[Warren Beard]

Awesome thanks Rob, I’ll get in touch with them cheers.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks guys, it does look great and we do prefer the print and cut option as it allows us to be more flexible even though we have the Kongsberg.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks guys that’s great

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob

Yes you’re correct and will possibly be using both options but majority will be acrylic neons so this suits us best for ease and speed. Just need that 6mm bit lol 😉

[Warren Beard]

No that special “T” shaped milling bit creates the groove in the acrylic that the beading “clips” in to. We’ve made one up and works great, better IMO than the complete unit like in your video but we can’t do in house because we can’t source the 6mm shaft to fit our machine.

I’m speaking to The supplier you mentioned to see what they can do to help.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob

Images attached of the 2 part neon, the top beading fits in to a routed groove as per the specific milling bits as pictured, these milling bits don’t seem to come in a 6mm shaft and our Kongsberg only accepts 6mm.

Hope that makes more sense.

[Warren Beard]

and me please Rob 😉

[Warren Beard]

**** SOLD ****

[Warren Beard]

no trades sorry, need the space.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Graham and Chris, we use Perspex so will also get in touch with them as that may be a great help for us as we get started.

Thanks guys.

[Warren Beard]

Well I had the demo yesterday and at the end of it signed on the dotted line. The CMYUK team are great too. There is no doubt in my mind this will help speed up production, improve quality and vastly expand the range of products we can sell and manufacture in house.

I just have to wait for it to arrive now 😉

Thanks for all the replies

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks guys, I’m seeing it tomorrow but I have been for a demo at AXYS for a CNC and also to Zund so have decided a cutting table will suit us a lot better than a dedicated CNC. The ESKO seems a really good middle of the range machine but at £90k it’s nice just to hear other users experience but I know ESKO is a really good machine and am happy to go with it.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks everyone, we ended up with the Illustrator plug in which actually works really well and are happy with it.

[Warren Beard]

****** SOLD *******

[Warren Beard]

Hi Guys

These are quiet expensive as will be looking at a lot and to buy them retail doesn’t make sense, really need to find it in rolls from a manufacturer or trade supplier etc.

An online company uses it for their pictures and they seem to be selling a lot of them with this tape on for a good few years now so there must be something out there.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob

It’s potentially going to be quite a few so ideally looking for these or something very similar cheers.

Hope all’s well mate

Warren

[Warren Beard]

We use ShopVox and went for it after an awful experience with Clarity and after finally getting a demo it was far too complicated and super expensive, I’m sure it’s brilliant with tons of add ons and features but for me was too much. ShopVox was simpler and a lot cheaper so gave it a go. It’s been 3 years and it’s great and all my staff love it too and there’s several of us using it.

The negatives of ShopVox is yes there are some areas that are not customisable but doesn’t cause much of a problem or none at all actually. Also the initial help of getting started and support isn’t great, the people are nice enough and are helpful but found they struggled a bit with some of my questions and requests so I had to spend more time figuring things out myself and trial and error but think it helped a lot in the long run as it’s so simple to do things now.

I spent probably 3-4hrs a day for about 6 weeks to get it about 90% complete and we switched straight over from paper jobs to digital jobs in 1 day with no real hiccups or problems as I had put the work in beforehand, you can start it very simply in a very short space of time but then it’s sort of defeating the purpose I think of using these sort or programs so I entered everything in and calculated all out costs etc and build all the products I needed before I trained my guys and went live, 6 weeks I think (and was told) is very good and I even taught and suggested things to the developers.

I would totally recommend it to any company who wants to go paperless.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks David, will give them a try.

Not sure why it’s so hard for any of these suppliers to quote, William Smith just said no, Ashby said no, Signfab just taking forever to actually advise, Applelec kept quoting the wrong thing! :bangshead: :bangshead: :bangshead:

quote David Hammond:

NCS Trade?

[Warren Beard]

Anybody else know of any other companies that could fabricate one of these?

Not having much joy currently.

[Warren Beard]

Hi David

Thanks for the info it’s much appreciated. We have done some PPF already on a few vehicles with good results but not a full wrap and have one coming in. We’ve been looking to get a trainer in to our location as a one to one intense training. As this side of our business is picking up a lot I want my installer to have some more training to help overcome those tricky areas and improve speed.

I’ll look in to these brands as mentioned and thanks again for taking the time to share you experience.

Cheers
Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks David, Hexis is who we usually use but looking for some alternatives [emoji16][emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

Different times then, strange how things change so much over the years but good to see old faces return [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

I have a different make so can’t comment on quality etc but in terms of having one as a piece of equipment I would say 100% yes. After your printer and laminator probably the next best piece of kit you will own.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Mark, I got that colour but just wanted to make sure it’s accurate and not just the same name 😉 do you know if it’s accurate to the paint colour?

[Warren Beard]

Worse company I’ve ever dealt with and will never spend another penny with them either. I’d go as far as saying their behaviour was disgusting in how they do business. Let this be a warning to all.

[Warren Beard]

We use Xero and yes syncs no problem. You can export to CSV and then import. If it worked that way for the short term I would look to implement sooner rather than later.

It does take 4-8 weeks to build a comprehensive system but it is worth it.

quote Luke Culpin:

quote Warren Beard:

We been using ShopVOX since November and is very good and reasonably priced. We are completely paperless now and all my staff are glad we changed to it.

Hey Warren, does your accounts package link in with shopvox? I currently use sage which doesn’t integrate at the moment, but should do in the near future. That’s the only stage that is keeping me from going paperless!

Another couple of great features Hugh is that the quoting system also works very well for clothing too! You can also set like to do tasks, so if for example a customer calls and they want you to visit to measure up, you can leave yourself a task and you will keep getting reminded about it until it’s completed!

[Warren Beard]

No was never impressed with Clarity and was very expensive, been using printed job sheets we designed for years but took the plunge to give ShopVOX a try and was a great decision.

quote Andrew O Brien:

Warren am I right in thinking you were using clarity?

[Warren Beard]

We been using ShopVOX since November and is very good and reasonably priced. We are completely paperless now and all my staff are glad we changed to it.

[Warren Beard]

It is an incredible place, heading out to the show now so will keep my eyes out for Rob [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

We made one like this a while back, just laser cut hands with nut and bolt through it.

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[Warren Beard]

Needs to fit into a rail that accepts 6mm-12mm boards and need to be very robust

[Warren Beard]

I’ve still got them

[Warren Beard]

A few of us going Tuesday as enjoy the quieter atmosphere and the sales guys are still excited [emoji38]

[Warren Beard]

Hello Dave [emoji869] you still on my Xbox friend list [emoji23]

[Warren Beard]

quote Chris Windebank:

might be a worth a look here, it is USA but…
https://www.pidplates.us/

That looks just the ticket Chris, many thanks and hope you’re well.

[Warren Beard]

quote David Stevenson:

What about getting mdp to cut some for you out of acrylic?

Need to be as close to the real thing as possible, they are available in other sizes and finishes etc, it’s an £80k car so needs to be right but appreciate the response.

[Warren Beard]

Hybrid advised against it as well as it costs thousands to do so [emoji848]

[Warren Beard]

quote Colin Bland:

Thanks Warren – wasn’t it the sign group I read about a while back that was receiving bad press?

Not that I’ve heard, I’ve never had a problem with them, they not the cheapest but the quality and service has always been good.

[Warren Beard]

The Sign Group do a painted pvc letter that is quite good, these are 50mm thick which is 2 layers of 25mm PVC.

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[Warren Beard]

Laminated vinyl print required, Venture don’t do it.

[Warren Beard]

quote Hugh Potter:

Hi Warren,
Try Kushy Face, James from 101 is there and they’ve helped me out a lot on a current job, they may be able to help you..
j@kushyface.co.uk

Cheers Hugh, they cannot print 1800mm so still looking for a trade printer who can print this wide if anybody can help?

cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

quote Colin Crabb:

They look like ones from Ralawise to me

https://shop.ralawise.com/products/aa05 … -1403.aspx

Those aren’t too bad but are cotton knit and not the lightweight mesh but could be an alternative if can’t find the mesh ones.

Thanks

[Warren Beard]

We have the 120, was the newest ink when we purchased so asked for it as had hoped would be superior. Have had endless problems with it and still not 100% happy, if had to chose again would probably have gone with the 150 as have also heard that it’s probably the best one (for what we do any way)

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob and Phill, yes individual letters to replace existing, they actually the Matt black ones on the Land Rover and seen others but don’t know if you can buy the letters as needed or will be bespoke.

I’ll check the eBay ones and possibly paint if can’t find any ready finished.

Thanks guys

[Warren Beard]

Welcome Andrew [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

I just have logo and a web address on the back, 5 vehicles all looking the same, brand identity and awareness trumps lots of info.

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[Warren Beard]

Thanks Colin, thanks Andy. [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

Thanks David [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

And you’re more than likely to damage the wrap when removing the cut vinyl on top making the exercise pointless and then having the hassle of removing the wrap anyway which as mentioned will be difficult.

[Warren Beard]

Welcome John [emoji112] we’re sort of just down the road from you in Twyford.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Derek [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob, really appreciate. Will chat to WS and see what they can do thanks [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

Awesome thanks guys

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Kevin

[Warren Beard]

You can get block out vinyl, there’s also bus wrap vinyl from Metamark which has black adhesive.

[Warren Beard]

Ordered off Signgeer as apparently can’t order direct so gone via signgeer but they said would take a while to arrive. We ordered a few weeks ago so hopefully soon and would presume they will be ordering a stock load and not just our small order.

Will keep you updated

[Warren Beard]

We got some on order so will let you know when they arrive [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

Thanks I’ll take a look [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

We have an air to air in offices and print room but in the fitting bay just a space heater and some small IR heaters for spot heating. We only heat the room when we have a vehicle in. It’s gas.

[Warren Beard]

It’s a Clarke, huge one [emoji23]

[Warren Beard]

Will give them a call as not found anything online at all.

[Warren Beard]

Printer calibration but always found slight discrepancies anyway which is why you should always allow enough bleed.

[Warren Beard]

Many thanks guys, will try these suggestions [emoji106]

[Warren Beard]

quote Pane Talev:

http://www.ashbytrade.net

They only do 76mm, the panels are only 300x100mm so need to be 50mm

[Warren Beard]

You’re talking about another whole business entirely and therefore should treat it like a business. Make an investment in to the right kit to supply the service and then sell it, if you can’t do either of those then don’t do it at all. I’ve been in both positions and offered it as a service and outsourced everything, after about 3 months I stopped as was not worth the hassle and stress with not being able to offer a product and service I wanted to offer. A year or two later invested £60k to have a competitive set up and was breaking even within the year, 5 years on as even though it’s a sideline business to our signage business it’s still a business and we treat it that way and is now nicely profitable.

Go with a service contract, try XCS who are good. It takes all the worry away from a machine that not only is very important to have running and running well but as David mentioned it can get very expensive if not on a contract.

Good luck

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks guys, been looking at Appogee which is a gmail app and looks good.

Rob what fingerprint system do you have and does it work well? This might be something I have to look in to in the future [emoji57]

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob, that would be great :thumbsup:

[Warren Beard]

ALL information is stored on our job sheets, colours used for cut vinyl, media and profiles used for print, what laminate, sizes. qty, what fixings we used etc etc. We very often pull previous job sheets to check what was used on the last job they ordered so we can ensure consistency and check for any notes etc pertaining to the job or customer. We could risk it and only keep 2 years historical records but if we can get it digitised then we have the security of retaining our information.

Just this morning it arose that part of a repeat job we do that one of the elements had been discontinued and we had printed it, we make a note on the job sheet so when it gets repeated again we don’t print it again, if we simply delete it from the artwork file it could then cause confusion on the repeat as a file will be missing and we probably won’t know why. The notes on the job sheet will eliminate confusion, and errors saving time and money. We are a team of 9 all working closely together so if information like this isn’t captured then the same mistakes will always happen wether it’s how we print it or what fixings we use it will cost time and money if not done right.

So back to a scanner 😉 I’ll keep looking then 😆

[Warren Beard]

Hi David

Yes we can definitely do all this (and by the way we don’t have clarity) I wouldn’t want to tie up our production Xerox doing all this though and is still quiet laborious doing it this way and if it went wrong then those files would be lost amongst 1000’s of others.

I wish it was as easy as it is in my head 😆

I’ve looked at both Clarity and ShopVox, don’t want to hijack my own thread but wasn’t sold on either when our system is so simple and easy and clear and fast, it’s just the filing that’s a bit crap so if we can digitise and bin the hard copies then it’s all good for us for many more years.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks guys

yes we have a large Xerox but as you say just tons of files but we want them in folders with the job number. Our job sheets will have all the details of the job as well as site visit forms, signed proofs and bits and pieces so some would be one page and some might be several pages and each need their own folder numbered using the job number.

It’s not something a skilled computer worker will be doing so needs to be very basic, had hoped there would be a function to enter a name or number and then scan how ever many docs you needed to scan, then press complete and would save all those scans in to a folder using the name/number you first entered and then do the next etc. Seems super simple doesn’t it 😆 :shake:

I’ll keep looking, seems so simple and surprised it’s not a basic function to be honest.

Thanks guys

Warren

[Warren Beard]

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] you know me well James [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] yes was a massive job and ordered 11 rolls as there was still some doors to follow which have now been cancelled hence 100m sitting here doing nothing [emoji53] it’s a lot of money tied up so want to shift it.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob, yes want a proper professional company who will do all the checks and tick all the boxes. I saw a van once sign written with post hole diggers or something but when googling I can’t seem to find anything. I’ll keep looking thanks.

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob

Lol good idea, still taking some getting used to having this machine that can do almost anything 😂 We can direct print and cut/v-groove 😉

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Graham

[Warren Beard]

EcoSol Max 2

[Warren Beard]

No we don’t, the only lifting is the overlap and not on the paint itself.

[Warren Beard]

Awesome thanks Rob, yes perfect for our Konsberg which is why I’m keen to try this so thanks for the link, I’ll give them a shout.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob, yeah we have ordered a few 40mm rollers as we’ve also had roller marks from the rubber before so got a few to try. We also have those slitters which are great, I think my fitters just need a little training to do a better job.

Thanks again

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hi David

Thanks for your reply, that’s who we got our last batch from and have already ordered another batch from them, they have a new technology which is suppose to be better and can also order smaller qty’s. they have always been good to work with so I can recommend the company.

Thanks for your reply

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob

Thanks as always for your detailed reply and this is exactly where we are right now and testing this to see if it helps. We are trying with and without heat as again the supplier said heat is not necessary but we need to find a solid solution so trying multiple things to see how each perform.

Hopefully these tests lead to a final solution once and for all.

Many thanks

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Textured, but this shouldn’t cause this … as per the supplier and their data sheet and their installation specs also say overlap in acceptable, they don’t know why and say they have not seen it before but we get it every time.

We are using Genuine Roland inks too

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hi Graham

It’s high tack, reposition fabric wall paper. We always used to use the standard one and then these issues began, the supplier suggested we use the high tack version and we are still having the issues even with a higher tack, they said they have not seen this issue before but we seem to be getting it on every job. It’s worse on darker colours but we can’t seem to solve it and it’s beginning to cost us a lot in time, money and reputation 🙁

Thanks for your reply though.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Jean 😳

[Warren Beard]

Dave you genius …….. come up with an idea and let others iron out the details lol

unfortunately we won’t be trying it 😂

ITC have however said they are happy to grind down an existing tool … cost is more than the tool itself and don’t yet know how long each will last but it could be the way to get started so we will see.

Once I’ve sussed it I’ll update.

Cheers for the reply though 😉

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob, not sure if these will work as think it’s a bit more specific then just a T groove as the beading edges fit snuggly into the groove but it doesn’t hurt to try. You never know they could just be selling these as a “special” tool so they can sell it themselves at a higher markup so is worth a try 😉

Cheers Rob

[Warren Beard]

Applelec

[Warren Beard]

Hey Martin, yeah time catches up with all of us 🤣 All’s good and still growing and still asking questions 😉

Hope you’re well and going strong 👊

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob 👍

[Warren Beard]

That looks good, thanks Rob. Trust you’re well and busy as always.

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob, I’ll get in touch with them and ask.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hey Hugh, hope you well, yeah it’s grown a bit lol.

This one doesn’t have the silicone beading like the Venture option but thanks for responding.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks John, I have already tried Paul and he’s helping source something if possible but nothing readily available.

cheers

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Shane, that’s almost exactly what I need but I need a thicker foam version so it will suit most wall surfaces, this one is for paper and card but Im getting closer 😉

Cheers mate

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob, that picture is their actual sample so unbranded tape and they defiantly promote repositonable. I’m yet to test it myself but they state it on the website and show it in the promo videos. It’s foam centred board so extremely light.

There must be something out there, I can import a container load but surely somebody knows it and has some ….. fingers crossed lol.

cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Will try them thanks

[Warren Beard]

Tried them first 😉 and a few others, they all looking and trying to help.

[Warren Beard]

Hi John, I’ll get my sales guy to give you a call on Tuesday thanks.

[Warren Beard]

Hi Rob, yes customer request, the a University and want as much “green” items as possible so think they will be prepared to pay but just trying to find somebody to supply and install for us. There is currently power there although it’s road side and a 1/4 mile from the premises, there’s lots of space for a few panels so thought more panels would help, the panels don’t have to be on the sign and can be installed nearby but they do want a green solution which is why they asked for solar.

Cheers

[Warren Beard]

Cheers Rob, that’s exactly where we are right now, wanting to keep more in house, speed up production of what we do and add some extra lines we been avoiding as I didn’t want to bother about outsourcing. I’ve been to see AXYZ before so aware of them and their offerings so meeting up with them for a chat soon.

Thanks for your feedback as always and hope all is well with you guys.

Cheers

Warren

[Warren Beard]

Thanks Rob