[theqase]

Hello all,

I am new, dont have a vinyl cutter yet, but i have done a lot of research, and still need to find some anwers before I drop the cash.

First of all, to let you know, I plan on buying the MH-721 from USCutters. I have read many good things for its cost, and right now, I am just looking for a ('nother) hobby.

I have downloaded and tried the Signblazer software, and I know I am a n00b, but wow, that software is hard to use... SO if someone can recommend another good software that is sub-100 if not free, please, let me know... I am pretty good with computer, and I am currently learning how to use illustrator.

So.. about that 2 color question... I know about the registration marks, and things like, that.. I have even watched videos on how to apply them.. however, I have somthing that confuses me.

How would you cut this image?

I have traced it in AI, the inner blue (of the U and the K) and then traced the whole outer thing (where the blue stroke is) so that is clean and looks like that.

so my question is, how would you cut it? Is there a way to cut the whole part in blue, and then overlay the white? Or would you cut the whole outer in white, and then overlay the blue.

This is where I am confused, but need some guidance.



Please forgive me if I rambled a bit.. Just looking for help.

Thanks!

 

[Salt_Of_Design]

You would plot out just the blue outside vector line, i.e. outside edge of the stroke. Next plot out just what you see in white. Place the white on top of the blue. The white will bring the image together making it complete.

For software, I would say it's all going to be tricky if you are not used to working in vector. I use Flexi and LXI both pricey software. I'm not too sure what is good and cheap. For now use illustrator for creating your vector then import into your software for plotting. Let us know if we can help.

 

[brentonchad]

Same cut for both colors. For white you weed the blue and for blue you would weed the outside. Then I would overlay the white on the blue. This would eliminate any chance of gaps between the colors.

 

[theqase]

Chad--

Wow, now that I look at that image, your post couldnt be more obvious... Why didnt I think of that?!

So here is probably the next question..

I have this image as an AI file, and I imported it into the trial version of Signblazer -- although now I am considering looking at signcut x2...

My AI file, only has the BLUE sections as vector art. My question is, without actually drawing the WHITE part in, how does it know?

Or is that what you are talking about? Just Cut the image with all of the trace lines, on blue vinyl, and then cut the same thing on white vinyl? I would think the problem there would be is that it would be something more like a puzzle, rather than placing the white over top of a big blue block of the (basically) outline... Do you see what I mean?

Like I say, I am really trying to learn this BEFORE I drop the money, and appreciate everyones input/help!

Thanks again!

 

[Salt_Of_Design]

I recreated the file for you in vector. I used adobe illustrator CS3 and I saved it down to 8.0.

If you cut the blue the same as the white you are going to be doing a few other things you don’t want to be doing. You will be wearing out your blade and machine sooner by making unneeded cuts, taking up more time to cutting out the blue vinyl, possibly creating problems when apply the sticker and producing a second rate sticker. You should layer your white vinyl on top of the blue with only the outer blue vector line cut. Let me know if you need anymore help with this.
Best,


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