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Flexsoft Forever

4509 Views 22 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  ImageDesignS
I'm new to the business and have been told going with a laser printer and using Forever Flexsoft is better than getting a vinyl printer/ cutter? From what I understood I can do more with the flexsoft than vinyl cutter with all the weeding? Not sure if I got that all correct.

I appreciate any advice since I am unsure and buying equipment is a one shot deal.

Thanks!!
Melissa
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Well melissa,

If you mean the forever flex no cut. Than i suggest you go for a cutter. That forever no cut stuff will make you go grazy :)

Been there done it. Throwed away the whole starterpack that i bouhgt.

R
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Thanks so much. They make it sound so good and easier than using the cutter. Could I ask what vinyl cutter you use? Because I'm new at this, other than having the heat press what do I need? I get so confused. I did get a sublimation printer to do plates, and other unique items than apparel.

Any advice for a new beginner. I have been doing embroidering monogram for over 8 years.

Thank you for your time and help.

my personal email if needed, [email protected]

Melissa
Thank you for all your feedback. I'm unsure where or what I did with your message I was reading but did something when I went to reply and just like that could not locate it. Not to mention I don't find things easily on this forum and having a huge learning curve.

You mentioned cost of the items and with US as if you are not from this US? Just curious since I was wondering what was popular in your area other than t-shirts?

Thanks so very much,

Melissa
i get the no weed part, but $5.65 for one 11"x17" flexsoft sheet seems excessive, compared to my vinyl costs
for that i get 22.5"x20" (almost 2.5 times more), not including ink costs

if you just want a cutter to start and trial vinyls, get a cameo
then if you do upgrade later you have a nice back-up cutter, or sell (they retain a good portion of their value in the used market)
nice thing with the cameo is it comes with a free cutting program (that is easy to use and has many tutorials online)
I agree. Stay away from it. Not easy to use. Had plastic peel and cracked.

Vinyl is very durable and soft hand.
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Could you give more detail on what the problem is with the forever paper? Is it the printer or paper or RIP program?
I just saw a demonstration Saturday and it seemed pretty simple no issues. And I get that at the demo'S they work out the issues before the 'show' I've read so many it's terrible threw it out AND it's the greatest thing in my business.
Any input from anyone would be great help, I'm suppose to purchase this setup next week.
Could you give more detail on what the problem is with the forever paper? Is it the printer or paper or RIP program?
I just saw a demonstration Saturday and it seemed pretty simple no issues. And I get that at the demo'S they work out the issues before the 'show' I've read so many it's terrible threw it out AND it's the greatest thing in my business.
Any input from anyone would be great help, I'm suppose to purchase this setup next week.
Well it cracks so fast. And they know it to. I saw some videos before I purchased it. In the video.s it worked as a charm. But me and many onthers over here having to much troubles using it. So far as pairing the a and b sheet I am fine but pressing it with the right result on a shirt is impossible for me. Used different heats pressure and time. But now way

Let me know your results next week.
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i get the no weed part, but $5.65 for one 11"x17" flexsoft sheet seems excessive, compared to my vinyl costs
for that i get 22.5"x20" (almost 2.5 times more), not including ink costs

if you just want a cutter to start and trial vinyls, get a cameo
then if you do upgrade later you have a nice back-up cutter, or sell (they retain a good portion of their value in the used market)
nice thing with the cameo is it comes with a free cutting program (that is easy to use and has many tutorials online)
What is the upgrade you recommend? Since I've spent the money on the heat press 16x20 and the hat press thinkinking would get the upgrade if isnt too much difference and what each can and cannot do. Everything seems to be so complicated or over whelming than what I'm used to with embriodery machine and hoping that I've not made a mistake with venturing out to do other things??

Thanks for your time in helping me with all my questions.

Melissa
I agree. Stay away from it. Not easy to use. Had plastic peel and cracked.

Vinyl is very durable and soft hand.
What vinyl cutter would you recommend?

Thanks,
Melissa
What vinyl cutter did you go with? I have a 16x20 heat press if that means anything.

Thanks,
Melissa
I had decided against going with the forever flexsoft although it was originally suggested *** being more cost effective especially with time and weeding? Since I'm new and have no idea about anything since I've not done one item I'm in the dark. However it was said was more expensive but with the time saved in weeding? it was cost effective not to mention I could do more detailed designs with that being the case??

Can you please help and if you ever found out was the paper or printer? What type laser printer do you use since no vinyl cutter is needed using the forever flex? One question, to do vinyl decals is forever softflex still used or vinyl cutter?

Thanks
In my case, I haven't printed/pressed anything as of yet. I have not bought any equipment. So far I've been here on this forum for ~7 months studying every thread that pops up. I've also been watching lots of YouTube videos pertaining to both heat seal and screen printing; with a few DTG videos in the mix.

That is how I came to the cutter that I linked in my previous post. There are other cutters out there and other places to get them. However, this one seems to have the best price for the quality of printer that you get. In addition, one of our members on this forum is a representative (if not the owner?) of the company in the link. And he's active and contributes a wealth of information. So I will be doing business with him when I get a few $$$ together.

My thoughts? Optimal press: Hotronix Fusion closely followed by George Knight DK 20S. I managed to score myself a mentor of sorts here on this forum and have discussed a bit about printers with him. I had looked around on Amazon and found these "5 in 1" and "7 in 1" presses for ~$150. Great deal, right? Well, what if it's not (a great deal)? Then you're out $150 and still have the nothing that you started with. But, what if you spend $299 on a press from ProWorld that comes with an actual warranty and customer support?

Optimal cutter: Universal Laser (very high $$$) followed by Graphtec CE6000-60. But those are $THOUSANDS. So why not go with THE PACKAGE linked previously where you get the cutter and several vinyl samples for $519? Or you could even go cheaper by going Cricut.

Optimal printer: Haven't decided yet since I've decided to get my feet wet with HTV.

Now, if you don't want to weed at all you'll have to do the FlexSoft or JPSS or the like while using the correct printer. Some are more compatible with a certain printer while others require a more expensive white toner printer. Easier? Sure. Better? Well, again, it's a matter of opinion.

As for being more cost effective due to time, well, what are you doing with your time now? From what I've read so far (from you) you haven't actually begun to sell anything yet--same as me. So I'm spending my time reading/studying. Whenever I begin the business (at least I hope it becomes a profitable business) I guess I'll just cut into that study time. Therefore I'm not actually losing money.

Where you're losing money is when you build your business into a position where every second counts toward production because there is such demand for your product. Until then, it's just a matter of weeding instead of watching TV or something. Shucks, I suppose you could weed while occasionally glancing at the TV.

Bottom line is that there are many diverse opinions on this forum. You've been around long enough to see that. :D But even though the opinions vary, the consensus seems to be a vague do what's best for you with a healthy dose of buy the best equipment that you can afford.
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melissa,
the next upgrade from a cameo would be a gcc expert 24" (which is what DrivingZiggy linked to above),
if you are doing decals you will need the optical eye (cameo has this also)

if you are looking for decals to buy and print with your inkjet/laser printer,
i would check out these cats
Thank You!!!!

I understand exactly and yes, I'm doing nothing now. What I do know is that with ADD and being overly detailed and OCD the forum can be as helpful as not, least with my situation. So many people are so kind to give help and suggest and as was told recently or read, if a product works for that person that is the brand they will suggest.

I did get the Geo Knight which requires a compressor $650 which I thought was apart of what I purchased however it wasn't. After reading up on options I've read they can create noise and not good since I'm doing out of a spare room, so thats something else you may want to be aware of. I wanted 16x20 which allows me to do larger items that people in my area don't do and higher priced items. I can work myself to death doing small things but the more unique the better.

You mentioned someone that had helped and was a rep with a company, possibly may own, would you mind passing that information if they sell vinyl cutters? It's so confusing since I've purchased CorelDraw basic was $90 and want to make sure whatever cutter I get that works with that software.

I thank you again for all your time and information. I look forward to hearing back.

Thanks!!
Melissa
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You mentioned someone that had helped and was a rep with a company, possibly may own, would you mind passing that information if they sell vinyl cutters?
It is his company that I linked in the previous post.

I'm getting the impression that you might not know how links work, so I'll tell ya. I'm not trying to insult you or anybody else! When you see blue underlined text on this forum, it's a "hyperlink." If you click on it, you will be taken to whatever site is linked. So if you go back to my previous post and just click on the blue underlined text it will take you to the product(s) I was talking about on the website of the guy who is a contributor here (PROWORLDED).
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Thank You!!!!

It's so confusing since I've purchased CorelDraw basic was $90 and want to make sure whatever cutter I get that works with that software.

Melissa
CorelDRAW basic will not work with some plugin for some vinyl cutter that uses macro like Graphtec. You need the full version that has macro editor or VSTA editor.
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YouTube is an amazing resource. Type in some key words, like the different brands of vinyl cutters and watch as many videos as you can so you see many different ways to use them.
Watch videos on the Forever brand of papers to see what others do, subscribe to Stahls.tv and Conde Systems YouTube channels and see how everything works together, what you need and don't need and what works for people.

I have 3 vinyl cutters, an Okidata white toner printer and have very successfully used all the Forever papers. But I live in an area with little humidity and I think that's a big asset with Forever papers.

Good luck!
Thank you but you are in no way being insulting or should I or anyone else ever take it that way. There are times when I have seen insults, I had one myself but quickly replied with facts that cleared up and although I'm a girl, I'm not stupid, well, with this heat press not stupid, none of us are, "uneducated" in this industry I'd like to think.

So, thank you because I am having a time learning this forum, the do's and do not.

I hope you have a wonderful day and stay safe in this crazy world.

Grateful!!

Melissa
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