Converting plotter into a vinyl cutter

[Phill Fenton]

Why not just get a second hand vinyl cutter in the first place?

You will need driver software to use the plotter/cutter and if using a package like signlab, flexi sign, or some “add on” cutting utiltity for Corel you will probably find there is no cutter driver software for your machine. Also consider would the plotter be up to the jop of tracking vinyl for any length?

[MCS]

Ive been looking for a 2nd hand cutter for a while now , this plotter came up locally and I thought it might be a easy enough to convert , but searching the web Ive fount out that Calcomps are not the easy est to convert.

[jeffus – Graphtec]

Hi,

I’d have to agree with the other comments, try and get a vinyl cutter and avoid the old pen plotter, some pen plotters will only plot an A0 or A1 etc plot area, don’t know the make you are looking at, may take roll, drivers cables and a blade holder will be a bind aswell.
I’ve seen 610 Graphtecs go for £300 on ebay, mind its less than a grand for a new 610 machine, these days,

cheers Jeff

[MCS]

thanks for your replies , Ive been waiting for a reasonable price 2nd hand one .. I’m taking your advice and forgetting the convert idea .. found some useful info on it though

(mod edit) :police: admin@uksignboards.com
requests for items for sale must be done in the Buy, Sell, Swap Forum only

[David Rowland]

have you done an introduction to yourself? what are your plans, is this for fun or to become a Sign writer?

[MCS]

Well I’m trying to diversify my business and have plans to considerate on my skills in arts and graphics to start a full time business in Signs … having problems getting a right package that suits my budget

[Brian Hays]

quote DaveRowland:

have you done an introduction to yourself? what are your plans, is this for fun or to become a Sign writer?

Would need more than a plotter to become a “Sign Writer” some brushes at least? 😮 :lol1:

MCS I would be surprised if you managed to convert it. I don’t think it’s a simple as just bunging in a blade. You will need to be able to adjust the offset if you use a drag knife. Not sure that will be possible on that machine? Adjusting the cutting pressure may also be a problem.

How much did you pay for it? there are always 2nd Vinyl Cutters for sale on ebay. Maybe you wern’t looking hard enough. New Cutters are more affordable than they have ever been as well. If you are serious about a “full time” business in Sigs maybe that would be the route to go.

[MCS]

quote Brian Hays:

quote DaveRowland:

have you done an introduction to yourself? what are your plans, is this for fun or to become a Sign writer?

Would need more than a plotter to become a “Sign Writer” some brushes at least? 😮 :lol1:
.

LOL ive heard some sticky back plastic and a tub of bostick is useful to have around to :lol1:

theres plotter that go for around £400 on ebay , but i really need to have a package with software and bundle that perhaps has the PC with it..

[Lynn Normington]

O.k. so who are you and what are you trying to achive

Lynn

[MCS]

My name is Eugene , Ive been into graphic design for ages even though my business is in the service industry , i deal with the web design and marketing , I also have to deal with signing up of our vans…

Have to ask is this the usual thing to do here , to introduce your self before you can post a question ?

[Jill Marie Welsh]

I have a Gerber 4B & 4E, it has both a pen and a cutting head, interchangeable.
Maybe the person who is selling this has accessories for it?
I’m pretty computer illiterate, as I’m a sign writer.
No heavy inquiries from me,
welcome aboard!
Most folks make an introductory post but some don’t.
No biggie.
Love….Jill

[David Rowland]

no it isn’t, it’s just that we are a friendly bunch here from all over the world. There are a lot of people who are actually doing exactly what you are doing and the board has helped them out.

[Robert Lambie]

welcome aboard

ditch the converting thing… not sure if you could with pen plotter, but for a start you must have the choice to vary the cutting pressure.
anyway i would forget it…

get a nearly new machine from a reliable source. you get good deals on ebay but i would never buy anything like a cutter etc from there, i think its an overgrown car boot sale.
if you are taking your business serious mate, make the right move, by the best you can afford from a good source.
there are lots of cheap alternative software out there also… signgo lite is a free download trial. google it… 😉

[Frank Droog]

Be carefull.
That machine may only understand a calcomp proprietary language called 960/907

Many software packages cannot generate that language.
You may be able to find a windows driver for it but many sign packages wont cut via Fle/Print.
Autocad does have built in drivers for it but i doubt you are using ACAD

just aheads up.

frank at cadlink

[Chris Wool]

hi
if it takes graphtec type pens then there is a knife holder it came from a very old a3 flatbed plotter cutter if i remember called a 2000 – but 2 things i dout if the mechanics are robust enough on a pen plotter plus also the cutter firmware does a knife offset allowance at sharp corners – pen plotters do not know about this and will cut off small corners

chris