Graphtech Vs. Designtech

[kilerb]

Hi there, I've been looking at 24 inch plotters and I've been reading these forums. I've learned a lot from the posts. It seems that Roland, Summa, and Graphtech are the way to go and to stay away from the Chinese models. I also read on here that the Designtech 60 is actually a Graphtech plotter. If that's true it sure seems like a great value at the signsupplystore.com for only $850. I really wanted to stay at $999 or so. Seems like the 24" plotters that actually have the name brands listed above are about $1600-1700. Can I get any opinions on this? Is the Designtech not as good as a plotter with the name graphtech actually on it? Also, I read that it works with Corel but not Illustrator. I'm using this for T-shirts primarily with vinyl text on them and right now I use Adobe Photoshop for everything I do. Would I be able to make it work with that program somehow? Thanks for any advice in advance, I appreciate it! :)

[Prism1]

I can tell you I have had my Graphtec for 10 Years...NOT 1 problem...knock on my wooden head.

[iSign]

Also, I read that it works with Corel but not Illustrator. I'm using this for T-shirts primarily with vinyl text on them and right now I use Adobe Photoshop for everything I do. Would I be able to make it work with that program somehow? Thanks for any advice in advance, I appreciate it! :)

No!

all plotters cut from "vector" files. Photoshop is not a vector based program. While it may have remote similarities in the use of paths... Photoshop is a pixel based program & will most likely never be suitable for outputting graphics to any vinyl cutting device.

Illustrator is an excellent program that interfaces well with photoshop, & one you would find easier to learn if you already know Photoshop. There is at least one program that works with Illustrator to output Illustrator files to a cutter. Magi-Sign is one, & I think Sign-Post may be another. There is also a program that works to drive Gerber Edge print & cut technology from Illustrator.

As for the Designtech... I have no idea, but if you search out Howard Kieper, he is a member here & also a representative from Graphtec. He would have the facts straight.

I have a entry level graphtec & it has been a real workhorse for 8 years. It still runs like new. When it did have a sensor go out, I just called Howard & got another one sent out for $40. I'd think the extra money would be well worthwhile if you get a different machine. Most things in life, you get what you pay for... but if a Designtech is the same thing with a different sticker.. then I would have to look at that too.

Good luck!

oh yeah... I found Howards profile for you:
http://www.signs101.com/forums/member.php?userid=2751

[njsigns]

I also read on here that the Designtech 60 is actually a Graphtech plotter. If that's true it sure seems like a great value at the signsupplystore.com for only $850. I really wanted to stay at $999 or so.

I asked the same question about a year ago:

http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3776

In your price range, you may be able to pick up a Roland Stika 15". I started out with that machine. It worked out well for what I was doing at the time. It has since been sold, after a few solid years of service, and I bought another Roland, the GX 24.

I'm using this for T-shirts primarily with vinyl text on them and right now I use Adobe Photoshop for everything I do. Would I be able to make it work with that program somehow? Thanks for any advice in advance, I appreciate it! :)

I too was strictly photoshop, and the transition from photoshop to illustrator wasn't easy for me. The problem for me wasn't I didn't understand vectors, it was more that the interface looked so much alike, and didn't perform the same functions (may I recommend Mastering Illustrator CS - great tutorials....). Anyway, the Roland Stika comes with Dr.Stika Plus, which with some seriously large files you can import bitmaps and they will cut fine (I had success at 600 dpi at the actual size you want to cut). Now you will need Ram and Patience!

As far as cutting vinyl for shirts, I suppose you mean Thermoflex or something like it. Here is the downside - I never had success cutting through thermoflex (I believe it was Thermoflex Plus - which may be thicker - I don't know for sure). I didn't try too many times in fear I would break my Stika. I have heard of others having no problems, but I personally tried a new blade, and blade depth with no real success. It would cut most of the way through, and in places through the liner.

You might also want to take a look at this thread, especially the bottom 2 posts:

http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25426


Well I hope this information is of some use...

Gene

[Howard Keiper]

Doug's info is mostly correct.
Graphtec does manufacture cutters for both SSK (the Designtec, as you have observed) and Sign Wherehouse. There may be more around the world that I'm not aware of. In any case, these machines are built to provide their respective customers a quality of manufacture better than can be had from the Chinese or Tiwan built units which are certainly adequate, but not Graphtec quality. Having said that, it is also true that although we build the machines, they are not the same as their same-size counterparts in the Graphtec line feature for benefit, nor do they wear the Graphtec label. There is no way that the Designtec can or should be compared to the CE3000 mk II though it may have similar skin. Ditto the S/W Vinyl Express machines. OEM units lose all Graphtec identity including warranty responsibility and Graphtec does not service them.
To be sure, they are very good machines and well worth a look, but they are not Graphtec twins.

All Graphtec units ship with software plug-ins to allow cutting from Illustrator (to and including CS2); and Corel (to and including 12, at the moment).

Howard Keiper

[iSign]

wow... thats cool.. software plug-ins to cut from illustrator??

will my old CE 1000-60 be able to use one of those plug-ins? Can I get one? how much?

[kilerb]

Thanks for all the input. So the Designtech won't have the same warranty and tech help that a Graphtech has, but do you think the quality is comparable? Do you think there are major differences? It is HALF the price of a Graphtech and that would really help me out.

I believe the type of material that is used for the tees is called Hotmark 70. Or there is another softer feeling one called hot flock which is fuzzy. Anyone ever have issues cutting this material with certain brands of cutters?

By the way, I believe Adobe Photoshop CS2 uses vector graphics. I'm only using it for text. I have Illustrator and can learn how to make a text file very easily there too I'm sure, just know that the fonts on Photoshop are vector based too.

Thanks again!

[iSign]

I just opened the box for my CS2 suite last week & haven't played around with it much... but I think you are correct to some degree... BUT what will you do with that vector information? You still need a program that can communicate with your plotter.

Yes, I think the quality is comparable... if you compare them, the real graphtec is better! Major differences? ...well, based on using mine to MAKE money for 8 years... the additional cost is negligible, and the "costs" of cutting corners now... could be far greater over time. Besides, back to that other question.. what program will you be sending your vectors from? will the half-price fake graphtec also come with Illustrator plug-ins?

[WVB]

What SSK has told me about the differences is:

Design = 4 settings
Graphtec = 8 settings
The speed is slowed down quite a bit from the Graphtec as well as less downforce with the Design.

[kilerb]

I just called Sign Supply Store (I know, that would've been a great first step heheh) and asked their sales person what the difference was. This is what he said... I guess my question is now, will these differences make a difference to me, someone who is just making text tees with Hotmark 70?

The differences in the Graphtec CE3000MK2-60 and the DesignTech 60 are follows.

Graphtec has:

1.) Tangential cutting

2.) 8 user presets

3.) Automatic registration mark sensors

4.) Cuts at 24 inches per second

These are the only differences between the machines. Everything else is the same.

[WVB]

The Graphtec's have True Tangential cutting or is it Tangential Software Immulation? The only plotters I know of that offer both software and True Tangential cutting are the Summa's.

[Howard Keiper]

The quality is comparable (SSK vs CE3000) within limits. The CE will, for the difference in price, as you noted, be a bit more robust...but they are both made by Graphtec...and that alone sells either.
As kilerb notes, the feature set is markedly different and sets the CE apart from all other 24" cutters on the market...period.
Tangential control is a concept; different companies execute that in different ways. Summa likes to call their method "true"; we don't....not in our vinyl cutters, anyway...we do use hardware and firmware versions in one of our flatbeds, the FC3600. One is not superior to another any more than a carburator is superior to fuel injection in a car.

Doug,Yes, Cutting Master will work well in a CE1000 or 2000, and retails for $200. It's free with a CE3000...e-mail me about this, ok?

hk

[WVB]

One is not superior to another any more than a carburator is superior to fuel injection in a car.

So that I understand this a tangential machine (one motor for which turns the knife 360) is not supior to a tangential software immulation (drag knife) machine? I would find that some what hard to believe hk. If you could shed some light on this I myself would be greatful. Thanks in advance.

[kilerb]

I know this is probably a dumb question, but if I'm just making text images for tees on the Designtech 60, will I be able to use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator right out of the box? I'm just so used to printers and if the drivers are there, they work with any program. From what I've been reading, this is different?

[Howard Keiper]

I can't say what software complement ships with Designtec, if any. Graphtec's ship with both Corel and Illustrator plug in's.

The tangential issue has been debated for years. It's just not necessary for the blade to be manipulated by a motor to keep it oriented into that which is being cut. A drag knife does that rather well. There are some materials that can't depend on swivel action to turn them effectively...leather, fluted materials like e-flute, cardboard carton, thick paint protect film, etc, and for those we do, indeed, use motor or pneumatic means to turn the blade. But for materials normally encountered in signmaking activity from metal-poly to diamond grade, nothing, but nothing beats the Graphtec tangential. I have yet to see any other machine routinely cut perfectly weedable 1/16th" letters in vinyl, Rubylith, or foil. It probably can be done...??

[Techman]

perfectly weedable 1/16th" letters

HEHE!!!

I for one will not be found cutting nor weeding 1/16th letters. And, I would guess about 99.9% of those on this site will not be doing letters this small either.

If lettering has to be that small it will be printed in my shop. If it gets done at all. And just for the record. I cannot see to handle letterign this small anyway.

techman

[kilerb]

How small is 1/16th lettering? I'm making tees and have no idea how small such a thing would be. I would think my lettering would be an inch or two in height.

[Howard Keiper]

It's not that you do..., it's that you can.
hk

[tinysuperbug]

So, the DESIGNTECH 60 Does not have even tangiental emulation of any kind?


Oh, yeah. Hi all, :smile: first post. Been gleaning loads of usefull information for a while though.

[kilerb]

2 questions came to mind. What is this tangiental feature and what does it do for someone? Also, I noticed that most people here are making signs, and I'm making tees. It seems that the type of vinyl used for making tees (Which I believe are hotmark 70 and hotflock?) seem to be sold in 15" width only. I assume it will load into a 24" machine fine, but am I wasting money going with a 24" machine if that's all I'm using it for? I know it will have better resale value, but are their any other benefits in my situation?

Of course, after reading, it seems the 15" machines are as much as the designtech machine in cost anyway. I'm so confused. :)

[Howard Keiper]

Easy question first. If you can be comfortable with the price of a 24" machine, ANY 24" machine, buy it. It is the most versatile of cutters...well, maybe 30" would vie for 2nd. Go for quality though, don't throw your investment away.

Tangential control will allow you to cut many materials that defy cutting by simply pulling a knife through them...around tight curves or acute angles, for instance; or by eliminating the entry wound in otherwise continuous lines like circles or fonts and figures that have no convenient hard corner to start the knife. This is particularly true if cutting really tough, thick materials like sandblast resist. Hartco stencil is a good example of material that is very difficult to cut because it's so firm; but the results are nothing short of sensational when done right, and that means vectors that join perfectly no matter how acute, and that is done only with tangential control, with or without motor.

[GraphXMagic]

Cough it up....buy a Graphtec and save yourself headaches later on down the road.

Great machine, Great Price! Well worth the little extra now compared to some repair costs later.

[kilerb]

GraphXMagic... Here's the thing about coughing up for a $1700 machine.

I make tees right now. That's what I do. I'm buying this so I can make custom text tees without the hassle of going to a screen printer. If I come up with an idea, I can experiment and see how it sells without placing a huge order for a batch of shirts. Right now I primarily use xfer paper for photo tees, and i think that will still be my primary biz. So, would you drop $1700 on a machine that you're just making text tees with? Especially if i can get that designtech which is a graphtech with less features?

The only question i have it will it handled very detailed text? Cursive writing for example? I didn't know what you guys meant by it would need that one feature to do very acute angles. It seems that text would have lots of acute angles in it. Don't want to buy something that won't work right for text tees. Thanks again!

[learned the hard way]

I have never owned a Graphtec or a Designtec...I have a Roland and a Vinyl Express. My thinking is this...If the Designtec was designed to cut vinyl, then it will cut the Hotmark material. I have used the Thermoflex (which is another brand of t-shirt lettering material) and my VE cut it just fine. As to whether the Designtec will last 10 years, as I've heard the Graphtecs do, I couldn't say. But in answer to the question about whether it will cut t-shirt material properly (sharp curves, angles, etc.), yes I believe it will. I don't believe a reputable company like Graphtec would manufacture a machine, even sold under a different brand name, that wouldn't do a simple job like that.

Why don't you call SSK again and see if you can speak to a tech, not a salesperson. Tell them what you want to use the machine for and see what they say.

[kilerb]

That's a good idea... Thanks!

[Checkers]

Kilerb,
here's something to think about...
Are you going to get this type of support from the Designtech? Being able to post a question to a bulletin board and have it answered within a short period of time proved to be invaluable when when my former employers plotter crapped out.
When I posted my problem on another board, Howard stepped up to the plate and got me back up and running. Try to get that kind of service on a plotter that was about 9 years old at the time and way out of warranty.

Thanks again Howard!

Checkers

[Howard Keiper]

kilerb...

GO FOR IT.

Sure, it'll do just what you want.

hk

[kilerb]

I went for it. Should be here in about 4 business days. Thanks to everyone for their advice. I appreciate it!

[learned the hard way]

Good luck and keep us posted on how the machine works for you. When I bought my Vinyl Express years ago, I did all the research I could, but had no real people to talk to. Except for salespeople. They all invariably tell you the machine you're interested in is a "workhorse"...they must be taught to use that word at sales training seminars. Anyway, I took a chance and bought it and it's been a great machine for about 7 years now. I hope you have the same luck with yours.

[kilerb]

Thank you very much, that was very nice of you to say.

I'm going to have 0 clue on how to set this thing up to cut properly... Are there many adjustments needed to cut through the top layer and not the bottom? It won't just work out of the box right?

[bob]

Thank you very much, that was very nice of you to say.

I'm going to have 0 clue on how to set this thing up to cut properly... Are there many adjustments needed to cut through the top layer and not the bottom? It won't just work out of the box right?

It comes with the blade in a little box, assuming it ships like a Graphtec. You have to install the blade in the holder and adjust the blade height. It's really no big deal and, after you do it a couple of times, you can do it in your sleep.

Again, assuming that this is a Graphtec wearing another hat, it has an actual function to set the blade height. It doesn't work worth spit but it will get you into the ball park.

[Howard Keiper]

The Graphtec 7000's have the feature Bob alludes to and he's right about the usefullness of it, but the CE's never did and I doubt if the Designtec will have it....and that's good. The best thing you can do is to do a test cut...lots of test cuts, in fact, and get to know what the correct blade extension FEELS like. You'll be pleasantly surprised just how easy it is to set it correctly every time by touch.

[kilerb]

Okay, I'll do that. Once it is set will I be able to pretty much keep it there from that point on? What if I change the media type? Will that make me more likely to have to adjust it? If I stick with the same media type will it be good to go forever? Thanks! (P.S. Tracking number came through and it will be here Monday the 10th!)

[tinysuperbug]

Howard -

Does the Designtech have tangiental emulation?

I'm needing a cutter soon, and don't really have the cash to swing the graphtec that I'd like (fc7000) hopefully I'll be able to upgrade and keep the Designtech as a backup, but I don't want a cutter that cant keep my edges sharp.

[Howard Keiper]

I don't think the Designtech has tangential control...I could be wrong. The CE's do, however.

I have to say that I'm not at all sure that the knife assembly is the same as the standard Graphtec design...I imagine it is. No matter, you'll find yourself tweaking the force and extension until you're satisfied, and then you'll probably stay with that combination. It's a lazy way to cut but seems like everyone does it that way...with varying degrees of success.

[Jackpine]

GraphTec CE3000 mk2 has a ops and tangiental emulation. I'm told by SSK tech guys the FC 7000 is true tangiental. I have a CE 3000 mk2 and it cuts very good. It is a great value for the price. I paid $1500.00 at SSK. I contour cut printed graphics printed on my PrintTech ( Mutoh outdoor JR ). SSK tech support is some of the best I have used.

[Jackpine]

SSK has the Designtech 24" cutter for $850.00. How could anyone wanting to cut vinyl go wrong. It is a drag knife cutter made by Graphtec. No OPS and less settings.

[tinysuperbug]

ok, support at SSk has said that the Designtech has no tangiental abilities, but that it will cut sharp edges just fine.

I'm seriously considering it as a starter, and later as a backup. Any thoughts? Anyone think I'll run into problems?

I thought that you had to have some tangiental mode or you'd end up with rounded edges and the like.

Anyone with field experience on one of these?

Help?

[Howard Keiper]

Normal vinyl cutting will be a breeze. You'll have difficulty if you go sandblast mask over 10 mill or so, ditto engineering grade reflectives. Otherwise, enjoy! You'll like it.

[GraphixCALC]

I have a SummaCut D60 and as far as I know it does not have tangential emulation. I do cut sandblast masking from time to time, up to 25 mil, and it cuts it fine using the 60 degree blade. I've cut some things with some very wispy, tight contours, and they are sharp and well defined. That being said, I'm not sure how much better the tangential cutting is in practice, but mine works fine for what I've thrown at it so far in the last 3 years.

[Howard Keiper]

I think you're probably right. I believe the D-60 may be a more powerful machine anyway....and I admit to being prejudiced in favor of that particular feature.
hk

[Techman]

But a graphtec,, and then later,, if something ever happens whre you dotn want it any more.. Someone will buy your slightly used high end machine and pay u a handsome sum for it..

Buy a unknown machine and you may get lucky to find a buyer for it that will give you a reasonable amount..

[Jackpine]

Graphtec CE3000 mk2 has a ops and is tangiental. For the money you would not go wrong. SSK has the CE3000 Mk2 priced real good and with their vinyl cutter bundle it is loaded with cutting software and tons of clipart. This cutter is fast and very accurate. Cuts corners clean. I had a Roland, a very good cutter but this one is way better. A great first cutter.

[hammered]

http://www.signs101.com/forums/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/hammerworx/Picture.jpg%5B/IMG%5DI have the Designtech 60 and the ONLY downside to my partners Graphtec is the lack to contour cut from a printer. My Designtec doesnt have the "eyes" for seeing the registar marks. The speed and pressure adjustments are better than most of the models to compare it to. Mine was also a package deal so I recieved Cibercat's Cibercut Max 5.5 and I love the software. SSK has great customer service so there isnt a feeling of "there ya go now go away" Hope that helps. And Im not sure if this answers your questions on tight, sharp edges when cutting but the image is only about 3 inches across.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/hammerworx/Picture.jpg
http://www.signs101.com/forums/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/hammerworx/Picture.jpg%5B/IMG%5D

[tinysuperbug]

Thanks all, looks like we're going to start with the designtech.

And thank you so much for that visual Hammered. That helped tons.:U Rock:

[Jackpine]

I used a drag knife Ronand PNC 1000 for 14 years and cut everything I need, sandblast, vinyl, metallecs ect. Just use sharp blades and protect the cutting strip from damage and you will be OK. Hammered is right on about SSK.

[kilerb]

Hey guys, just set up the designtech... I'm reading the manual, but right now at this point I'm clueless on a few things.

1. Did I make the blade stick out of the plunger too much or too little?
2. I'm in corel draw and have no idea how to tell the unit to just cut around the text i've created. It's a solid font. Do i need to use an outlined font? I know I need to reverse the image, but I don't know if that's all I have to do.
3. At first it was asking me what type of media i had, i had no clue what to hit, so after it said roll 2 press enter, I did... It put some numbers on the LCD, does that mean it knows what type of media is in there now?

Now the LCD says Cond:1 Tool: Pen Force:12 Speed:30 Quality:2

Thanks, sorry I'm such a newbie at this! :)

[Jackpine]

Pen force 17 speed 20 will give you good clean cutsin 2 to 5 mil vinyl. Set other cond. for other material. I'm not sure of your cutting software but in Corel no fill hairline pen.

[kilerb]

Wow, I'm not even sure how thick this vinyl is. It's the type that you use for Tshirts. It's pretty thin actually. Where in Corel do you tell it those settings? Thanks!

[learned the hard way]

First, make sure you have your graphic selected. Put your cursor over each if the tool icons on the left side of the screen...a little text box will pop up and tell you what each tool is. Go down until you find the fill tool and click it. A flyout will open with several selections in it...hit the X...don't panic when your graphic disappears, it's still there...it just has no fill. Now find the outline tool and in the flyout click on hairline. Thats it.

[Jackpine]

You adjust the blade in the blade holder. Take the blade holder out...adjust the blade by turning the holder. You will see the blade get longer or shorter. You will barely feel the blade sticking out. Take the holder and cut a scrap of the material. Adjust as needed. If you go to SSK web site at the user fourm in the vinyl application there is a very good thread about adjusting the blade. HTM is very thin and the blade sticks out very little.

[ovrcafnatd]

Howard
I am having a FC7000-75 (I think that's the one) shipped to me overnight through Tom Flack (owner) from Creavtive Visual Systems (What a GREAT company...really going the extra mile for me on this). Maybe you are handling this? I know it's coming from CA.

I zapped out our old plotter the other day by touching the display panel...static electricity...I could smell the smoke LOL
it still cuts - I just can't control anything. Have too many jobs on the board for me to mess with it...so I decided on the Graphtec over a Gerber.
The Gerber was nice, but only 24" and I don't have time for the learning curve regarding the Omega software - so Graphtec it is!!!

I was told it will run on Windows 98. Hoping this is the case as we have an older computer dedicated to the plotter and did not want to upgrade at the moment considering everything else. Will this run on Windows 98?
We use Corel 9 and (on that computer) at the moment, but can upgrade to 11 on it, just not 12 or the new x3 since it is 98.
This is one of those last minute - in dire need - purchases...like when the frige goes...so I haven't had any time to research all the facts.

Is there anything you can think of that will hinder me with the software I'm running at the moment?

Not that it would stop the purchase at this point, for I think it may have shipped already :tongue:

and please tell me it at least comes with an extra blade ;) hehe I hope Visual carries the extras cause' I don't even know where to purchase accessories at the moment.

I know so little since it was a quicky decision, I'm also hoping I can
pen plot and possibly pounce.
And hoping since it is a 30" there are 3 pinch wheels?
(now that I see all I've asked, I almost purchased blindly...I trust Tom)

for anyone looking to purchase
I highly suggest contacting Visual Creative Systems
http://www.creativevisualsys.com/
they have gone above and beyond to help me last minute like this.
As you can see in the link - their tag line is
"Service is our number one product" and let me tell you they're not kidding!!

[kilerb]

Thanks, i'm actually nervous about trying this for the first time. If the blade is out too much can it go through the vinyl completely and cut the machine up?

[signage]

Kilerb if the blade is out to far and too much pressure it will cut into the teflon strip that sits under the cutting area. This is a replaceable part. Better to set the blade too Little and adjust out to get correct cut. Get a fellers Gage and use it to get approximate blade depth.

[Howard Keiper]

kilerb....If you can easily see the blade sticking out, you've probably got too much blade sticking out. I'm sure your cutter has a "TEST" function...get friendly with it. It won't take but a minute to learn what the correct setting is.


Leigh....
Sure, the 7000 works with Windows 98.
In the box you'll find a CD or two with the Windows driver; Quick-Cut, which will allow you to cut easily from Corel-9 (through 12, at the moment); and Cutting Master, which will do for Illustrator what Quick-Cut does for Corel. ...also the manual in PDF format. You will get two CB-09U blades. The '-75 has two pinch rollers.
You can plot and pounce.
I think you're going to enjoy your new machine...I do, all the time.
hk

[ovrcafnatd]

Thanks Howard!
We have a tech coming to help set-up
so hopefully I won't have to mess with many settings ;)
I'm not good with that stuff.

Can't wait to get this....excited!
it sure is an upgrade for us.
Thanks for the info.

Leigh

[kilerb]

SUCCESS!!! I just made my first custom text tee! Feels great, just like the shirt. Took awhile to get going, but should be smoother sailing from here on out. I really appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks a lot. Now I have to figure out what else this thing can do besides make tees! :)

[GraphixCALC]

In all reality, you don't have to be overly concerned with the blade protruding too MUCH, but rather too LITTLE. As long as the thing is not sticking WAY out there, the pressure controls how far the knife cuts into the material. At first I thought it was a big deal, but after doing this for a while, I've figured out that it just doesn't make any appreciable difference as long as it is out enough. If it's not out enough, the blade holder drags on the material and you obviously get a crappy cut. Really though, it just needs to be slightly beyond the end of the blade holder for most vinyl, quite a bit more for sandblast. Anyway, congrats on the purchase.

[kilerb]

Thanks a lot, but can't it cut into that protection strip if the blade is out too much?

[GraphixCALC]

Not unless your blade force is too high. The force is the ONLY limiting factor. You don't want the blade just barely out or the blade holder will drag on the media and absorb some of the force that is intended to be used to cut the vinyl. True, it is a pretty fine line here, but the point is that the force setting controls this and NOT the amount you have adjusted out of the holder.

[Fred Weiss]

I wouldn't be that concerned about the cutting strip. It's designed to be what wears out and it will develop a groove in it through normal use. On the issue of the blade depth, my experience is that most cutters will cut slightly deeper in certain directions and on curves. So with just the right force to cut normally, you may see partially cut release liners if your depth is set too deep. Looking in the opposite direction, if your depth is right you can have too much force applied and still get a clean cut.

[kilerb]

Thanks a lot... I do have another question... The guy at the sign warehouse said that the Designtech 60 will only work with Corel Draw. Is there a way around that? Maybe a fix or a driver i could get to make it work in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator? Thanks!

[iSign]

geeez... 2 weeks later I check this post & you're asking that same question again??!!

No!

all plotters cut from "vector" files. Photoshop is not a vector based program. While it may have remote similarities in the use of paths... Photoshop is a pixel based program & will most likely never be suitable for outputting graphics to any vinyl cutting device.

...while my old reply doesn't take into account whatever improvements may exist in Photoshop CS2's ability to begin to scratch the surface of "vectors" I am sure Adobe will never bother competing with their own product, so anyone with Illustrator would USE illustrator for vector work.


I can't say what software complement ships with Designtec, if any. Graphtec's ship with both Corel and Illustrator plug in's.


so with all the information available in advance, you bought the cheaper one that doesn't do what the Graphtec did... & now you want it to do what the Graphtec does? Well, maybe you can get the $200 plug-in from Howard

[kilerb]

Dude, are you just following me from post to post letting yourself get annoyed by everything I write? Man, you are obsessed! LOL... For your information, the nice lady on the other thread gave me a great quick way to export my photoshop files to corel and keep the vector paths that PS created. I guess watching the hours of tutorials was not really needed afterall. Get a hobby besides picking on beginners on forum boards. Just because YOU didn't know how to do the export "paths to illustrator" (Which Corel Draw can read) doesn't mean I shouldn't be on here looking for someone that does know the answer. Obviously it paid off, even after having to read through all of your attacks. Get a life man! LOLOL....

P.S. Howard was one of the few that said the Graphtech would work great for me and my purposes, and guess what, it's perfect... Doing exactly what I wanted, with the old files I had in Photoshop. If it wasn't for inquiring on here, I would not have figured out how to do that by watching the included adobe tutorials that you suggested while being a jerk. I didn't have to recreate all my existing text files and start from scratch in Corel Draw. My guess is that you probably wish I did have to. You've got real issues man, and I would say you should fix them, but it's probably wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too late. Good luck with being happy and learning about how you don't have to insult others to make yourself feel better, like you did on the Corel thread. Unreal...

[Howard Keiper]

kilerb...
This is an ego driven website and everybody needs to be right...and guess what, everybody is, to some extent.
If I've been able to help you, that's great....tell my boss. :-))
You can contact me anytime.
hk

[kilerb]

Hahahah... Gotcha. Thanks for everything. I think you're right about that!

[iSign]

I suppose that the tutorials would have led me to that link with the symbols you showed? LOL... The ones that are in Corel are very thin and did not match the text I was using, which is why I wanted to use my photoshop image, which looked great. It's not cutting great too, no thanks to you since you weren't aware of how to export the paths like a couple others here that helped instead of attacked. You suck man.

"dude"... if you wanted to convince us you were not some young punk... well, I couldn't care less what unique liabilities feed your melodramatic tendencies, but back to the original issue... if you may someday actually proceed out beyond the familiar territory of "the old files you had in Photoshop" ... you have been given information of the best ways to create, or import perfect vector data... and NO... exporting "paths to illustrator" IS NOT THE WAY! It is merely a BAND-AID solution for a crying little boy who has whined about his little problem enough that some sympathy posts have coddled you with this weak link between the wrong place to start, & the right place to end up without the burden of learning even 5 extra minutes of the proper use of computer graphics technology. I mentioned PS "paths" 2 hours after you joined this site, but to expound on short-cut cheats that produce imperfect vectors is not advice I would ever give because it is a cheap substitute true professionals wouldn't accept. When you are ready, watch the tutorials. You will fall by the wayside of irrelevance... or you will choose to suck it up & invest your time in learning your software.

[kilerb]

LOL!!! Melodramatic? I came on here asking questions to solve a problem and you told me to "Go away" and that I was "Clueless." I'm melodramtic?!!? If that's not a 5th grader looking for a fight, I don't know what is... Open your eyes "Dude" and stop throwing names and accusations at me like "young punk" or "crying little boy" when all I did was ask a question, then get shot down by a jerk, then defend myself. You're the aggressive punk/bully that went way over the top because you did not like my forum ettiquette on my 2nd fricken post. You've got issues Doug, and you went way out of your way to attack a perfect stranger. I've never seen so much name calling from someone old enough to be a grandfather. I just hope I'm not as grumpy and in denial of my actions when I hit my golden years. LOL :U Rock:

My software is working great thanks! Band-Aid solution? It's cutting perfect and I'm able to use my old photoshop designs. Seems like you just didn't know how to do this, so you're all pissed off now and calling the solution names just like you do people when you become insecure. Just stop Doug, you may think you're winning, but you're not. You're not going to. You attacked me first and you look like a total jackass doing that to a preshooler on the boards looking for help. I'm sure you use many software titles where you don't need the extent of their features. Would you like it if I attacked you because you only use Microsoft Word for printing envelopes when there are thousands of other uses? I wouldn't do that, because you might not NEED them. I make text tees for got sakes, so stop telling me what I need to learn and not learn. I've got it down and it's working great. I'm not opening a sign shop and your constant pokes on every thread just show that your level of maturity is WAYYY lower than mine.