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've read all of the pros and cons of various plotters and I'm getting ready to make the plunge. The question I have now, and can't seem to find an answer to, is how wide of a plotter do I need?
My primary purpose at this point will be making t-shirts using vinyl lettering. Most of the t-shirts will be a simple one line phrase with letters no more than 2 - 3" high. The width would depend, I suppose, on the size of the shirt. Probably a maximum of 12".
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how wide of a plotter I need? I suppose I would do other jobs besides t-shirts if they came up. But my primary reason for buying a plotter right now is to produce t-shirts.
Let me know your thoughts or if you need any additional information to make an informed decision. Thanks!
A lot would depend on how much money you have to purchase the plotter/cutter. You could start with a 15 inch cutter or can get a Roland GX24 if you want to jump right in and not have to worry about upgrading later. Check some of the threads out on the plotters/cutters.
I always advise people to buy good equipment. I advise to buy the biggest and best you can afford. I suggest you buy a 24 inch cutter. There are lots of cutters out their for many different price ranges. I started with a inexpensive plotter and have now upgraded. Good luck. ..... JB
I'm a newbi to the business and I can tell you first hand, buy with quality in mind !!! I would also suggest you buy from a company that provides tech-support. With that said, I went with the roland gx-24.
I would suggest a 24 inch cutter min. if you go with a hobby type,, sticka or craft robo you will find that they will do the job in the short run,, you will have to cut your vinyl down to fit the machine, just starting and money is tight that may be the way to go, but if you have the money buy a good cutter, you will have no regrets.
I still own a gx-24 and its a great little machine. One thing to take into consideration is that you lose a little width due to roller placement. A 24" cutter doesnt quite cut 24" wide, etc. A smaller one may not do even the width you want for shirts all the time. The Roland is a good, dependable machine, and was well worth the money. Best of luck!
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" Of all the things Ive lost, Its my mind I miss the Most..."
I too, agonized over which cutter to buy. Purchased a Craft Robo Pro II and love it. Not only can I do contour cutting for t-shirts. I am now in the sign business. The cutter uses standard 15" vinyl and can cut up to 14.5 in lettering. Can actually do taller letters by individually cutting them. Just did a job today with a 20' run of vinyl. Made 75 bucks and it cost me about 10 bucks in material and 30 minutes labor......Point is the craft robo is about $799 and the 24" is about $1500. I know everyone says buy as large as you can afford, and I agree. But I am happy with the 15" cutter.
How wide of a plotter do I need? 
Re: How wide of a plotter do I need? 
