Discuss the various aspects of heat pressed vinyl transfers. Popular and new types of vinyl media, suppliers, vinyl cutters /plotters, press times, quality, how to instructions and more can be found in this heat press sub forum.
I really only am familiar with the GX-24 and im sure there are a grip of differences between the 2 but if you guys could points some out that'd be great.
All im looking to do with the vinyl cutter is do heat transfers in small-medium amounts and do vinyl stickers..
Tom I have that exact plotter and it will cut just as good as the gx-24, but as Rodney stated there are features on the gx-24 that the US Cutter machine does not have, mainly the optical eye that read registeration marks, but personally I do not need that feature and am very pleased with mine.
The optical eye can "read" registration marks on printed heat transfers, but if you're doing heat transfer vinyl such as thermoflex plus or multicut then the eye has no use that I am aware of. Also when doing vinyl decals and signage it has no bearing either. My cutter will cut anything the gx-24 will cut that I am aware of.
It really depends on your budget, but if I was purchasing a new cutter today I would purchase US Cutter's copam series cutter as it seems to be the best kept secret in this industry. JMHO.
Vinyl decals no........shirt transfers, depends on which type of transfers you will be doing. Printed transfers, yes it could, heat applied vinyl transfers, no it wouldn't, not that I am aware of anyways.
i feel like a total noob... but whats a registration mark? and would it affect me if im just making simple vinyl decals/ shirt transfers?
If you just want to make t-shirts with vinyl and do vinyl decals, then the optical eye of the Roland isn't necessary. Although it can also cut thicker twill material under warranty.
The optical eye only comes into play when you want to cut opaque inkjet transfers (instead of trimming them by hand). It can also work for cutting inkjet transfers for light colors.
But if you just want to do t-shirts with vinyl and vinyl signs/decals, then the US cutter or other lower priced vinyl cutters will work just fine.
These two articles (one video, one photo illustrated) will help you see how the optical eye and registration work:
I have a endura cut plus cutter, it is a great cutter.I wish I had a GX24 because it is much quieter and the software bundle with it is fantastic. I will soon upgrade to the Roland , but until then what I have can do what I need. Good luc. .... JB
Hi, I have a copan 2500 its as silent as a printer, runs smooth and have not found anything I cant cut, the only problem I had was the usb connection,I didnt like the china adapter that came with the machine so I bought a microsoft signed adapter for $39.00 and bam. you can contour cut transfers with it also, it just takes a little more time than the Roland because it has no electric eye to read reg marks. So I guess what I am saying is buy what suits your needs.
I have a COPAM 2500 and so far it's been great. I have no experience with vinyl cutters. I do mostly small order screenprinting but I saw the advantage of this piece of equipment. It took me awhile to get everything figured out (I know I still don't understand everything it is capable of...) I'm using the LE version of Signcut X2 that came with it. Right now it is doing what I need it to. I may need to look at another sign cut program down the road. I originally bought a Refine and had some problems so I sent it back and upgraded to the COPAM 2500. I would like to say that the folks at US Cutter were wonderful helping me get what I needed. I would recommend this to anyone getting started with vinyl.
gx-24 or this? 
