low cost printer/plotter advice?

[curt]

This is a hard question to answer.

First, getting the cheapest machine is not the best answer. However you can get some really nice used Name Brand machines at a low cost if you shop around a little.

Software. Well this is so subjective it cannot be answered in just one post. But, If you buy corel draw 9 for about $35 bux you will have no problems at all. That will get you in real cheap.
However, if you make a commitment, and really take a genuine interest into what you want to do.. All manner of things will become possible. Software will appear and a low cost machine will make itself available. All it takes is commitment.
good luck

[madyaker]

thanks for the reply, I was thinking of a Graphtec printer is this a good choice or I think the other one is a Roland?

[Jayne Marsh]

I have a graphtec printer and run Flexi sign with it, it works well for me but I only print onto paper and sometimes vinyl mainly for exhibition work. I’ll ask the hubby if Graphtec are running any cheap offers at the mo. ( He works there!) :lol1:

[Jayne Marsh]

Hello

Do you want a printer or a cutter the only Graphtec printer available at the moment is a large format that prints onto coated media only, and is not waterproof, companies like Magic Touch etc do systems that have a printer, heat press etc used alongside the graphtec cutters, you print onto special media with reg marks, put it in the cutter detect the marks and then cut, heat press to your t-shirt, plus other vinyl they do, that is cut then heat pressed on.

(mod-edit)

[Stephen Benson]

Have a look at the Summacutter D60, very fast & accurate. It’s a bargain here in New Zealand at least (NZ$3200+GST). Corel’s a good choice for cheap software. However, you might like to try SignLab if you’re planning on getting into signs professionally. Pretty neat.

[Paul Cox]

Try Grafityp, there link is on the main screen!

Not sure if you have already got a heat press but they do a T-Shirt Printing Bundle at a relatively cheap price!

You get a plotter, heat press, software and materials. Check them out.

[Freddy.Tait]

sorry this is mac software

you can create and export designs / wording in all sorts of shapes
ready for cutting as illustrator we have flexi for plain cutting on a small roland

i think you can download a demo
also great easy use for web pages

http://www.TypeStyler.com/

hope this helps someone

from freddy at ecp

[madyaker]

Hi Everyone again, thanks for the b ig response.

Yes I need a printer/cutter to do Vehicle graphics, Small stickers for water sports, something to print on to t’ shirts and sweatshirts.

I basically want something to replace the screen printing. Whats the limitations with these kind of printer/plotters am I being unrealistic or will these machines be able to do what I require.

Sorry I am such a begginer at this I appreciate all the help I can get as I don’t want to buy something that can’t do the job.

Thanks again.

Gaz