My Best ROI on Sign Shop Equipment
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- I get a lot of questions about our PrismJet54 printer (aka Mutoh ValueJet), or printing in general. I've said in the past my likes and dislikes about the printer but for the most part (80% of the time) I use 3 pieces of equipment to make 1 finished product. This video is about the best piece of sign making equipment in our shop, our BEST ROI. I use the vinyl cutter just as much as the printer but our Shapoko XXL has been the best investment or shop has made in the last 4 years.
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.
I look forward to these videos! I can relate to so much the content that present. I have been in the sign industry for about 25 years. Small shop, homebased and lovin' it! Just the wife and myself. She handles the finances, social media and the sublimation / promo part. I do everything else lol. We have almost the same set-up as you. Roland printer/cutter, summa cutter and a Longmill CNC that has been sitting in a box unassembled for over 9 months...yeah I procrastinate a lot more at 51....but seeing this video gives me the push to get it up and running...you didn't know you were a motivational speaker too! lol. Keep the great content coming! I'm still learning too!
Thank you for your support Weston! Because of people like you and your wife I'll keep making these video's! I do enjoy it and never realized the impact it would have on fellow sign makers, small sign shops and people just wanting to learn. Happy I could "motivate ya" LOL Never stop the sky is the limit and guess what, I'm still learning something new everyday myself! BTW I'll be 50 next week I know how you feel, now go get that CNC together!! Thanks, Sean
New to your channel, just starting to browse your content. Great advice no matter the business you want to get into...I have been woodworking for years making outdoor furniture, not a living, just making money to feed my table saw..Just recently got interested in CNC and laser engravers...Want to expand my horizon, trying to decide what direction I want to concentrate on...Keep up the good work...enjoying your content...
I now have a CNC and a laser, each has their strong points. But the CNC seems more capable with a wider range of media/material to cut or etch.
You are so right about the ROI on a CNC. Last year I got a X-Carve Pro and paid for the machine 2x in one day. I did about 500 address plaques on King Colorcore material that the machine just ripped through pumping them out. I did have a few days of file set up before the machine showed up getting files set up properly. I have since then haven't had a huge job like but many jobs that have paid very well. Example is I just finished up a 2 sets of 1/4" acrlic letters (logos) for a customer. We are pin mounting them. Charged $1000 and only used half sheet (4x4) of 1/4 cast acrylic. The other best part about is that I can get these jobs done quickly and not have to wait 2 weeks for wholesale companies to get them to me.
If you have the extra space and don't mind the "chips" it's a great ROI. Don't know why I waited so long before I bought mine, definitely a game changer!
This is really good advice especially in the current econonic state of rising inflation in so many areas of small business!
Just my .02 🤣 but it's worked for me!
I have an HP Latex 360 and a Graphtec FC8600.
Best combo!! Love that I can laminate immediately after printing.
Latex is good, and like I've said it just has to work with how you work. I don't need to laminate right after a print, very rare for my production and work flow.
@@TheSignGuy that's true. I have only worked with Latex...never used an eco-solvent.
@@blueghost4121 if it works it works, right 👍
What about print and cutting? That increases the roi exponentially across all equipment.
It does but most can't figure out how to use more than 1 process or pieces of equipment to create a single product.
Definitely purchase a larger Laser CNC flat bed unit. 5-6K is a cheap investment for a great ROI. Just remember some cities require permits and contractors license to hang signs that are made by that CNC machine.
If I had the space I might get larger CNC. I have sources if I need to make signs bigger then my XXL can handle. I created products certain sizes because I only sell on-line and ship everything. Boxes, packaging, shipping cost is factored into just about everything we do. Living/working in a residential neighborhood has restrictions like no advertising and I don't do installs anymore. We still have to have the insurance and coverage but it's not crazy like when we used to go out and do larger projects. I'm exempt from most of that stuff but it will vary from state to state and county to county.
Thanks for what you do! What things do you use your Cnc machine for?
Cutting ACM #1, cutting MDO #2 and V-Carving HDU #3. I also cut coroplast and Sentra on occasions
@@TheSignGuy thank you for your videos! im a new subscriber. i wish you would have shown some examples of projects youve used this cnc to create. thanks again i am watching all your stuff before buying any equipment.
@@brianadams7321 I generally cut acm, mdo plywood and hdu. I've done a few videos of my process with different substrates. Let me know if you want to see something specific.
Where are you located? I was even looking into our company buying the equipment and make our own signs because there is no one local. The ones that are have a waiting list and never get your work done. We have never ordered online for truck decals or road signage, is that something you would recommend?
I am located in Anderson, SC. Buying your own equipment could be beneficial in the long run, the short run will cost more for the learning curve. Vinyl cutters can sit, ink jet printers can't the head will clog if you don't use it. I know lots of people that buy signs on line, I sell more on line than walk-ins or local business. Find someone reputable, if you can reach out privately, I might have a great source for you.
What kind of CNC machine do you have? What kind would you buy for a larger one?
I have the carbide 3D SHAPEOKO XXL carbide3d.com/shapeoko/. I have not looked into a larger machine, my XXL does what I need for now.
@@TheSignGuy thank you sir!
@@TheSignGuythanks for video. I try to find this model but now doesnt exist. How model will be now?
What type of cnc machine and software do you suggest? Also do you know a reliable place to purchase one from?
What fits your budget works best to start. The Shapeoko by Carbide Create has a complete package with software starting around $1800 shop.carbide3d.com/collections/machines/products/shapeoko4?variant=33051555921981
@@TheSignGuy on thanks I'll look into it!!
@@michaelewell5529 let me know if you have any other questions, would be happy to help if you need it!
@@TheSignGuy I appreciate it
I mount on Coroplast a lot and I have many customers that want diecut. What's the best tool to contour cut coroplast? I typically just use a blade but it'd a pain
A small CNC would make sense but it's another piece of equipment taking up space and another software program to learn. Try to sub it out to a local shop if you can find someone to work with. FWIW, I use a Single Flute up-cut bit for cutting plastic and coro, I have cut up to 2" thick foam with no problems
Hey man did you ever sale your printer ?
Nope, I still have it. Gonna hold on to it a bit longer.
How you been brother? Where did you get the CNC?
Good Buddy! I got mine from Carbide 3D, it's a Shapeoko XXL and I design with Aspire software. Here is a link for the CNC: shop.carbide3d.com/collections/machines/products/shapeoko4?variant=33051555987517
You can order everything you need in one package if you like, software is free as well:carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/
Let me know if you have any questions I can help with!