Help choosing cutter and software

15dSurveyor

Hey all,
I'm looking to purchase a vinyl cutter and software. I race Gokarts and I'm just looking to do numbers and basic designs for my self and some friends.
Any tips or ideas on what to look for? What to stay away from. Any used units? Number of print would be around 8-12".
Thanks Anthony.

15dSurveyor

Size of the numbers would be max 12" tall

15dSurveyor

Good talk! Lol

Inside Out

I would recommend the Graphtec or Vinyl Express (same machine rebranded for signwarehouse) in a 24" or 30" model. I know your only doing 12" letters but 24" and 30" material is most common and usually well stocked at suppliers.

Wildgoose

I second Inside's thought on size. 24" minimum. Everyone always thinks they only need a small machine and then in two weeks they have buyers remorse. I started out with a pretty cheap cutter. Chinese made called a P-Cut. Stepper motors and lots of static electricity. I survived with it for a couple years but ohhh so love my Summa. If you go the budget cutter route just don't pick the bottom of the barrel. Even a few steps up the ladder makes a difference. Graphic is one of the best brands out there and a real good bang for the buck if you consider resale values. You might keep your eye out for a good price on a used one. They are tough enough to hold up for years of service and you can get parts for them. The Chinese models are more if a dice roll and are NOT something to buy used.

claybrick

I recommend Graphtec as well. What size did you get though?

15dSurveyor

I still haven't purchased one.