After a week of doing research on the forum I've come up with a list of supplies that I think will get me started on creating signs, banners, and auto graphics. Please provide some feedback and maybe something to add but keep in mind that this is a low budget list for those who have a low budget wallet.
Qty
1 Rapid Remover 1qt.
1 Rapid Tac 1 gal.
4 Quik Blanks White 3 X 8
2 Squeegee 3M Gold
2 Stabilo Pencil Blue
2 Stabilo Pencil White
2.7 Mil Intermediate Vinyl Black 15" X 50 yds
2.7 Mil Intermediate Vinyl White 15" X 50 yds
2.7 Mil Intermediate Vinyl Red 15" X 50 yds
2.7 Mil Intermediate Vinyl Midnight Blue 15" X 50 yds
Transfer Rite Roll 16"
Top Mag Magnetic Car Sheets 12" X 24"
White, black, silver, blue and red I buy in 50 yard rolls. Every other color I get in smaller lengths. I buy squeegies by the box. Never have used rapid tac or remover and I have both.
I would also suggest masking tape, Xacto knife, at least one metal ruler (18''). You will find many other items you need as you go along, but that is a good start. I do have one question though, why are you using intermediate vinyl? I know the initial investment is less, but you also run the risk of problems down the road that could cost you more than you save by using the cheap stuff.
I'm using the perma gloss intermediate vinyl from sign mart because mystysue swears by it. She said that she has used it on everything and it has lasted in direct sun. She also stated in another post that she uses a higher grade Oracle cast vinyl for curves, so I'll just keep that in mind if I end up taking a job that is more complex. One other thing to note is that I'm in Alaska. So I may end up with something entirely different for vinyl because the vinyl has to be able to withstand temperatures that get to 50 below. Good times.
Yeah, it gets pretty cold here in Minnesota, too. I was just wondering about the vinyl. The intermediate stuff is fine for short term applications, but, especially in harsh climates, premium cast vinyl is a better choice. I like the performance of Oracal - the only thing that bothers me about it is to achieve some color combinations, you have to use the 651, 751 and 851 series. I don't know why they don't have all colors in either 751 or 851 series. I don't like the idea of using different"classes" of vinyl on any one project. I have seen a lot of shops use cheaper vinyl with very unfortunate results over the last 15 years or so. I always try to urge people to use cast because it diminishes the chance of vinyl failure.
I dont live in extreme cold..(Im in so cal.. and it only gets down to about 40 here at the coldest) but have used the permagloss vinyl for years.. without one problem.. I mean not one.. and I sell over 6 figures of signs and banners in vinyl every year..
We have had signs come back where they need a new sign that were screen printed signs where we added the police phone or cvc (calif. vehicle code) in vinyl .. where the screen printing is all faded but the vinyl still looks brand new..
I have banners that i change the date on every year that are 4 years old.. and the orginal vinyl still looks good..
There are some uses that I only use cast vinyl on.. things with curves for one.. but just about everything else is cut out of the permagloss.
If you live in a climate that gets cold like astromark does.. .. i would double check with signmart about what they recommend.. I had never thought of the cold affecting it.. and would hate to recommend something that doesnt work..
Squeegees are good to hand out to customers who will apply their own graphics.
I have been using oracal 651..and also FDC I live in Georgia, so doesn't get cold, the fleet I did last year is still looking fine after over a year of service.
I would suggest a long Metal ruler and a T-square, which these aren't a must but handy in lining things up. Also a self-centering measuring tape works wonders. On top is the standard measure on the bottom is the center line which shows where the center of that is. So if you have something that is say, 21 inches, you look at the bottom for 21 and it will of course be under 10 1/2 inches on the top. Pretty cool.
Lots of other little tings, but I think you got a good starting list, enough to do something with anyway.
__________________
Carl T. - www.ekkographics.com "An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one." - Charles Horton Cooley
Thank you all for the suggestions. Now I can add the Ruler, T-Square, and Squeegees. The Speed Press looks awesome but I don't think I'll be able to get that until further down the road. Do most of you have a Speed Press?
Some have them and like them.. some have and dont use..
Most sign people i know.. dont use..
If you go to the signs101 and do a search.. for it you can prolly find out more
My first buy for sign supplies 
