[Darren Summers]

Recieved my screws today. Tested them and really happy with them. They hold on to the screw driver bit really well and don’t wobble around. They also drill into metal very well. I’ll be ordering more.

[Darren Summers]

I’ve ordered some but, I have concerns.

• I haven’t had an emailed confirmation
• There are no telephone numbers on the website
• The email address is a Gmail address
• There doesn’t seem to be a facility on the site to create an account or log in to one.
• There is no company address on the site

If the owner of this company sees this, it doesn’t give you much confidence in your company.

[Darren Summers]

SOLD

[Darren Summers]

We advertised it. Had lots of ‘can I….’ ‘how big is it….’ but ultimately no one turned up for it. So, we cut a lot of it up into A3 and A4 panels and chucked the rest in the bins. I did check with the landlords first and they were happy with it going in the bin.

[Darren Summers]

Jean, that’s a great idea. Thanks! I’ll give that a go.

[Darren Summers]

Hi David,

I hope you ressolve your issues – I’m sorry but, I cannot help in any way. I just wondered if you could let me know where you got the fans from please?

[Darren Summers]

Hi Adam,

I’m afraid I cannot help with specifics but, finding a sign and measuring the distance would be a last / best resort?

[Darren Summers]

me too!

[Darren Summers]

As a family run company, we have furloughed all staff that don’t live in our house. That leaves myself, my partner and her son. Myself and my partner are in almost every day doing something. Mainly because up until Friday (24th April) we couldn’t divert our calls. Our son comes in when needed. Other than that, we are self isolating at home and at work.

Our work has about halved. We’re doing what we can to keep the wolves from the door.

I agree that the govt hasn’t really done much to help – when furloughing does finally reach us then that will help.

Stay safe all!

oh, ps. To those that think we should stay at home and not come to work. Please could you pay our mortgage? Thanks.

[Darren Summers]

I have had this issue with SignLab 10 whereby I cannot move objects – either with the mouse or with the arrow keys. However, if I group the objects, I can move them no problem. I am also having a similar issue with not being able to order objects to the front, back, up one layer or down one layer. Yet, when I group the objects, I can move them to any layer.

Snap to is turned off.

I am pretty sure I have the latest patch installed.

Whilst I can live with it, it would be better if there was a solution or someone can let me know if I am doing something wrong.

[Darren Summers]

Thanks for the replies. I now know why layer viewer keeps popping up at least – Ray’s explanation on importing eps, ai’s and the like is causing it to be deployed.

I guess I’m just an old fart that finds layer viewer far too complicated.

If there could ever be an option to turn it off in the future……

[Darren Summers]

[quote="Martin Gray"]Hello, I’m I’m looking to source the above. Can anyone recommend a seller if there is such a material.[/quote]

Not aware of a manufacturer – best solution I can come up with is Silver translucent vinyl fitted on top of the reflective?

[Darren Summers]

[quote="KevinGaffney"]Its funny but over the years Ive always used photos of clients vans to superimpose graphics on. Looks better and customers prefer it to the vector type finish with any vehicle outline library[/quote]

I’ve done this too. I’ve also drawn my own vehicle outlines when the need has arisen. The problem is that the customer’s vehicle won’t be here for another month.

[Darren Summers]

[quote="Robert Lambie"]Personally, i would not change from Impact. If i get a one off vehicle i don’t have, i tend to make do one way or another until the next version of the software is available.
other outline libraries tend to be less accurate, not in same file formats, older, compiled mainly of European and american vehicles or lots of vehicles we will simply never require / use.[/quote]

Not wanting to change – more than happy with the product and we buy it every year. Just not had luck with truck outlines lately. So I wondered if there was an alternative supplier that might have outlines that the Impact guys don’t?

[Darren Summers]

Clean with whatever cleaning solution you need to to remove finger prints etc. Then oil it. Baby oil works very well 🙂

[Darren Summers]

I can recommend the tape sold by Handover. If you’re a seasoned sign writer, you’ll appreciate that their tape can be torn easily mid letter and peeled back to allow you to complete those round letters and numbers etc.

^That will make sense to sign writers!^

[Darren Summers]

Hi all,

I did find a Latex compatible film. It’s called Stahl’s Digital Colour Sports Film and is sold by All Print Supplies. Here’s a link to the All Print product page for more info:
http://www.allprint.co.uk/stahls-cad-co … inting.htm
(Sorry – the link styling failed for some reason)

I can report that the material prints very well on our HP330 Latex. It also cuts well and the application tape (also a Stahl’s product) works very well too.
10/10 from us.

[Darren Summers]

[quote="Hugh Potter"]Hi Darren,
I have a latex and haven’t tried textile films as I was led to believe they weren’t too long lasting.. if you do a lot of hi-vis it may be worth considering a cheap A4 ricoh subli printer, the colours will be a little overpowered by the yellow but I’ve never had a customer moan about it![/quote]

Hi Hugh,

I hear ya. The trouble is, a lot of the logo’s we do are coloured logos which is no good with a sub printer.

Customers tend to go through Hi Vis like no tomorrow so not overly worried about the prints last ing ages (although i hadn’t heard that myself – we’d done loads of printed garment film jobs with our eco solvent machine)

[Darren Summers]

Printer now sold

[Darren Summers]

Summa plotter now sold

[Darren Summers]

Hi,

Sorry – been away this weekend.

I did have a call on Friday about the Summa. The chap said he was planning on coming down tomorrow but would call again today. So I’ll give him first dibs.

I will update this thread if he buys it.

[Darren Summers]

Someone has sent me a private message but apparently, I’m not allowed to view private messages? It’s all rather secret squirrel around here isn’t it?

[Darren Summers]

Hi Steff,

Yes, Summa still for sale.

[Darren Summers]

Hi all,

Our new equipment has arrived and is up and running. Therefore I am now actively pursuing the sale of the kit listed above. Will now split:

Summa D140: £1850.00 inc vat

Mutoh Valuejet 1304 with Onyx 10 rip, ink carts and some media: £3450.00 inc vat – if it’s bought without being serviced then £3150.00 inc vat

Easymount 1400 cold laminator: £3000.00 inc vat

[Darren Summers]

Here are some photos of the machines – still in daily use (until our new equipment turns up).

Printer has take up unit – plotter has media ‘basket’ – laminator does not come with ‘axle stands’ lol 😛

---

Attachments:

[Darren Summers]

Sorry, didn’t see the messages until late on. I phoned Hugh and he now has the details.

Thanks !

[Darren Summers]

Ok, here’s my redraw for anyone that might find it useful

---

Attachments:

BMW R1200.ai

[Darren Summers]

See attached

---

Attachments:

[Darren Summers]

Call me a cynic but, I received my free sample of 3m Carbon film this morning……I just need to find something to wrap now……..I think a postcard should do it unless it’s bigger than the 6"x4" sample I got !

I was expecting an A4 sheet…….something that I at least could use to wrap a wing mirror or something.

Don’t get nothing for nothing these days ! 😮

[Darren Summers]

Oh come on ! where is your stubborn sense of determination ? :lol1:

I have checked out the prices of Signlab and £550 for the upgrade is quite reasonable :oops:….altho I’m not sure if that includes the thermal printing module 😮

So, I think I am calling it a draw !

Perchow (:)

[Darren Summers]

My new PC was bought primarily to run other design and router software faster as my old PC was maxed out and still not quick enough. I wasn’t particularly bothered about Windows 7 but didn’t consider that Signlab e6 might not run on it.

[Darren Summers]

quote Peter Normington:

whatever Darren, who am I to argue,
if you are happy with signlab e6 then no problem, my point was that you expect cadlink to support it indefinitely, it does nor work like that, would you expect cadlink to provide a patch if you decided to buy a mac?
Peter

Peter, I don’t expect Cadlink to roll out the red carpet, invite me round to meet their mum or to lend me a hand when I paint my house. I fully appreciate that support does not last indefinitely I am not that ignorant. Technology moves on and obviously Windows 7 is a big leap. However, what percentage of the UK or the World’s signmakers are running Signlab e6 ? I would say a good number. The fact that I have been lucky and e6 is working on my Windows 7 PC tells me that it is possible for the software to work. How many others might needlessly pay the upgrade fee when it is possible to get the software running on Windows 7 ? In this instance, I don’t think it is out of the question for Cadlink to charge me a small fee to provide a patch that would enable me to get a little more life out of a program I bought 5 years ago. Perhaps the patch might help out a large number of Cadlink customers who would appreciate the service and would be happy to pay a fee to keep the software they are quite happy with. I am not asking for beck and call product support, the patch would be a ‘sold as is’ deal. My point is, Cadlink would rather you spend more money with them than provide a patch to give extended service for a fee which would cover their time to develop the patch.

My phone call to Cadlink left me thinking that I had little option but to spend £550. Luckily I was determined enough to keep trying and eventually I succeeded. I’ve saved myself £550 and I’m trying to help others save their money too.

To use your car analogy, why should I have to buy a new car when my 5 year old one still works perfectly fine ? If I can buy a part to make it legal, then that is a far more economic (for me) option.

[Darren Summers]

quote :

just stick to an earlier version of windows if you cant keep up with the latest software.
its like expecting ford to supply parts for a mk1 escort
Sounds pretty condescending to me.

In any case, I have a working version of Signlab e6 on Windows 7 despite being told that I would be lucky if it would work. I guess I am lucky – that I do not have to fork out £550 for software that does not do a great deal more than e6 does bar a few gadgets that I feel are not worth the extra £550.

Do not get me wrong, I absolutely love Signlab and would not consider using any other sign making software. I just do not find it reasonable that e6 – which I bought in 2004 – is being considered dead in the water. Perhaps it is my bad luck that not long after I bought e6, Signlab 7 came out – sods law.

[Darren Summers]

quote Peter Normington:

many programs arnt compatible with windows 7 we could go back infinitum, I doubt if the earlier versions of corel and illustrator will run on windows 7, should they also produce a patch?
just stick to an earlier version of windows if you cant keep up with the latest software.
its like expecting ford to supply parts for a mk1 escort
Peter

Sorry Peter, your tone is rather condescending. Expecting Ford to supply parts for a car that was built in the 1970’s is hardly the same as the issue being discussed.

My post was to give a heads up to others who might be considering upgrading their operating system and not an open invitation for you to charge in on your high horse.

For your information, I AM trying to keep up with software hence my new PC and Windows 7 – I just dont see why I should be forced to part with half the cost of my new PC for an upgrade of some software. Times are difficult, perhaps not for you as you seem to think it’s ok to just buy software willy nilly. Others such as myself have to look after every penny.

[Darren Summers]

I’d be happy to pay a couple of hundred quid for a patch / upgrade but I’ve been quoted £550 + VAT simply because I have upgraded my operating system.

e6 works great for me. I see no reason why I should be forced to buy an upgrade and I agree with Karl that it is not great customer service rather it is take it or leave it.

[Darren Summers]

I was told that it was due to a directive from Cadlink Canada. I don’t think it’s anything to do with Spandex.

[Darren Summers]

Position now filled

[Darren Summers]

Hi John and thanks for doing that – I really appreciate it. My only problem is I need the word ‘Beauty’ which is why I was wondering if anyone knew the font. Not being ungrateful – I really do appreciate it.

[Darren Summers]

wooo hoooo….I am so on the ball ! (:)

[Darren Summers]

VW LT35 is same as a Merc Sprinter

[Darren Summers]

Andy, you’re right. SMP made the same recommendation about adding an inch on to a 24" box to accommodate the right tubes.

I did try to call you when the order did not arrive and spoke to another chap as you weren’t there, (John?) who got the box to me 3 days later.

I’m certain that you have many many satisfied customers. My recommendation is based upon my experiences and not grievances.

[Darren Summers]

I’ve used Sign Makers Products for the last couple of boxes….very very good service and very competitive prices.

SMP Website

Really sorry, but I have found Alutrade quite unreliable and slow. Several times I have phoned them and asked for a price only to be told that the person I needed to speak to was not there. They let me down badly when they promised a lightbox (only a small one) in a week but the delivery date came and went with no sign of the box. I phoned them and chased the box and it arrived 3 days later. Nearly 2 weeks for a 24×16 double sided box.

SMP ordered on a Friday, with me the following Weds and cheaper than Alutrade.

[Darren Summers]

Had this happen to me too……I now refuse to supply magnetics and have lost jobs because of it but, I’d rather lose the job than be faced with this kind of headache. I do not care what anyone say’s, no customer washes their vans, dry’s the mag’s and replaces them on a regular basis.

Magnetics are horrible. I’ve known them to also dull the paintwork as grit and dust collect behind them and agitate the mag until the paintwork is ‘sanded’ dull.

9 times out of ten I’ve managed to talk the customer into having their van permanently displaying their stuff and having a blank magnetic to cover the graphics up if they’re subbing for another company. At least that way the mags are only on for a short time.

As far as removing ‘welded’ mag’s go, as advised in an earlier reply, I’d take it steady with a plastic scraper until you’ve prized off all the mag then remove as much of the residue as possible using petrol / tar and glue remover. Then buff the paintwork with a mop and compound. If the paintwork is original or a decent respray you shouldn’t have a problem. Ypu’d be amazed how 2K paint can buff out.

[Darren Summers]

I forgot to add that the test piece stuck like you know what to a blanket. Awesome stuff!

[Darren Summers]

Fantastic service from Vink Scotland – I had previously called around all the usual suspects for supply of some tape to do the job and not one of them had any notion of what to supply. The lass at Vink Scotland was superb. Had great knowledge and the delivery arrived next day. I tested some and by eck, it’s on!

Thanks Robert for the steer.

[Darren Summers]

I chatted with them and pointed out the minor issues (more to help them install some confidence when ordered than anything else). They said that the website is new so, hopefully they’ll make some changes.

My order should be here today. They look good. I’ll report back.

[Darren Summers]

Perfect! Thanks Robert. I will give that a go.

[Darren Summers]

What prices do you offer for maintenance contracts?

[Darren Summers]

I found their website but, all seems to be sold out.

Nevermind.

[Darren Summers]

Thanks David. We use clarity also. I think it’s worth getting a legal company involved too.

If anyone does know how to access the Terms & Conditions on this site, please let me know – happy to pay for additional subscriptions – as long as it’s there!

[Darren Summers]

Hi John,

I really appreciate that. I suspect that the old cables have been stretched to where they’re on their limits of being affective. Hence, when we took them out – disturbing them – they’ve been tipped over the edge and the tollerance is too much.

On this particualr model, the cable has a ball fitting on the end which slots into the door handle assembly. So, we can’t fit it incorrectly but, certainly could have a case of cables being too long.

However, when we stripped one of the solenoid units down, we discovered that the cable to the exterior door handle was inaffective. What I mean is, when we operated the cable by pulling on it, the internal mecahnism operated but, the door latch did not move. So, we also think that the door latch / solenoid mechanism was faulty / worn out.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Darren Summers.

[Darren Summers]

I’m glad I’m not the only one! As much as I do try not to upset people, they do cop the hump at times!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Darren Summers.

[Darren Summers]

Your experience is greatly appreciated – and your bluntness noted lol!

You’re 100% right and a walk round sheet is what we’ve discussed between ourselves this morning. I just hope that the genuine customers see it for what it is – they will have no choice.

We just didn’t see this one coming and I am sure there will be other issues in the future that we will need to add to the list!

Appreciate the input.

[Darren Summers]

Well David, I’m afraid I will have to disagree. It may well be part of business but, it’s a rubbish part of business. I expect to deal with reasonable people and IT IS rubbish to have to treat everyone as a potential claim. There are more genuinely reasonable people out there than schemers.

But, I do appreciate the reply.

[Darren Summers]

100% right – sadly. It really does get me down that we are as straight as we can be – never have I ever turned anyone over or exploited anyone. Unfortunately that means I don’t always see them coming and still get caught out.

Thanks for your advice👍

[Darren Summers]

Hi Kevin,

I believe that’s sound advice. I think I’m going to end up out of pocket on this one so, going forward I’ll be adopting your acceptance of terms.

Isn’t it utterly rubbish that you have to protect yourself about every single issue? It gets to the point that the incidentals are way more work than actually wrapping the vans!

Thanks for your input, it’s definitely helpful and hopefully will help others too.

[Darren Summers]

Hi David,

Thanks for replying.

I simply don’t know if the door locks were like it. The locksmith said ‘your garden fence posts are fine – until the first wind storm and they fall over’ The customer will argue it was fine when we took it to them – so, I felt obliged to put them right?

I’ll have to look into the insurance and see what it covers.

[Darren Summers]

We buy it each year and sell (with permission from Impact) the previous years edition on eBay.
Get it on, they soon sell.

[Darren Summers]

Pretty sure Brian lives in Australia and the day to day running of impact has been taken over by someone based in the UK. Both links that yourself and Hugh have posted are for the same product – just branded differently.

I have the 2021 Impact library and the branding has been updated.

[Darren Summers]

Sorry, should’ve bern clearer. A hand held router.