Does anyone use Tangential cutters.

[Doubletake]

Are they really that much better? We do a fair amount of small detail cutting looking to upgrade. Would it be worth the extra cash?

 

[ProColorGraphics]

After owning one, I wouldn't go back to a drag knife. I think it's a lot better. Especially for smaller stuff.

 

[SightLine]

Love our Summa S160T..... I'd also not be willing to go back to a drag knife now either.

 

[Cross Signs]

I've been running a GS-15 and a 30'' for over twenty years now. Still going strong, and the best type of plotter for cutting sandblast mask.

 

[CrabbyOldGuy]

We have both tangential and drag knife plotters. They both have their place with the tangential being better for small detail. You get straighter lines in small copy. The drag knife is a bit faster just because is doesn't lift as often. On larger images the quality can be a wash.

 

[XtremeXccessories]

Exactly what Crabby said. Tangential is better for small stuff, you'll get less hangups on corners and such, but you'll probably never notice a difference on anything bigger than a few inches. They are quite a bit slower than drag knife, but worth the extra time in my opinion.

 

[Split76]

I have summa s2 140t and s120d, tangential is much better for small and very thick stuff. Tangential is much slower but when my s120d gives up, i'll replace it with t model.

 

[Doubletake]

I find I slow things down to try to get better quality anyhow so it may not be any slower at all.
What about for long runs. I did a graphic 22 feet long and the text all worked out fine but the long stripe running down the middle was off a bit. Is there any brand or cutter that will address that issue?
Are there differences in optical registration that should be considered?

 

[shado]

Tangential and Drag Comparison

The Summa tangential and drag comparison page features an in-depth explanation of the benefits offered by each cutting technology:
https://www.summausa.com/comparison/

 

[AF]

You can fit a drag knife to a Summa tangential for the best of both worlds.