WANTED; Vinyl Cutter for beginner with Software

[Peter Mindham]

I thought you already purchased a plotter for vinyl cutting? Am I missing something here? Is this for real?

Peter

[paulcornwall]

Yes this is for real, i purchased the Stika for a introduction to vinyl, when i mentioned this, many members said it was a mistake. I have taken this on board and now looking for a better cutter as per the advice. The Stika can easily be sold on for the same price. I dont think people understand how hard it is for a novice like myself to start out, i dont have thousands of pounds and very little experience, i may seem to be stupid but i’m sure if i start talking about my trade to you guys you may seen just as baffled. I am here to learn and i was under the impression this board was the way to go. (?)

[Peter Mindham]

Absolutely correct. This is the best place to get advice and help whether a new person to the world of signs or experienced. I started seriously in signs about 18 months ago after producing vehicle graphics and plates for about 2 to 3 years prior to that. Without the boards and some very special people on them it would have taken me alot longer to be where I am today. I consider my collective experience to equal the total of all on these boards. The knowledge is fantastic and the free flow of information invaluable. Sometimes, I even get to advise someone else!

You have received loads of valid advice from many people (other than me) regarding equipment, software and business. You have then continued down a path which you probably already had decided upon and brought a cutter which will not do the job you are telling everyone you want to do. Now you need advice on a cutter at a cheap price (maybe used) to replace the one you just brought. You might notice a few less replies than last time as you didn’t seem to take the last batch of advice seriously. Don’t misunderstand any comments, I am happy to offer advise and help, but do feel a little confused when it is totally ignored. Just my opinion and no offense meant mate. The advice from this board is worth much more than the cost of entry. If ya gonna buy a train ticket, might as well take the train.

Peter

[paulcornwall]

Peter i appreciate your advice but i bought the Sticka on the basis of your comment "In summary:
If you want to test the water, buy new equipment, and want to spend £1500 or less, the OKI and Robo will do to begin with. If it takes off, you will need to replace the Robo"
I’m sure the Roland is better than the Robo but i got it at the same price.

[Martin Pearson]

Paul, not sure if you have miss read a post or picked something up wrongly but most of the members understand that everyone has to start some where and obviously most people starting out will have little or no experience within the industry.
The stika and the craft robo are completely different machines so buying the stika which you thought would be better for you especially at the same price was not actually the best move although I am sure you thought it was.
The Robo is a craft machine and personally I wouldn’t advise buying it but if money is tight then as Peter has said it will get you started. It has an optical registration system which allows for contour cutting of the stickers you mentioned you wanted to produce so from that point of view it would be OK. The stika is also really a hobbyist machine but will cut wider than the robo so you can produce bigger graphics but it doesn’t have any form of optical registration so wouldn’t be as good as the Robo for stickers.
Peter’s advice may be more suited to your needs than some of the other advice offered by other members including myself. It is all good advice and worth listening to but Peters may be more suited to someone starting out that only want’s to test the water and already has a full time job so is not reliant on a sign business for their only form of income.

[paulcornwall]

Hi Martin
thanks for taking time to reply. Sorry but just got a bit frustrated as some think i’m not taking there advice. I am using the advice but some is conflicting. Some comments make out i’m a joke which of course is’nt true. I appreciate everyones input but not emotions making out i’m a no brainer. 😥

[Martin Pearson]

Paul, no need to apologise, it can be frustrating at times but believe me noone is treating you like a no brainer, as I said before everyone has to start somewhere. As for the advise given by different members yes you are right it can be conflicting. Different people have different views on how you should and shouldn’t go about starting up, doesn’t mean that any of it is wrong and all you can do is read through it all and then try and take the advice that you think is best for you.

Stick with it as this is a great place to be, I think the fact that you have taken the time to take out a membership shows that you are taking this seriously, plus of course there is the expense of a membership as well. Like Peter said you have bought a ticket so you might as well get on the train, whatever that means :lol1: :lol1:

[paulcornwall]

thankyou Martin.

[Peter Mindham]

Paul,
I did suggest read ALL advice and make up your mind. It just seems you jumped in, asked advice and then decided on a different route. An expensive exercise. I am not sure that you really are sure which way you want to go regards the business. My advice is based on your comments and my experiences and hopefully a match will materialise. I am still always happy to offer advice based on MY experiences which will never be the same as others. That is why we are all different. In the end, you must go with what you think is best for you. I just hope that decision is the correct one.

Peter