RainbowGirl

Would really appreciate help.

I am trying to decide between the smaller newer model or the bigger older model:
Graphtec FC8000-100 (takes 48", cuts 42") versus
Graphtec FC7000-130 (takes 60", cuts 54")

Or, buy neither right now, and wait until I save even more money (or a sale happens or I get a loan) so I can get the FC8000-130 or even the 160 (or an AKZ model but that would take longer to save for and I don't know that I want to wait that long!)

I know that the 7000 cuts something like 300 grams of force and 8000 cuts with 500 and that is the main difference. Bigger screen, simultaneous network users, and some other niceties.

I do want to get into vehicle wraps at some point, and window tint film, and some other good stuff like that. I suppose this decision comes down to choosing which feature is more important - the size or the cutting force? For vehicle wraps and other jobs that most cutters can't do.

With the bigger model, the storage space and overall size is a bit daunting to me, it would be over 6.5 feet long (over 7.5 feet for the 160 model I guess?!), so I almost prefer the smaller one, but obviously I don't want to find out that I can't wrap SUV's and such. And what about small vans and so on?

If I were already going for a FC8000-100, I think I would just wait and spend the extra for the 130 at least, and the only reason not to get the 160 would be the storage space I suppose. It's not much more for the bigger ones once you get to the price of the FC8000-100 apparently.

So I guess my biggest question is, will I kick myself for getting a 7000-130 and not paying more and waiting a little longer for an 8000-130 or 8000-160?

And, since I am not sure I'd be spending much time on the large stuff, I could even just start with a 24" and buy the big nice one for wraps later.

 

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OutlawCustom

I elected to "ease into" this field with a 24" US Cutter LaserPoint and a few other toys (heat press, etc). I figure this will give me a good start and help me work my way up to bigger/better/badder gear at a reasonable pace (hopefully about neck-and-neck with my learning curve). So far things are off to a pretty good (if slightly slow) start (which is fine since I knew virtually nothing about this only a few short months ago). I still haven't formally "opened for business" yet but have been banging out decals and small projects for friends and business associates (good thing my job keeps me on the move!) and it looks like business will be picking up as the year progresses and events/opportunities present themselves.

Good luck with your launch! :-)

 

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RainbowGirl

Cool, congrats on making it this far. I do think that's a wiser way to go, starting with something smaller but good. But I did go ahead and buy the older model that cuts 54" because it was a good deal.

 

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OutlawCustom

Hey - can't pass up a Good Deal! My heat press (Hotronix 16x20 digital/auto-open) was one of those. ;-)

 

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RainbowGirl

Cool, great choice, and I am jealous I got a Hotronix 16x20 Digital but it's not Air. At first I thought it was going to be Air, but it was still a good enough deal. (I might end up selling it off though, depending on how I like other heat presses I try out.)

 

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OutlawCustom

Actually, these aren't air - they're magnetic. No need to deal with a compressor and related hardware. ;-)
Hotronix 16x20 Auto-Open Digital Heat Press

 

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RainbowGirl

Ah. Yeah I have the auto open Hotronix swinger. I might or might not keep it. Wish I had the Hotronix air swinger -- of course that is like $1000 more. I have this old 15x15 Hix air press that I might end up liking more. I have a third one right now and I need to decide which one I like least, and keep just two, or just one.

 

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