[lexiandlala]

hoping the forum can help me.

I am currently doing business with my Epson WF1100 inkjet and JPSS paper on white cotton tees.I'm doing great so far!

Now.. some people have inquired about designs on colored or black tees.. so since I don't have enough money for a DTG printer I was thinking of the vinyl cutter process.

Is this the correct assumption? I can print vinyl and press it with my heat press on a dark shirt.

Is there a machine out there that is not super expensive? and will it do what I'm looking for? I use photoshop CS4 for designing.. how does this cutter process work? I'm at a total loss cause I'm a newbie but maybe someone here can give me a step by step.

THANK YOU!!

 

[Twanabee]

Two ways to do what you want...purchase a printer/cutter. This will print your design on vinyl and cut it out. This is not cheap. Second is to purchase opaque transfer paper for inkjet and a cutter that will cut it out. This cutter needs to have an optic eye that can see regastration marks printed on the paper. You can purchase a cutter for this starting at around $400 and up. You can also use the "self weeding" paper out there but I think that you would need a laser printer for these. Keep in mind that these papers have a very heavy hand and feel like a piece of plastic on the shirt. (which it is) Some customers do not like this while others dont mind.

 

[lexiandlala]

can you tell me where to look for such a cutter? Or can I do vinyl cutter?

I've seen some videos on vinyl... is it just one color designs?

 

[Twanabee]

Check the perferred vendor list on the left. Also search the forum for vinyl cutters. A cutter will cut any type of vinyl along with rhinestone stencis material and also cut transfer paper. You just need to make sure that you have the right cutter for your needs. Some cut wider and some do not have an optic eye. What is going to be your main use for a cutter?

 

[lexiandlala]

I was hoping to put one colors designs on black or dark shirts with vinyl, be it lettering or an image.

 

[Twanabee]

You can do that with any cutter. You can cut vinyl letters and vector designs without an optic eye. the GCC expert 24 is a great starting cutter and goes for around $400 new. Again check the vendor list on the left.

 

[propsuper]

If you are wanting to do one color only designs, vinyl is the way to go. As far as a cutter, just remember the ole saying "you get what you pay for". It really depends on your budget for new equipment. GCC has a cutter with a stepper motor for around 400.00 (24inch). If you can go a bit more, I would advise a cutter with servo motors. Also, if you are planning on using your cutter to contour cut your inkjet designs, you will need one with an optic eye and that will be even higher, say around 1400.00

 

[binki]

Now.. some people have inquired about designs on colored or black tees.. so since I don't have enough money for a DTG printer I was thinking of the vinyl cutter process.

Is this the correct assumption? I can print vinyl and press it with my heat press on a dark shirt.

Forget about printing on vinyl. Those things cost $20K. You can job those out if you need to. Get a cutter and you can make t-shirts, banners, signs, decals, etc. A 24" cutter ranges in price from $300 for the cheapo's to $2000 for the most expensive. You will be repaid on your first few jobs with a cutter.

 

[lexiandlala]

if I am looking into the GCC expert 24, what kind of materials would I need to get started using it for tshirts?

 

[royster13]

Imprintables Warehouse | Heat Transfer Vinyl

Spectra EcoFilm is their basic product....

 

[Twanabee]

I use Thermoflex Plus. It presses well and wears well. Goes through many washings and drying and still has a light hand. Make sure the garments that you purchase are "pre-shrunk" as the shirt may shrink but the vinyl will not.

 

[propsuper]

We have used hotmark 70 from signwarehouse over 3 yrs. now and not a problem one.

 

[lexiandlala]

sorry for all the question, but what in addition to tshirts can I make with a vinyl cutter?
benefits sell the idea to my hubby!!!

I currently sell personalized tshirts online and do quite well.

 

[Twanabee]

Good for you Alex. A vinyl cutter allows you to do signs, static cling for windows, garments, along with the "bling thing" ie rhinestone stencils. The rhinestone's can be a nice money maker with little effort or marketing. You will be busy all the time with a cutter. Make sure you purchase a good quality cutter with good support.