RainbowGirl

A few weeks ago I decided that the accurate contour cutting with optical registration was important to me, so I decided I would get the GX-24. However, I am new to this and I may have a pretty low volume overall.

I don't think I will need to cut great detail from vinyl very often, the reason I wanted the GX-24 was so it could cut out inkjet printed stickers/magnets/tattoos. (And maybe laser printed stuff.) I can't remember what else the contour cutting is for, there may be something I wanted it for but am forgetting.

Now I am thinking maybe I should get an older model without the optical/contour part or one that is not as good on the optical/contour. In order to a) save money so I can spend it on other things I need for my business b) then I could afford one that is bigger since it's an older one. I want to stick with a good brand like Roland or Graphtec or Summa. Then later on I could get a GX-24 if I wanted the accurate optical/contour stuff. I'd really like the GX-24 more but, I feel like I should hold off because of money and how much I would use it.

I was even considering the GX-300 (since I found a used one at a decent price) but I feel that might be wasteful, because instead of the GX-300 I could almost pay for a GX-24 and an old big cutter possibly.

If I decide to go with the older model -- any suggestions ? Other brands to look at besides those 3? Are there other features that are on newer models that I don't want to miss out on?

If I go with an older one I am thinking of trying to find the biggest one that is a good deal, even though it would take up more space. I like the idea of having one that is 48"+ or at least 40" or 42" so just so I have the capability to do those large jobs if one comes around every now and then. And I love the idea of having the great optical/contour but am willing to hold off on that... Then again, do I really want to someday have two cutters taking up space?

 

Reply With Quote

Girlzndollz

The gx-24 is a Roland, so you are already looking at that brand. If you want the gx-24, you are in good company around here. Alot of people like that machine for it's smooth operation.

If you want to save a little money, you could look at the "Graphtec CE-5000-40" also called the "Craft Robo Pro". That seems to be the next lower tier down in price that is also highly favored on the forum. Below that comes the Pcut "LaserPoint", but, you do get what you pay for. Not that the Pcut is bad, it gets the job done according to it's owners on the forum.

I'd suggest looking up these names in quotes for feedback on the forum. The extra large cutters are good if you have a need for them. If it was me, if I didn't really have a real need for that extra size, I'd sink my money into a new machine, and the best I could safely afford, and work my way up... just like you were talking about.

Look up a thread called "copam time to compare" and you will find some information comparing cutters. I believe the thread was not finished, but there is some feedback during some testing in there. Good luck to you.

__________________
Have a nice day...

 

Reply With Quote

RainbowGirl

Oh, yeah when I was sure I wanted the contour/optical I had looked at a lot of models and settled on the GX-24 (or even better the GX-300). Now I'm just second guessing and thinking of possibly getting jobs if I had an extra large cutter that was still good brand but older. I'd say it's like I decided what type of apple to get, but now I am thinking of getting an orange instead for now (and I'd still want the apple someday).

But yeah there is a third option I am considering, just getting a small decent but older one without the contour/optical, but the only benefit is saving money. Well, also maybe the small one, being less valuable, I would be willing to take out on the field, so that would be another benefit.

 

Reply With Quote