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Starting a Sign Shop / Part 2 / Choosing the Right Vinyl Cutter
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- Part 2 of starting a sign shop. I suggest some of the things to look for in buying a new cutter to get going. From the craft cutters to the economy series with stepper motors up to servo driven cutters with contour cutting abilities. There really is no wrong one, but you just need to start somewhere.
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.
Nice, best of luck with the new cutter. Glad it helped.
10 yrs ago i started with a servo motor 24 inch graphtec plotter never looked back till this day its still my work horse of my sign shop.
It's a trade off stepper vs. servo for folks just starting. Servo is the way to go if you plan on making a career out of it.
I appreciate your good advice and guidance .
Hey Sean, I'm a print wholesaler and I get quite a few new sign shops "discovering" me. We usually have these conversations that you are posting here on UA-cam. Now I just refer them to your channel as a primer of what to do in a new sign shop. Thank you for your great work and getting me out of a lot of wasted time! 🙂
Anytime "Allen"?
Great video, I was looking to gift my father a plotter because he recently retired and moved down to NC after 30+ years in a sign union. As a kid I remember his sign and neon shop. I remember him getting his first 52" ioline back in the 90s and Flexi Sign Pro came on a ton of floppy discs! haha And before that he had what I can only describe as a typewriter style plotter. So thanks for posting this , it was cool to hear the lingo again.
I bet because I'm about as old as your Dad... Fun times over the years, can't say I would trade it for anything.... Get him that cutter if it will help in other projects, thanks for sharing! SG
Another great and helpful video, Sean. We bought a HP Latex printer to do things like scrim banners and retractable signs, but it came with a cutter. We've used it for stickers mostly, but having the ability to do vinyl is always great. I wouldn't recommend a set up like that for someone just starting out, but for a shop who is looking for that option it's a great deal.
Thank you Mike, We decided that we needed a printer when dependable print wholesalers were not easy to come by. Buying the printer was a BIG step in growing what we all ready started, it was also a BIG learning curve. Printers are not a bad thing to have, if you have the space. I now use the cutter about 3 to 1 over the printer nowadays, but things are changing... and the next door is opening.....
I had a feeling you were going show the cnc lol. My longmill is still sitting in the box for almost a year...I got to get mine up and running! After having my Summa for 17 years, I'm jumping over to a Graphtec...hope it serves me well as the Summa. Another video that I'm sure many aspiring sign makers will find informative. Keep them coming!
Lol, I just wish I would use it more. I don't use it to it's full potential!!! Thanks Weston!!
Great video Sean! I have a Titan 3 with the ARMS system from US Cutter. It’s a servo cutter and it’s super accurate and great for print and cut. The bad thing about it is I got the 28” (24” cut) which is pretty small for print and cut. Wish I would’ve went bigger and actually with a Graphtec or Summa cut the perf cut features. The Titan 3 will do perf cuts but it’s not meant to. As far as the size the only reason I say bigger is for jobs with a high piece count it’s a little cheaper per square foot for wider material. That being said I can print on a 50” roll and break it down to two 24” sheets to run through the cutter and I do that wherever I can. Anywho thanks again for the video and the cnc would definitely be a fantastic tool to level up a sign shop! Jason
Let me also add that when I purchased the Titan 3 I wasn’t doing any pint and cut, actually I didn’t even have a large format printer at the time nor was it even a plan to get one in such a short time frame. It was one of those things that just kinda happened
Thanks Jason, The thing is when starting out you don't know which way the market will steer you. You may want to go in one direction but other options open up and that is all part of growing the business. So you just have to start with something to figure out what your next best option is, vinyl, HTV, printing, laser, CNC are all very lucrative! I started with a 12" Roland stika over 20 years ago,after 3 months I moved up to a servo driven 24" and had it for about 6-7 years, well things happened and I had to start all over from zero. The cutter is just another piece of the puzzle to make it all come together. Personally if I did not have the printer I would have no use for the ARMS, and I'm not sure how much longer I will be printing.....
@@TheSignGuy That's very true, you know what path your going down tomorrow or what the future has planned for you. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for the video! I have been watching UA-cam videos and reading a lot over the last couple of weeks trying to figure out what cutter to buy. I was going to get the Uscutters MH series then I found the LP3 so now I'm between the LP3 or the GCC AR-24. I want to make larger decals and wall art. I almost got a Vivor 28 but see a lot of bad reviews about customer support. If anyone has Any advice I would greatly appreciate it!
You have to start somewhere! Depending on your needs and how fast you grow then you can get more cutter. As I mention in most of my video's the thing I would focus on is the software and support. The cutter does what it's told, some are faster, quieter and have more features but it all starts with the design and software part. Some software will let you use any brand cutter, there are also plug-ins for specific cutters. But you just gotta start somewhere!!
I started out with a brother craft cutter, now I am on a uscutter MH-871 it's a 34" (cuts 31). The software is Vinyl Master 5 it works out great for me as I'm just starting out. I bought the LTR version (2nd tier).
How do you like it James? Any regrets on the MH-871?
@@TheSignGuy Uscutter has awesome support. My first cutter would only cut nicely at snail speed. They sent a replacement part(cut head) it didn't solve my cut speed issue. They sent me out a new one. This one cuts a lot better. Only issue on this one is I just found out is it like to off track on anything too long. (About 1/4 inch) on anything 5ft or worse on linger runs.
As for tech support it's been spot on, on the many occasions I called trying to troubleshoot the 1st cutter I believe the longest time on hold was at the most 10 minutes. Many of the times wasn't even on hold.
I know the vinyl master cuts program works out really nicely for me, I'm still learning it though.
I have had my cutter for maybe 3 months and the cutter comes with a one year warranty.
@@jamesduncan5814 yes, I forgot to mention the tracking on those cutters lol. Glad it's working for you!
@@TheSignGuy I also have MH-871 34" from uscutter. It is an amazing cutter for the price. I will never understand why anyone would buy a cricket or any of those small craft cutters when you could get a large uscutter for almost the same price. Also it contour cuts amazing, most people don't realize it will contour cut because it's not an arms cutter but it will and it perf cuts. It's really under rated. So I print and cut with my setup (Canon imageprograf ta-20) and I lamination everything, I haven't seen any issues with anything I've printed yet. What are your thoughts on inkjet printing when lamination is being used?
Yeah, accuracy on long runs: i have a mutoh plotter and a summa. Summa’s really are much better in tracking for contourcuts etc. Also worth considering is that both Graphtec and Summa have tangetial emulation which tries to mimick the tangetial plotters, which helps in cutting those smaller letters and designs. Also one can consider buying a used plotter for a-grade plotters like summa and graphtec, since these things are build like tanks and rarely break down. I bought my summa used for 1/5th of the normal retail price, saves me money for buying other fine sign equipment:-) hth
Great videos so far and thanks for producing them. I appreciate it. What do you recommend if someone wants to get only into street signs / regulatory signs market?
I would think most street signs are reflective. You can die-cut or print on the reflective but cutting you will need a stout cutter that will use 60 degree blades and accurate tracking. Lower lever I would look at the US Cutter TITAN series, SignWarehouse Q series cutters then up to the Graphtec FC series, Roland, Summa are a few off the top of my head. Some provide software and some let you select your own. Depending on your budget stick to it and just start somewhere, you will quickly learn what works and what needs changed.
Also I would check out @BobTheSignMan channel. He does some of what you are looking to do.
Can you do video on the cnc machine, showing how you design a project on flexi and then cut on it, all the way to a finished product. I would live to see a start to finish tutorial.
Here is the whole process minus the design part: ua-cam.com/video/IgLgepukBsk/v-deo.html
What size cnc machine do you have?
@@RoscoeFamilyVlogs I have the XXL here: shop.carbide3d.com/products/shapeoko4?variant=33051555987517
As a sole proprietor owner/operator of a sign shop. I really don't see the need for fastest or latest and greatest cutters or printers when upgrading. 24" for starting out. 54" cutter with optical eye once you have a large format printer. My #1 most valuable tool is my laminator.
Hey I agree 110% on the new equipment thing, if it ain't broke don't fix it. If you spend the $$$ up front of quality stuff I almost guarantee it will have a great return in the end. We did the same thing, we had the 24" servo cutter and a Roland PC600 and an ENCAD Croma 24. Buying the Mutoh 1204 replaced 2 of the printers and so we also had 2 cutters, the 24" and the 54" with ARMS. The 54" does everything I need it to do, the 24" sat in the corner as a "back up" for years.
Great video, I just binged a heap of your videos. I'm looking at getting a vinyl cutter and cant decide between a 28inch and 34 inch for $100 more. I have the room, and want to future proof where I can. Should I go the 34 inch?
Most of the vinyl you will buy is15", 24" and 30". The 28" is that the max vinyl width or the max cut ability, same with the 34"? Personally, I would focus more on the software to hone in your skills, more features, more creativity.
Thank you for your information that was helpful but I have a question for you if I wanted to use mostly thick material vinyl or like party foil for decoration and making sequins what is the best cutter should I buy
The BEST in my opinion is a Graphtec because I use one. Second would be a Summa if money is no object.
Love the channel so helpful for a newbie. Just wanted your opinion on small printed stickers for hard hats, do you laminate them? Im using a thick 6mil (peel and Stick Vinyl)
Personally I laminate everything. But it will depend on if you are using a eco-sol, latex or thermal resin printer.
can you give ideas on setting up a work table/work bench, best way to get one made, whats the preferable size , etc.
Sure, I can cover that on my next video.
@@TheSignGuy or can you let me know where you can get that exact blue tape holder that clamps to the table for the transfer tape ?
I wish I could tell you but I bought these about 10 years ago and can't find them anywhere. I'm having some 3D printed but still not ready yet. I'll do a vid when they are ready to go.
Thank you from liker 200
Welcome 👍
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..
Hey mate, I’m looking at a new cutter as I’ll be cutting in a flat / apartment building I need one that’s going to be quiet. Do you have any recommendations ? 24 inches. I was looking at the Roland GS-24 thanks mate
You are looking for any servo driven plotter. Lots of good brands out there, again software is what makes the hardware run. If you are US look at the US Cutter TITAN plotters they seem to be popular and cost effective or the strong top 3, GRAPHTEC, SUMMA or ROLAND.
I have done some vinyl lettering on store front windows, vehicles, banners and have replaced lettering on signs. I would like to get more into sign making. Is there a supply company you can recommend that would sell to me when I would just need a random sign blank without having a company account? Thanks so much!
So the days of COVID have changed a lot as far as products, supplies and substrates we need in the sign industry. Back in the day I used 1 supplier for 90% of my needs, now days I'm all over the place. I get my MDO from GRIMCO, ACM from PIEDMONT PLASTICS, Vinyl from any 3-4 suppliers, US CUTTER, SUBSTANCE INC, GRIMCO and TubeliteDenco in a pinch... Try working with a local sign shop for drops and scraps and see if they have what you need, most of where I order from you don't need a company account, you just have to pay the state sale tax :(
What are your thoughts on a 53 inch titan from us cutters? I would like to get into printing later, I think this is a servo cutter. I don't want a stepper. Thoughts?
I have not heard anything bad about them. If you can go with the servo over the stepper do it, much quieter, accurate and they last longer. I don't have any personal experience with the TITAN but have been dealing with US Cutter for years and years.... But looks like a good cutter to get started with.
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.
Hello Sir, do u have any ideas about Skycut plotters? I know graphitec is the best one but just expensive. Thank u in advance.
Sorry I do not have any experience with them
@@TheSignGuy thank u for letting me know sir
Hey what brand vinyl do you use???
For cut vinyl I prefer to use Oracal 99% of the time, the way it cuts, weeds and durability is great too. I have a little bit of everything but mainly stock 631/651/751 and a bit of 951. I don't like the smell of Avery and find it's tricky to cut and most times a pain to weed. I have used 3M and it seems to cut and weed fine but the Oracal is less expensive.
What cutters do you have?
Graphtec 8600 / signwarehouse Q54
Where do you get your vinyl from?
Grimco, Sign Warehouse and USCutter for 98%
@@TheSignGuy and where do you get your aluminum blink sign