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Rabbit Vinyl Cutter
Hi All,
I have been thinking of going into the sign business for ages, (posted a few comments on here a couple of years ago, and everyone was very helpful – but it all just faded into the backround again!!!)Anyway, Ive started a business (Non Sign making!!), but for this business I have an 18 tonne lorry (2 big curtains) and 2 Pick Up Trucks. Both of which will need sign writing!!! There in lies the quandry, shall I pay someone to brand up these vehicles for me, or buy a reasonably priced vinyl cutter and bolt this lot on to my new business????
Im sure most people will say leave it to the proffessionals, but if everyone doesnt mind too much, I will decide that 🙂
What I want is an opinion on the Rabbit Vinyl Cutter, which I keep getting outbid on in ebuy!
Its reasonable priced and a decent size for what I would want to ‘play around’ with.
All comments appreciated.
Rhys9918
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97 Replies
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quote Rhys9918:Hi All,
I have been thinking of going into the sign business for ages, (posted a few comments on here a couple of years ago, and everyone was very helpful – but it all just faded into the backround again!!!)Anyway, Ive started a business (Non Sign making!!), but for this business I have an 18 tonne lorry (2 big curtains) and 2 Pick Up Trucks. Both of which will need sign writing!!! There in lies the quandry, shall I pay someone to brand up these vehicles for me, or buy a reasonably priced vinyl cutter and bolt this lot on to my new business????
Im sure most people will say leave it to the professionals, but if everyone doesnt mind too much, I will decide that 🙂
What I want is an opinion on the Rabbit Vinyl Cutter, which I keep getting outbid on in ebuy!
Its reasonable priced and a decent size for what I would want to ‘play around’ with.
All comments appreciated.
Rhys9918
Hi there, not certain which plotter that is, but if its like the redsail one we got off eBay then go for it, we had a few problems at the start, but were sailing now.
cheers
jus -
Rhys, I don’t think there are to many people on these boards that would tell you to leave it alone, most of the people starting up get a lot of support on the boards. As for the plotter you mentioned I don’t know of it personally but there are a lot of Chinese imported plotters being sold on ebay under various names and it is likely to be one of these. My advice would be to leave it alone as there have been a lot of posts on here from people who have bought one and had problems and there is no after sales service at all. There are cheap plotters available from UK suppliers like Signwizard and although may be a little more expensive at least you know you will get some support.
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A cheap plotter is not the answer, for a start you will need more than a plotter to do your curtains, get a pro in to do the job. Concentrate on your core business, that way you should be able to pay the sign writer. for a proper job.
penny pinching is not the way forward.Peter
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the listing looks poor on eBay, I’ve never heard of the plotter/cutter.
and as martin says, lots of cheap cutters on eBay giving headaches without any real support. pay a bit more from a reliable source or expect to be stung at some point.As Martin says, try sign wizard, Allan Flynn signs or even have a look for a used or ex-demo model on the boards.
best of luck…
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I would have to agree with Peter, I bought my plotter a year ago, I am only now getting to grips with it, and Ive spent a lot on all the equipment and materials I needed. Im a ‘brushie’ and the plotter compliments my existing business. If your business is unrelated to the sign industry my advice would be to get a pro to give you ‘bang for your buck’ and learn the vinyl trade slowly and properly, your new business needs the best signage it can get.
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Thanks for the quick replies everyone, I do take on board all of the comments.
(In particular, the one regarding the curtains and getting someone in to do them – I think that is too big a job)I wouldnt say that I am pennypinching, I dont want to overspend on something that could be gathering dust if my main business does take off (as I hope it does). I just want something that will do the job for our own sign requirements (mobile traffic signs etc).
Anyway, thanks for reading.
ps, What do you all do for ‘designers block’ when your stuck with a logo? Im normally pretty good, but when it comes to something for myself my mind has gone blank!
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quote Rhys9918:Thanks for the quick replies everyone, I do take on board all of the comments.
(In particular, the one regarding the curtains and getting someone in to do them – I think that is too big a job)I wouldnt say that I am pennypinching, I dont want to overspend on something that could be gathering dust if my main business does take off (as I hope it does). I just want something that will do the job for our own sign requirements (mobile traffic signs etc).
Anyway, thanks for reading.
ps, What do you all do for ‘designers block’ when your stuck with a logo? Im normally pretty good, but when it comes to something for myself my mind has gone blank!
We employ our own lad so lucky i don’t lose two much hair, would be happy to help you out if you wish
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quote Rhys9918:ps, What do you all do for ‘designers block’ when your stuck with a logo? Im normally pretty good, but when it comes to something for myself my mind has gone blank!
Post it on here and you’ll get plenty of help
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quote Peter Normington:A cheap plotter is not the answer, for a start you will need more than a plotter to do your curtains, get a pro in to do the job. Concentrate on your core business, that way you should be able to pay the sign writer. for a proper job.
penny pinching is not the way forward.
PeterI agree with Harry and Peter.
Your own signage needs to be top class, and doing it yourself without any experience will give you the look of inexperience, which will reflect on your primary business. First impressions count, and as has been said, you’d be better concentrating on your primary business, and let someone with experience give you the professional look to portray a professional business.
Just my 2c’s
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Rhys designing for my self gives me a migraine !!! any one else no problem, I think when it comes to your own stuff you are too subjective 🙄
Lynn
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quote Rhys9918:What do you all do for ‘designers block’ when your stuck with a logo? Im normally pretty good, but when it comes to something for myself my mind has gone blank!
The hardest job you’ll ever have is to design something for yourself. Its the nature of the industry :lol1:
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Well Im glad its not just me that gives themselves a headache!!!
Will I be breaking any board rules, by posting anything here? Shouldnt it go into Sub Contract etc…
Rhys
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Graphic design help….if your membership allows you to use it
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To elaborate just a little more Rhys, I have done other stuff.
For whatever business, running transport is expensive, but.. then will you fit and cut your own tyres? will you service your vehicles? will you paint them? will you keep your own tacho records.. list goes on. So why would you want to put signs on them?
better to do what you know, that way you will earn more to pay a specialist, maybe I havnt said this properly, but I hope you see what I mean……
Peter
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depends what you are posting Rhys if it’s jobs that would be sub-contracting , work youv’e done that you want to show portfolio etc.
Lynn
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First thing I do is talk to the customer about their ideas on styles, shapes colours, likes and dislikes etc. etc.
I don’t even bother to sit down at the computer unless I have a good idea about what I want from a logo, for me its a waste of time as sitting thinking about it is just frustrating and gives me a headache. I sit and watch a bit of telly or read a magazine or go on the net, make myself a coffee (if I drank at all I would have a beer) I don’t think about it consciously but it is always in the back of my mind and thats when I might have an idea, I jot it down before I forget about it and latter sit down and play about for a while. Usually works for me but others are probably different. Designing for yourself is the most difficult thing in the world as you will see if you read some of the other posts. -
I agree wholeheartedly with Peter (which isn’t like me at all) – concentrate on your core business. There’s really no point in doing things in half measure. You need to work hard to make you business succeed. This will not happen if you keep diversifying.
Either do signs and be a sign maker, or run your transport business. You can’t "dip a toe in the water" and hope for the best – you need to be fully committed or it will fail. There’s just too much competition out there (in all types of business) so you need to be fully committed and good at what you decide to do.
That’s probably not what you want to hear but I am trying to save you from finding this out the hard way 😕
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ermm… I didnt say it was a transport business that I have started. Now thats a ridiculously competetive game that I would not get into in a million years.
Anyway, we have yet to decide if we will have sign making as a bolt on to our main business, though I feel we probably will.
As a side issue, I wonder if the original ‘sign writers’ ever doubted as to whether or not they would get into those new fangled, computer thingies 🙂
Anyway thats enough of this thread, I got the fair split of positives and negatives that I expected 🙂
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Rhys, I never assumed it was transport, but if you are using "a" truck for your business, then yes you are also operating a transport biz, operators license and all that entails, so if transport is not your core business, you are already committed to more than you need to be, without putting more on your plate.
I dont give out negatives, (and cant see any others that have) just say it how i see it. if you think its a negative, that must be your opinion not anyone elses.
Advice here is given with the best of intentions,
Peter
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quote Rhys9918:As a side issue, I wonder if the original ‘sign writers’ ever doubted as to whether or not they would get into those new fangled, computer thingies 🙂
Plenty of old time traditional sign guys here in Oz with no intention of getting a cutter. Others use shops like me to produce the vinyl stuff for them as a sub contract supplier.
I also know a few that closed their doors rather than go down the ‘techno’ route. Shame too, the industry is short of talented Gold Leaf and artistic tradesman. No matter how good us ‘techo’ shops are, you can’t beat a nice hand enamel painted sign, from a talented painter. I don’t care how good your photoshop skills are.
You just have to look at some of our traditional guys and girls here.
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I’m surprised by which direction this thread has gone.
Rhys9918 seeks advice about a plotter he his interested in on Ebay & he starts getting career advice he didn’t ask for.
How many of you have built your own vinyl racks instead of buying them in?
Done a bit of welding or joinery to help keep your costs down?….I’m sure you can see the point I’m trying to make.
For me there is nothing in the original post to suggest he is not capable of doing his own curtains & we all had to start somewhere
In answer to the question ..I would stay away from Ebay & the lesser or unknown brands & go for a machine from a reputable supplier…there are plenty of well known cutters for under a £1000 pound now 7 if you a re serious about giving it a go, this is the way i would advise
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I have always supported and encouraged people here that have expressed a desire to set up their own sign making business. I wish I had access to this sort of support and advice when I first started out.
My biggest piece of advice for anyone interested is to take it seriously and do it properly. Done that way you are likely to find it is a rewarding business to be in. Those that go into it half heartedly will not have the proper commitment to make it work for them. That is the sincere advice I am offering. It’s not meant to be negative, it’s intended as constructive criticism.
As an aside to this (and I am not suggesting that Rhys9918 fits into this category) I recall someone joining the boards a couple of years ago asking for graphic design help. He was given loads of suggestions and ideas by board members before the penny finally dropped – He was not a signmaker at all, but the owner of a small business that was looking to have designs and ideas done for him free of charge.
Anyone can become a member here, you don’t need to be employed or in business as a signmaker to browse these forums. My fear is that we are giving too much away to the man in the street. For this reason, I only offer pricing advice in closed forums that are only available to full members. Anyone not a paid up member is probably not all that committed. 🙂
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Phill I agree totally
Peter -
Phil…I totally take your point but all he wanted was an opinion on the rabbit cutter on ebay…………not a careers advice lesson
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quote Rhys9918:All comments appreciated.
Rhys9918
I understood this to mean he was looking for constructive criticism
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quote Rhys9918:Im sure most people will say leave it to the proffessionals, but if everyone doesnt mind too much, I will decide that 🙂
I didn’t 🙂
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We’ve been here loads of times before. DIY signmaking.
You asked the question: "shall I pay someone to brand up these vehicles for me".
Yes, you should.
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quote Rhys9918:Hi All,
Anyway, Ive started a business (Non Sign making!!), but for this business I have an 18 tonne lorry (2 big curtains) and 2 Pick Up Trucks. Both of which will need sign writing!!! There in lies the quandry, shall I pay someone to brand up these vehicles for me, or buy a reasonably priced vinyl cutter and bolt this lot on to my new business????
All comments appreciated.
Rhys9918
Glenn, I agree with Phill, don’t make the comment ‘all comments appreciated’ if you don’t want people to comment on certain parts of the post.
Rhys came across to me as someone with little sign experience. The advise from Peter was, in my opinion, spot on.
I suspect he knew what most people would say when he asked the question, hence the rider I’m sure most people will say leave it to the professionals. He should not have been surprised at the comments I’d suggest. I can’t speak for Peter, but this line is what prompted my reply.
The real beauty of these forums is that very experienced people give all sorts of advice, whether you like it, agree with it, or appreciate it, to some very inexperienced people.
If Rhys just wanted an answer on the Rabbit cutter, he would have been best to ask the question "I want an opinion on the Rabbit Vinyl Cutter, which I keep getting outbid on in ebuy"
I still stand by my comments tho, but I was not trying to be argumentative. It was my take on the post, simple as that. And, I agree with Phills last comment. Plenty of peeps on here looking for free design tips and such, but they have not thought highly enough of the site to actually join in a membership and contribute.
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I’m sure Rhys doesn’t need me to defend his corner (or would even want me too) but I’ll defend my point of view
The only question he asked in his post was for advice on the Rabbit cutter ….not if any of yous thought it was a good idea for him to get into doing curtain sided vehicles for a living.
He also goes on to say that he wants to be able to make his own mobile traffic signs ….are you all saying that he shouldn’t do this as well without understanding what his new business is..
And for Peter to accuse somebody of "penny pinching" without an ounce of knowledge about Rhys’ capabilities…just capped it all
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Glenn, I don’t want to get involved in an argument as in my own opinion I don’t think that is what the boards are about but Rhys post contradicted itself to start with.
He said in his first post should I pay someone to livery his vehicles or buy a plotter and do it himself followed by quite a lot of question marks so to me he wasn’t only asking about the plotter on ebay.
I answered the question I thought he needed the answer to the most which was the one about the plotter but others chose to give him some extra advice.
I don’t see either Peters or Phills comments as being wrong, when you start a business I am sure you know it takes 100% commitment and with any new business there is a lot to learn even if you have worked in that industry before. To try and start 2 new businesses at the same time would in my opinion be a bad idea which is what they have both said, concentrate on starting one business, give it 100% and develop it until it reaches a point where you are doing well and making a reasonable profit, then if you want look around for a second business to run. -
quote glenn:I’m sure Rhys doesn’t need me to defend his corner (or would even want me too) but I’ll defend my point of view
The only question he asked in his post was for advice on the Rabbit cutter ….not if any of yous thought it was a good idea for him to get into doing curtain sided vehicles for a living.
With the utmost respect Glenn, I think you are wrong in your assumption here. One of the questions he asked is "There in lies the quandry, shall I pay someone to brand up these vehicles for me, or buy a reasonably priced vinyl cutter and bolt this lot on to my new business????
That is the question I answered.
Cheers
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ah well….it made my morning go quicker anyway :lol1:
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Christ, I’ve just looked on ebay. The place really has been flooded with cheap plotters! I wouldn’t fancy picking one out from all those on offer. When I bought mine over 2 years ago it was pretty much the only type being sold on ebay, but now, lots of brand names, lots of prices, lots of widths – a minefield some might say! Sometimes too much choice is a very bad thing.
In my opinion get someone else to do this for you, you’ll probably spend many days or even weeks working out how to operate this machine if you have no experience in the field. If it is a chinese ‘plated’ plotter then the setup and operating instructions will be a joke, really.
So, unless you have some experience, I’d stter clear! Sorry.
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Flipping hell, I didnt intend to start a thread that long!!
Im going to summarise my position now:
1/ I will be buying a vinyl cutter and it may be the Rabbit one that is sold on ebuy – it doesnt seem to be that big an outlay, and Im sure I will get help on the boards here if I run into ‘learning difficulties’.
2/ I wont be doing the work on our main truck as I do think it is too big a job. The 2 picks up, I will probably do these, as they are more than likely going to be magnetic, so I have options to re-do etc.
3/ I was not looking for free design in any part of the thread, if any moderator would like to search back say 3 years ago, you will see that I was looking at all of this back then.
4/ The business I have set up is very niche and high profit (in realtion to the amount of work at least) – I will therefore have ‘spare’ time in which I could make small signs etc for companies that I already deal with for other services. Basicaly I already have a large number of potential customers, they just need to know that I will be able to make signs!!!
– I sat in on a meeting today, in which the client requested 94 restricted parking signs, but as I was there with a different ‘hat’ on, I didnt mention my sign intentions!!!I know what Im doing and I look forward to spending more time on this board.
Just for reference, I have 14years experience in the Street Lighting and Traffic Sign Industry, so I feel that I have been sort of on the fringe of the sign manufacturing business for some time.
Cheers
Rhys
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Rhys going back to your point #1, if most of those on here have never come across the type of cutter your are buying then any help you may need will be thin on the ground.
As a supplier point of view, any cutters bought outside of the UK then in our own interests giving any kind of tech support is limited to very little to none existent to imported machines, so expensive phonecalls or elongated e-mails may have to be done to get things rolling.
It may be prudent for you to see if any of the members here have any kit to sell, that way at least you know 95% of the kit is genuine and support will be offered.
Nigel
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quote glenn:And for Peter to accuse somebody of “penny pinching” without an ounce of knowledge about Rhys’ capabilities…just capped it all
I dont accuse anybody. I’m not the cps
It was meant as a general term., Like try and save a penny but loose a pound,
I am quite capable, of say installing double glazing, in my office,but while I am doing that, I am not earning, so I may have saved a few quid on paper, but I have lost all the profit I could have generated by selling signs….
Rhys, I only offer food for thought, never ever meant as derogatory, or offensive,
At the end of the day, you are the one that decides.
Peter
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Peter,
Let it go mate. The guy already decided what he was going to do before he even put the topic on line. I say if your not in the sign game, get someone who is to do it for you.
And rhys, don’t ask us experts for advice if you aint gonna take it!
I wont give my advice to anyone so they can save money when I’ve spent a fortune on my kit to be in this business.
I agree with you Peter…mod-edit
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This thread is MUCH better than Corrie 😉
I don’t fix my own car or put in my own windows or fix my own roof. Nuff said. I do cut my own hair though, can you tell??? 😉
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dont give up the day job Peter!!!!!! 😀 😀
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Very heated debate 😀
All I can say as far as the original post is how good do you honestly think it will be at £260 including stand and softwear!!!!
Think about it!
Cheers
Ian -
On ebay they’ve got them for £170.00.
I wouldn’t touch ’em! -
just been reading this post! wow!! heated or what! i have to agree with the last 2 comments, if its that cheap, how good is it? i wouldn’t buy it. my first cutter was 2nd hand roland cx24. paid just over 1.200,00 and it was only 1yr old and had all the software with it. thats going back a while now though, but as everything in life, you pay for what you get! buy cheap buy twice as they say!
matt -
I cant see why this has all got so heated, only asked a few questions (and genuine questions at that!!)
Why it has descended into this chaos is beyond me.
Have a good weekend everyone
Rhys
mod-edit
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Im sorry to add another note, but I have just read the thread all the way through and just cant see what some people are getting so het up about.
I have basically asked an opinion on a product, which may not be the best, but as no one has posted actual experience of this product, how the hell can anyone be so negative.
Peter, amongst others have offered fair comments (positive and negative), to which I have no problems.
But when I see comments about ‘f*cking things up’, that just gets to me.
Everyone starts somewhere and Im sure every single person on this board has messed a job up at some stage, either through human error, or through a misguided purchase.
Night all.
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Rhys, I have just read it through again and I don’t really think it got that heated, there have been a number of posts just recently by people buying cheap plotters and asking all sorts of questions about software if you know what I mean and I think some of the members are a bit wound up about it and maybe that sometimes comes through a bit on some of their posts.
I know it wasn’t asked for but both Peter and Phill offered some sound advice which was concentrate on building your new business rather than try and start another business at the moment. I am sure you would agree that starting any business is time consuming and there is normally a lot to be learnt even if you have been in that industry so the more time you spend learning all about another business is taking time away from growing your main business. I just answered the questions you asked but I would also have said build one business at a time, concentrate on your core business and start a sign business once your other business is settled.Anyway enough said about that, just take some notice of some of the other posts because some of these cheap plotters have caused the owners all sorts of problems and there seems to be no customer support from what I have read. Might be better to spend a little more and buy from a UK based firm or as Robert suggested try looking at a second user machine. That way if you should decide signmaking is not for you then you could probably sell it for much the same as you paid.
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I would tend to agree with what Martin says. There is probably a reason
that there haven’t been any responses from ‘Rabbit’ users. I’ve personally
never heard of them, so my advice would be to approach with caution. As
has been said, there are multiple posts from users of the more budget
branded plotters having problems. I guess it depends if you have time to
iron out any problems with the plotter should they arise. Probably better to
stick to a more well known brand, as there will be more users to give advice.Cheers,
Jamie. -
Hello all,
The reason no rabbit users have been on is probably because their machine might have gone down with myxomatosis.Joking aside, you certainly get what you pay for with vinyl cutters.
We sell from cheap to very expensive, and at the end of the day its down to the dealer to advise the end user what sort of machine suits their needs. For example:Clients who deal mainly with In House signage i would advise a cheap budget machine as they are well worth their money
But someone in Production i.e day to day heavy user machines, i would definitely say it is worth spending the extra money for the difference in build quality, material handling, software compatibility and warranty (i.e 3 year on site which i would say is money well spent)
At the end of the day you pay your money and take your choice.
After sales is something you ought to price into your budget.
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Alan,
Thanks for your post, it sums up the position very well.And I would hope that you agree, that if you read my posts (including my intentions), then I am sure that I fall into the ‘budget’ category!!
It may or may not be the ‘rabbit’ as its price is climbing every time one is on ebuy, and as it is a brand I (and most people) have not heard of, I may well steet clear as it doesnt look like a bargain any more.
(mod-edit)
Regards
Rhys
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Heated :lol1: :lol1: this is not a heated debate mate :lol1: The forums not locked or deleted yet :lol1:
Don’t take it too personally mate. Personally I don’t like abusive comments either, but some guys are more forthright than others 😕
You’ll get to know these regular members a bit better over time. Most of the guys posting replys do so with the best intentions I’m sure.
Cheers
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Rhys,
I got annoyed because you are asking us all to comment on a very cheap budget machine. We have all said stay away from these, but you have still decided this is the machine for you. I presume coming on here and asking the question is your way of doing your homework before you buy a machine, then go on to make your decision. But it sounded like you had already made your mind up.
You are asking very busy experienced professionals to give up their time to educate you. If you want us all to help take the advice.
If your budget is limited why not go to an auction. Some top class machines are at these places and are going at a snip of the price of a new one. Reliability is a must in this game and I don’t think you will get it from this brand.Karl.
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Rhys,
You will buy whatever cutter you think best but you would do well to listen to some of the advice you have received here.
Buy what you want, but don’t buy it on eBay. Buy from a source where you will receive some after sales service, because you WILL need it. The few extra quid that it costs will re-pay itself time and time again.
A lot of people here will try to help you but, as you have yet to find anybody that actually owns a Rabbit, any guidance is likely to be generic rather than specific to your machine.
Good luck.
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I should probably hold my hand up for warming this thread up……maybe I didn’t read the original post thoroughly enough but I still get the impression that what Rhys wanted first & foremost was an opinion on the Rabbit cutter……not so much an opinion on what he was going to do with it if he bought it.
My apologies if any of my comments offended anybody.
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Wow, not looked on eBay for ages for a plotter. Those Rabbits are cheap! No wonder so many peeps are starting up making ‘signs’. Oh dear 🙁
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Well I think I must stick up for the RABBIT cutter…
I bought one off ebay about a month ago for around £200 and it is brilliant. I am not a professional sign maker, and I don’t intend to be. I have no intention of starting my own sign business, and if I was i would buy a better machine. However after a little bit of head scratching* and throwing the Chinese manual in the bin, I got mine up and running and can’t see as why I will need after-sales service, it now works, and I have got to grips with the god awful software that drives it, and after wasting about 15m of cheap vinyl learning how to use it I am now confident in what I can do. And yes its not always the best unit at picking up the head before moving it to the far corner of the workpiece causing it to scratch the surface of the vinyl and it might not have the best registration system and produce things wholly millimeter perfect. However now I can now afford to cost effectively put my company logo on all our flightcases. I have just completed a set of graphics for our own 7.5t truck on it and I am more than happy with the result.
We spend about £15k per year on graphics and signage that we throw away, but I still have no intention of buying a solvent printer as I need to use the right company for the job, the last print we had done was 12m x 5m seamless!!! Used it for 1 day and now its in the skip!!! But I bought my own "cheap" cutter for convenience of producing in-house signs and small graphics for on-site use at our events.
I have had a steep learning curve with the unit and vinyl handling in general, and I still have a lot to learn, especially about applying transfer paper and buying the right vinyl for the job, but as for fitting i have been applying graphics dry for many years, but if I have a complicated job I always try to get a graphics fitter in to do it for me, but they seem fewer on the ground than there used to be.
I like what I have read on this forum, and it seems quite a friendly and knowledgeable place, and I hope that I will be able to get the advice that I need from time to time.
Regards
Paul…
*head scratching is kept to a minimum if you understand the serial communication protocol, and understand that despite the unit having a USB connector on it, it isn’t really using the plug and play properties of USB it is more using the serial properties but just with a different connector and a bit of virtual software emulation.
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I agree this is an open forum. I do not agree it should be used for business outside ours to gain an education on our trade to take business out of our hands. If you require us to teach you on this for your own gain to rob this industry out of our incomes you will find many on here, including myself will not offer any help at all.
If this is the case now that any one can do there own signs, this in my opinion signals the start of the end of many sign firms in this country.Karl.
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I don’t see that any of the work that I am doing with my cutter is taking the work "out of the hands" of professional sign makers. All of the graphics I have produced are things that I just wouldn’t have done, I wouldn’t have gotten the truck sign written, we have never had our vans done in the past. I wouldn’t have spent the money on the case graphics, the only work I am taking away is the on-site work, but if anyone knows where i can get vinyl graphics or prints produced in central london at 10pm with a 2 hour turnround then I would be quite happy to use them, providing they can produce the goods at a sensible price.
Where do you draw the line at what is the business of signmakers ? We use 1220 wide vinyl to cover a number of things, its a good way of getting a durable, coloured, flat finish on lectern tops or worktops, sometimes we don’t even use the self adhesive part we leave that on and staple the material round objects.
P.
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Well, what can I say, I have bought one, it looks ok, but I am struggling to get me head around the USB connection (It aint connecting LOL).
Im sure I will get there, and I will keep you all informed.
Paul, any pointers on the USB issues would be very much appreciated.
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Hi Rhys
I am glad you have got the cutter now. I hope that it all works out and you can get it running properly. Perhaps now that you and Paul both have one, you could start up a new forum for users helping them get up and running. Then you will be able to share your experiences with like minded individuals who have invested time and money in equipment but can’t seem to get it working properly. Good luck with the product, I am sure once you have mastered all the little teething problems you will be producing quality graphics at a price far lower than any professional sign shop could offer.Peter
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quote Rhys9918:Well, what can I say, I have bought one, it looks ok, but I am struggling to get me head around the USB connection (It aint connecting LOL).Im sure I will get there, and I will keep you all informed.
Paul, any pointers on the USB issues would be very much appreciated.
Hi Rhys
I got a rabbit too for my own use. Just finished signing my van – looks great in its new 5 colour livery!. really pleased. I had a few niggles at first with the USB setup. I am using CorelDraw which is happy to "print" to the cutter. The USB driver sets the cutter up as another printer connected to, in my case, com19. The Software that came with it will only send data to com1 or com2 so you have to tell the computer to redirect or remap data sent to com2 (say) to com19 (in my case) the un-labeled CD you may have got with the cutter has a series of JPG screen shots on the process of doing this. I didn’t bother cos I’m happy with Coreldraw.
Hope this helpsSteve
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the person selling these does not charge vat , they are turning over at well over vat reg limit so once the taxman gets hold of them they will disappear fast ans so will your warranty and support if there is any
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Well, that passed the some time!
(constructive post I know!)
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Hi
And can I say how much I have enjoyed looking at this forum.I got so wrapped up with the debate on THE RABBIT CUTTER that it got me thinking.
Being a user of ROLAND machines I tended to side with all you pro’s but out of interest went to e-bay and bid on the 800 cutter and won it for £300.00
Yes a few problems setting it up only for about an hour and WOW what a machine.I have done three jobs with it and now its already paid for.SO HEY why not for £300.00 What a back up for those days when the trusted roland winges.Anyone just starting up will get great value from this machine.So maybe its a case of DONT KNOCK TILL YOU TRY IT(I say this with respect to all of you.) Ta for listening
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Rhys
I have a written file on how to connect via USB and will send if you give me your E-mail addy
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quote Roy:Hi
And can I say how much I have enjoyed looking at this forum.I got so wrapped up with the debate on THE RABBIT CUTTER that it got me thinking.
Being a user of ROLAND machines I tended to side with all you pro’s but out of interest went to e-bay and bid on the 800 cutter and won it for £300.00
Yes a few problems setting it up only for about an hour and WOW what a machine.I have done three jobs with it and now its already paid for.SO HEY why not for £300.00 What a back up for those days when the trusted roland winges.Anyone just starting up will get great value from this machine.So maybe its a case of DONT KNOCK TILL YOU TRY IT(I say this with respect to all of you.) Ta for listening
I wouldnt knock it,
if you buy cheap equipment, it either fails early, or cant do the job properly.I spend on average 2k a month on materials (so i do have a reasonable turnover) I dont sell 2.99 stickers on ebay though, so I do need to use reliable equipment that has a proper on site guarantee.
and will earn me a living over the long term, not just as a hobby, or second income…so thanks for listening
cheap machines= cheap attitude
and I also say this with respect,this site is for signmakers, not flea bayers, or anyone wanting to earn a fast buck.
If you earn money from any machine, good luck, but for a lasting reliable business, buy the best available.
Peter
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Hi Peter
Maybe my point has been missed.I also am not a Fleabayer and only got the Rabbit out of interest.Also it is not a hobby for me nor a second income.
The Graphics I do are for large aircraft that is something different to the norm.
Just saying it aint a bad cutter for the dosh.Also the guy I bought from offers back up and spares -
Over to you Mr N (chat.)
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quote Roy:Hi Peter
Maybe my point has been missed.I also am not a Fleabayer and only got the Rabbit out of interest.Also it is not a hobby for me nor a second income.
The Graphics I do are for large aircraft that is something different to the norm.
Just saying it aint a bad cutter for the dosh.Also the guy I bought from offers back up and sparesThats interesting Roy,
would love to see your stuff, I am very interested in aircraft graphics,Anyway sorry for missing the point, I actually put a bit on a pcut from signwizard, (very reputable) just to evaluate it, but was outbid, bet you paid 299?
So out of interest, do you have a use for the plotter? And do you think it would be upto commercial use?
Peter
Peter
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Your turn Roy (chat.)
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Pete,
Do I Hell as like but it just got my interest
Sorry if it has offended the forum However I can always let the junior play with it -
Peter? (chat.)
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Roy
you would have to go a long way to offend me,
I grew up a long time ago,
I respect this forum. I am the first to help genuine people who want to make a career in signs. However I have made mistakes before, helping people whos only intention is to rip the knowledge off, then put nothing back.
can you see where I am coming from?
Peter
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You make a good referee Phil!
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Hi Pete
I can see from the photo half your point LOL
I do understand about the free info given to people but do they really think they can set up overnight MMMMMAnyway in answer to earlier I make spray throughs for people like Thompson fly who are a bit slap happy with their Planes.
I also have a commercial license myself and thats how I got into that side of things -
quote Roy:Hi Pete
I can see from the photo half your point LOL
I do understand about the free info given to people but do they really think they can set up overnight MMMMMAnyway in answer to earlier I make spray throughs for people like Thompson fly who are a bit slap happy with their Planes.
I also have a commercial license myself and thats how I got into that side of thingsRoy I dont know what a spray through is,
I do know that being slap happy about planes, in the silly sort of sense,
is not really good, but I presume you refer to the advertising/branding rather than to choice of make and servicing? either way we go back to the original argument, reliability and warranties cost money.I would still like to see of your stuff though, it does sound different,
Peter
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Pete
Planes get damaged all the time buy baggage handlers,In flight caters
dented by fork lifts.So all I do is make a spray through to touch things up.
I do get to do a lot of stuff on restoration Projects as well.
One thing you might want to look at is the smaller aircraft being built from kits.They all need to be signed up and it is a very lucrative side line as you cut send off and end of job
I will post some of my work later -
Roy, I am a bit senior, so I may have missed something, I realise that planes get damaged, have flown on a few over the years, but how do you repair with a "spray through" is that like a stencil?
Peter
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I love a happy ending 😉
Peter
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Pete
Yes a stencil if like.Maybe only a mark on paint work but it has to be made to look maybe an inspection panel.
IE a plate with rivets round the outside.
When punters walk to an aircraft it is apparently off putting to see a potential danger so it is covered a.s.a.p.However on the bigger jobs a stencil is made and a pro sprayer does the rest.I just do the artwork they do the rest -
So correct me if I am wrong, if a fork lift makes a ding in the side of a plane, you cover it with a panel to make it appear that the dent is not there?
Peter
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wondered when you would pick that up
chris
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Pete
there is nothing wrong with the plane as it is certified by an engineer as fit to fly but the punters dont see it like thatWhen a plane is out of the air it costs money so it is a cover up until it is due the next maintenance check.
What sort of work do you do
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But surely even with a paint job – the "punter" would still see the dents? And after the plane has been hit by the forklift – surely an engineer should inspect to make sure it’s still airworthy? 😮
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I just said
anything that happens has to be certified as fit to fly by an engineer
if minor things like we are talking about there is no problemSCAREY EH
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Roy,
better to post a picture of what you mean, I cant really picture it.What sort of work do I do?
just now. only signs.
PeteR
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How do we know it’s minor – surely we shouldn’t wait until the next maintenance check to fix the dents. If we’re going to all the bother to hide the dents (albeit not very well) then why not just fix them? 😮
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Well Phil
As I explained before Downtime for an aircraft costs the Operating Company to much.It is only the same as a dent or knock on your car.As long as it is certified fit to fly it does.
What most people dont know is that the 737 that takes you of to spain for your hols has a nice paint job and the interior is all nice and new looking
but the fact is most of them are from the late sixties and old and tired. -
Roy, You mean they didn’t know until you told them all on an open forum on the internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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quote Roy:What most people dont know is that the 737 that takes you of to spain for your hols has a nice paint job and the interior is all nice and new looking
but the fact is most of them are from the late sixties and old and tired.mental note….. don’t fly to Spain on a 737 that looks new…… 😕
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I cant believe that subject still rolled on for so long, quite amazing realy!!!
mod-edit please do not ignore board rules, you are aware of them already. :police3:
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quote Roy:Well Philbut the fact is most of them are from the late sixties and old and tired.
not any more…. 😀
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Actually, I’m pig sick of reading threads generated by people promoting Rabbit vinyl cutters. Isn’t it about time this thread was deleted 🙄
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im getting that way myself phill…
im very pro "help everyone and anyone", as we all started someplace, but thats is one thing, whoever it really does revert back to ebay posts which we have already banned from uksb only a week or two ago.for me it is where do you draw the line?
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I think this thread has run its course myself 😉
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even Chas and Dave are getting bored with it,
😀But I would still like to see the pics of aircraft dents made to look like panels, I could see a very lucrative market, doing the same for cars.
I already registered the name "dent decals"Peter
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Maybees they use a lenticular sign system to make the dents look like flat panels – a sort of inverted 3d effect 😮
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Phill sorry to burst your bubble before your idea has really got off the ground but your lenticular vehicle panels are already history or they will be as soon as the patent goes through for my new touch screen panels and vehicle wrapping vinyl.
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Hi All,
Interesting thread: :lol1:Do these "Rabbits" come with batteries 😉 or should I rephrase that 😳
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