Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphic Part 2
Переглядів 9692 роки тому
Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphic Part 2
MDO Plywood Sign | Cut Out The Clip Art | Applewood Acres
Переглядів 4,8 тис.2 роки тому
MDO Plywood Sign | Cut Out The Clip Art | Applewood Acres
How to Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphics
Переглядів 3,3 тис.2 роки тому
How to Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphics
How to | Painting Special Effects on Sign Vinyl
Переглядів 2,4 тис.2 роки тому
How to | Painting Special Effects on Sign Vinyl
We almost lost it all! | $12K loss | FM Expressions | T-Shirt Transfer Fail
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
We almost lost it all! | $12K loss | FM Expressions | T-Shirt Transfer Fail
How to Price Signs and Decals for Small Sign Shops
Переглядів 23 тис.2 роки тому
How to Price Signs and Decals for Small Sign Shops
Etsy and Amazon products Q & A I Answer Your questions
Переглядів 9922 роки тому
Etsy and Amazon products Q & A I Answer Your questions
I'm trying to get that same cutter working with Easy Cut Studio 6. I got the same Keyspan USA-19HS adaptor, installed the driver and found it's on hub 0001. I set the com port to 1 and I can send it to the cutter. It says file sent but the cutter doesn't respond. Got any quick tips for me?
It might be sending to the wrong port that the cutter is connected to?
Good info. We made due with a Cricut for our custom shirts for the last 6 years and it finally died on us. Finally upgraded today, looking forward to a more commercial quality cutter.
I mostly print on 3M materials, but I've recently got into creating my own color and print profiles. It's been a game changer, because sometime manufacturer profiles are overkill. As far as profiling for color, get yourself some really good calibration tools.
That printer is long gone and I'm retired from the sign industry. Thanks for the feedback.
You talked too much!
Thanks for the feedback 😀
This isn't really a video about alignment. From what I can tell there is no way to align this particular machine's height from left to right side other than reshaping the plastic spacer under the teflon with sandpaper. They come from the factory out of alignment and only get worse. Adjusting the carriage won't make a difference as it will still be off the same distance on each side as the frame is the the 'aligned' carriage.
Agreed, work/life balance is key. Especially in an industry like the sign industry.
It's a roller coaster of a life!!
Our company was fixing to spend a substantial amount with them but are now going to go another direction. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Glad it was helpful!
GREAT JOB! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
looks awesome
Thank you!
I have watched a couple of your videos and will subscribe! I like your style, especially that you have Cocoon fit over sunglasses like mine. My wife & I have a small printshop and we added wide format a couple of yrs ago. We are in our 70's and both have survived major health issues, so we are now ready to learn and grow. We like the sign business, but the learning curve is long. Thanks for you help.
Thanks for watching! Good news/Bad news... Good news- I'm retired from sign making, Bad news - no more videos :(
I have the same plotter. I'll be trying to get it to work tomorrow using a parallel to usb adaptor. Thanks for making this video, it's very helpful!
You are welcome
Hey! I’m so interested it in the gel silicone resin. I want logos of the Military branches how can I send you the picture?? Please let me know
I'm retired, sorry can't help.
Hey! Do you do logos with the gel silicone resin?? I live in Belle Chasse and I’m so interested it. How can I send you the picture
I'm retired, sorry can't help.
Where do you get your vinyl at?
Sign Warehouse, US Cutter, Grimco
Where do you get your vinyl from?
Grimco, Sign Warehouse and USCutter for 98%
@@TheSignGuy and where do you get your aluminum blink sign
What type of printer is that please?
Sign Warehouse prismjet 64 or also know as a Mutoh 1324x
I appreciate your explication but if you could show us how it works and cut , examples for everything you try to present to us.
I'm retired, not making any new videos anytime soon..
Do you transfer these with tranfer paper?
You can, I typically make the base in one piece so you don't have to. If your doing boat numbers , yes they need masked.
Gotta add to this. I have the graphtec FC7000 MK2-130 similar issue but when I see you move the head with belt on it seems to run pretty smooth along the track. I'm thinking I have a motor issue? Does your cutter head move pretty freely or does it have a type of clicking? Or resistance? The Y motor shaft seems to have a tick inside but the X motor moves freely
Sorry, sold that cutter a year ago.
@TheSignGuy wow thanks for the quick reply! No worries. I'm just curious, what about other plotters? Should that motor move freely or have a magnetic cog type clicking to it? Trying to figure out if the motor is bad
RDS website seems to be gone can i get this stuff anywhere else?
Well that sucks, I have no idea who else sells it. I always bought it from the manufacture.
If you treat this like drywall and cut one side fold and cut the other side it's way easier than trying to snap it. I'm actually not sure why you're doing that
the snap in my opinion leaves a cleaner edge. The pressure from the knife blade tends to curl or flair the edges.
Screw propane, get a pellet stove...
Not everyone can stand the smell of wood fires or pellet stoves. Moving the big bags, cleaning the stove, making sure it doesent run out etc. is a not for me. So electric, NG or propane for me, but to each their own!
@@TheSignGuy Pellet stoves don't smell. Pellet smokers, well that's what you want. My cost for pellets for the winter is less than one months use of gas. It's a no brainer.
Don't rent if you don't have to... Build!! Even a home depot shed, as big as you can get or put on your lot.
Very true and great idea!
Perfict practical Cut thanks.
glad it helped
How did you replicate the Bentley graphic?
It's a font, I used Hancock
Do you still sell vinyl decals through etsy like you do for a long time? Thx
No, I'm officially retired from sign making. Still have the etsy shop but don't sell there anymore.
@@TheSignGuy Got it. Thank you
New follower, hey have you used a Mimaki plotter??
No, never used a mimaki plotter.
@@TheSignGuyI have used one daily for about 8 years and I love it. I also have a USCutter plotter but it’s by far inferior to the Mimaki which for the price difference is expected.
This is great. How many coats of primer and how many coats of One Shot do you do? Two and Two?
Generally prime the edges until you can't see the layers of the wood, about 2 coats. One Shot takes 1 good coat for most colors, I found certain colors like 2 coats like Medium Green and Dark Green.
One Shot??? That's the old world. Are you still painting signs?
The old world?? Of course I'm still painting signs...
Gee if it is such a profit maker then why do anything else?
Gee, I'm not sure...
We bought a large shed, ran elec, added hardwood floors, insulation, dry wall, a mini split, and a coffee pot!...lol. all for about $11,000.00 (we did all the labor ourselves) worth every dime!
I've wrapped some stuff in the past. Thinking about doing a deck boat i just purchased. A 5ft x 30ft roll should do it. I just havent figured out the best way to cut the whole roll in half.
I unrolled the media and laid the whole 60" on the table, measured to find center and then cut it with a razor.
Wow this is good
Thank you!
Subscribed.
Thank you!
What colors on a pontoon like that will show the least amount of water marks? Great job!
Thank You!! Lighter colors the better! Keep it waxed up, Lucas Slick Mist is what I used to clean and make em' shine!. Water marks will also depend on what minerals are in the water.
Great video. I'm thinking in buying their prismjet 54 gen2.. How long after printing do you usually waited before handling and laminating the prints??
Depending on the ink saturation you are putting down, as little as 1 hour and up to overnight. The more ink you put down the longer you should wait to laminate, 98% of the time I used 3 different printer profiles. 1 profile was for very quick printing and putting the least amount of ink while still looking good. Prints from that profile sometimes never got laminated depending on what it was for.
@@TheSignGuy thanks for the reply.. Heard some people saying you have to wait between 24-48 hours before laminating so that had me a bit worried
@kingk5994 the more ink you put down the longer you should wait. But you don't have to, if the ink isn't done outgassing the the media and laminate will do strange things....
Understood. How likely are you to recommend signwarehouse’s Prismjet 54 Gen2?
@kingk5994 highly recommend
I use the bomb site marks and built in laser pointer on my Graphtec 8600 cutter when I do contour cuts. I seem to have more problems with contour cuts the way you showed. I will give your way another try. Also I have to move the cutting pin into the front part of the holder. If I don't the cuts are way off.
I tried to do that but could never get it to work. The laser pointer would come on and I would go through all 4 points, when I hit okay the cutting head would not put any pressure on the vinyl. It would follow the contour cut but "hover" and the blade would not extend to cut the vinyl. And Yes, for me I also had to move the blade forward to match the contour as well.
Great info, im going to order from RDS
Good choice!
Awesome content!! What print vinyl would you recommend for generic purposes like for indoor and outdoor signs and simple vehicle decals etc.?
Substance media is all I used.
Do you have contact information
I am retired from the sign industry.
what thickness of vinyl do you use. i got a vevor just for personal use and the vinyl that came with it seems very thin
Generally the thinner the better for vinyl. Calendared vinyl (Oracal 651, Avery A6 etc) is about 3 mils thick and will last about 4-5 years outdoors. Thinner Cast vinyl is 2mil thick (Oracal 751/951, Avery A9 etc) and will last longer, is easier to remove, has a higher gloss level and is better for outside use with less color fade. It also conforms better over rivets and such, it does conform better to irregular shapes.
Will doming boat letters make them last longer? I did a flag background letters for a boat using a machine that prints on vinyl and are not laminated.
100% absolutely it will help with the life of the prints. Heavier ink saturation will also help with the life of the prints.
Great video, rule of thumb: You should blur out clients' home addresses on your label before sharing on UA-cam, unless you have your client's approval.
Might be easier to just delete the video. You're Welcome.
Wow, great video. All of your vids are great. I learn so much from you. Thank you!!
Will this work with HTV VINYL???
I'm sure it would but I never tried it to confirm it will.
I need a couple of decals domed... Can I send them to you to resin?
Sorry but I'm retired from doing signs.
First thing to look for is a surface mounted fuse usually marked with a F1 or f2.
Thanks, sent it out to the plotter doctor and they sent me a new board. Not sure if it was a really expensive fuse or not, but the EDGE works now.
Hi! Thank you for such a good content. Any suggestions on applicatoon tape that wont wrinkle in FL weather? I use clearchoice at75 .. its a love/hate relationship i really cant apply if its under the direct sun
I was never a fan of the Clear App Tape. I preferred the paper tape and you just have to work fast. I went from the R-Tape to Grimco's Briteline series for app tape, same stuff just a bit less expensive.
Get a diode laser???
Got a 10watt diode but it NEVER would have cut through that 1/2" MDO.
Also, in my market everyone has a cnc. There isn’t a woodworker that dosnt have one. It’s pretty easy to find someone to cut stuff for cheap and then I can just apply graphics easily and mark up everything as much as I want.
Agreed. Pretty much what I did but I did it all under 1 roof.