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125 Posts
Ok, sorry to post ANOTHER Harry Plotter thread. But I've been lurking/reading up for a few days now and have some specific to me questions. Please bare with me...Thanks!
Background
I screen print for some money on the side and I also freelance design which sometimes involves me subbing out work for vinyl applications. I've always been interested in plotting and think its time to spend a little to make a little.
Budget
So my start up budget is $400-500 range total. I intend on plotting window signs, decals, banners, decals for my clothing line, etc. and slowly build up supplies. I'm talking a few hours a week plotting...Then, if the plotter pays for itself get a heatpress and do some clothing cuts.
Now heres where the advice is needed!
I was offered an old 24" Graphtec with Flexi 7.5 and some vinyl for around the same price as a US Cutter. I see it as buying a 15 year old Nissan vs. a brand new Kia. Sure the Nissan is better built and reputated, but a new Kia will have newer technologies and be more economical until I am ready for a new Infiniti. Right? I am leaning toward the Kia...
Graphtec
My main concern with the Graphtec is upkeep, drivers and parts...Plus there is no warranty with it. And there doesn't seem to be a lot of info on it, be it online support or other users (thanks to Kelly on here for her help). Is Flexi 7.5 even worth a toot?
US Cutter
Looks like I'd need to buy software with it??? Which would still be in my budget (but take away from my supplies money), if I go with a cheaper program (I use Corel 12 BTW). Reading around seems like a lot of people with my same situation are happy with the US Cutter. Is one US Cutter model really that much better than the other? I know the LP has a contour laser, but I don't have full color print capabilities...And if I did, wouldn't mind giving the DIY contour a shot...
So, what would you do in my situation??? Would I be a fool to pass on the Graphtec? Because right now I am leaning towards trying to get lucky on a Laserpoint or Pcut bid and worst case going with a Refine.
Thanks for reading!
Background
I screen print for some money on the side and I also freelance design which sometimes involves me subbing out work for vinyl applications. I've always been interested in plotting and think its time to spend a little to make a little.
Budget
So my start up budget is $400-500 range total. I intend on plotting window signs, decals, banners, decals for my clothing line, etc. and slowly build up supplies. I'm talking a few hours a week plotting...Then, if the plotter pays for itself get a heatpress and do some clothing cuts.
Now heres where the advice is needed!
I was offered an old 24" Graphtec with Flexi 7.5 and some vinyl for around the same price as a US Cutter. I see it as buying a 15 year old Nissan vs. a brand new Kia. Sure the Nissan is better built and reputated, but a new Kia will have newer technologies and be more economical until I am ready for a new Infiniti. Right? I am leaning toward the Kia...
Graphtec
My main concern with the Graphtec is upkeep, drivers and parts...Plus there is no warranty with it. And there doesn't seem to be a lot of info on it, be it online support or other users (thanks to Kelly on here for her help). Is Flexi 7.5 even worth a toot?
US Cutter
Looks like I'd need to buy software with it??? Which would still be in my budget (but take away from my supplies money), if I go with a cheaper program (I use Corel 12 BTW). Reading around seems like a lot of people with my same situation are happy with the US Cutter. Is one US Cutter model really that much better than the other? I know the LP has a contour laser, but I don't have full color print capabilities...And if I did, wouldn't mind giving the DIY contour a shot...
So, what would you do in my situation??? Would I be a fool to pass on the Graphtec? Because right now I am leaning towards trying to get lucky on a Laserpoint or Pcut bid and worst case going with a Refine.
Thanks for reading!