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.
Well I've finaly gotten one completed project done since I got my Graphtec cutter. I had to use three different prograns to do it but I did it! I got the so called vector clipart that was supposed to be vinyl ready from clipart.com and had to clean it up in corel and export as .eps. Then I imported it into flexi starter, added the text but the graphic wouldn't show in the production manager when I tried to cut from the flexi so I just exported it as a .dxf file. Then I used robo master and imported the .dxf version and cut it fine.( did a test cut on some cheaper vinyl first) I made this one to advertise my T-shirt services with so I hope I'm not spaming by putting up the pictures but I'm gonna give it a try. Moderators?
Well I've finaly gotten one completed project done since I got my Graphtec cutter. I had to use three different prograns to do it but I did it! I got the so called vector clipart that was supposed to be vinyl ready from clipart.com and had to clean it up in corel and export as .eps. Then I imported it into flexi starter, added the text but the graphic wouldn't show in the production manager when I tried to cut from the flexi so I just exported it as a .dxf file. Then I used robo master and imported the .dxf version and cut it fine.( did a test cut on some cheaper vinyl first) I made this one to advertise my T-shirt services with so I hope I'm not spaming by putting up the pictures but I'm gonna give it a try. Moderators?
T-Shirt looks nice, but the text might imply that a kid is running the show....just a suggestion.
Set the GraphTec to GP-GL, then just cut/ plot directly from Corel.
When you use Illustrator or CorelDraw the command set has to be GP-GL, any other programs you are using set the unit to HP-GL.
Good for you. You've learned alot, more will come.
Flexi has drivers to cut directly from it. Also, in flexi you can tear apart clipart (microsoft or any). Flexi is a very powerful software package.
Which version of flexi do you have? Flexi-letter, Standard, Pro, Pro plus?
You have to set up the production manager for your type of cutter then just open the image and send to cut.........
Terry, A much cheaper method to test the final image is to get the pens for the cutter. Purchase the pens and a cheap roll of paper. You can also show the customer a proof if needed, and have them sign off on the full size design.
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T-Shirt looks nice, but the text might imply that a kid is running the show....just a suggestion.
Set the GraphTec to GP-GL, then just cut/ plot directly from Corel.
When you use Illustrator or CorelDraw the command set has to be GP-GL, any other programs you are using set the unit to HP-GL.
Hi Ken. Very good eye. The font is "first grader". I have never gotten the cutting master plug in to work with Corel. Have you guys and/or Graphtec gotten this problem fixed? I worked a little while with you and a long while with Levi trying to get it working. When I went back to the Robomaster, it came up with a window to use GP-PL so I kinda figured out that I have to switch back and forth to use different programs. If you or one of your guys/gals thinks they know why the cutting master plug in won't open up from the rocket launcher in Corel, I would still love to get it fixed. Just in case , my phone number is 601 420 9807 and ask for Terry. Thanks again. I love the machine and the Flexi (not loved but ok) starter at least got me up and running, so I still came out cheaper than the Roland, although, knowing what I know now, I may have went with the Roland just to save the agrivation.
Hi Graphics Guy. Thanks for the effort to try and help. The Flexi I have is the "starter" version. I have had it working (HP-GL) but it doesn't seem to want to cut anything but text. I have the graphic visible in wireframe mode and it did just cut great from Robomaster once I got the file extension in a form acceptable to it. Don't know why the Corel wouldn't make a .dfx file but I am not the luckiest guy in the world (except when it came to picking a wife) so I'm kinda used to finding my own way to get things done. Been that way since pre teen years. Whatever it takes. But anyway, the Flexi cut text great, just wouldn't even show the graphic in the production manager and with the cost of vinyl, I wouldn't risk it cutting something it wouldn't even show was there.
Omgosh, Terry, you are such a great husband! That is so nice of you to post like that!
I just wanted to wish you continued luck in the cutter area. My head is spinning after reading your post, it sounds crazy. I hope it all works our for you. Go, Terry!
Hi Bob. Thanks for the help. I used the pen and a roll of auto paint masking paper to learn the first part of the machine and had it running text right away. I had to buy the Flexi starter after I couldn't get the cutting master to work with my Corel and the Robomaster wouldn't cut things the way I wanted them laid out. Then the Flexi doesn't seem to like graphics in any form, at least on any computer that belongs to me anyway. But I have it working in a very round about way so a joyfull moment anyway. The first sign cut was OK but marred by my lavk of ability to mask the vinyl to transfer the text to the magnetic signs I cut it for, but they are for my car so I have time to get a work space and an application tape holder made. I've already lost all credibility with the guys that were waiting on me to get up and running but I'll find something they were just thinking about wanting and give them a freebie and hope they'll get over it. At least they should quit avoiding me anyway.
Well, I am learning more and more every day about the GraphTec line, and their software and plug-ins, so I would still liks to try and get you going with that.
Maybe PM me your number once more, and the best time to catch you at the cutter and your computer.
Hi Kelly. Thanks for the support. I always appreciate hearing from you and reading your posts to others too. I have had one area of good luck besides Cathy, I'm pretty smart at figuring out how to do whatever I want to do, even without any real education. At least they taught me to read and numbers are simple so I get by a lot better than some other people in this world.Anyway, thanks again and good luck.
Terry
Starting out putting premask on is tough to learn, to say the least.
If you have help its easier.
Kitchen counters always work good for small projects.
Try sticking the premask to the counter, (about 1-2 inch strip) Now stick the vinyl (weeded) under the roll, this lets you pull on the roll slowly as you sqeegee the mask onto the vinyl. You may have to hook more tape onto the counter first for bigger signs. Hope you understand.
I have to make 1 letter every so often to fix a sign. I use Flexi-pro and I can just highlight that letter, copy and paste onto another window. Cut out. Sign fixed without recutting the whole sign
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Hi Bob. Yea, that premask is something. I thought that would be just about the easiest part, fooled me big time. We live in a small house trailer (12X56) so not much counter space but we have no children left at home so I get the front bedroom. I built a smsall garage I will use when the weather is better so I'll have a place to make a large enough table to do banners on. I have two folding tables in here but they are crowded with two printers,a heat press, computer and monitor and just a lot of clutter at the moment(been working on clearing out for a week now). A helping hand would ba something great but I seldom have that option so I'll build a rack to hold the app tape roll and mount it on one of the tables in the next few days. Want to get another one but have to go too far to get back quickly. But like I've said many times, theres a lot of people in this world a whole lot less fortunate than me so I'll make out, especialy with the help of people like you,Kelly and a host of others on this forum and the uscutter forum. Thanks and good luck.
Terry
Hi Sandy Jo. Thanks. I just generally love learning new things and this is one big education. Actualy, this T-shirt thing goes way back to the dot matrix printer days with me. Even before my sons were born, I saw them dong it a the fair in Pensacola over 30 years ago and wanted to try it myself but life got in the way and the technology was way too expensive then. Anyway, thanks and good luck.
Terry
Terry about a month ago i started vinyl on tees, now am also doing windows, and decals for cars,,
hey if we have the equip, we had better use it the best we can,,
I think its good 
Moderators?
Re: I think its good 
) so I'm kinda used to finding my own way to get things done. Been that way since pre teen years. Whatever it takes. But anyway, the Flexi cut text great, just wouldn't even show the graphic in the production manager and with the cost of vinyl, I wouldn't risk it cutting something it wouldn't even show was there.
