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Buying A "real" Cutter
- Thread starter langecustomgraphics
- Start date
LightHouse
New Member
Zacto and projector!
I was asked once if i cut all decals and signs with an exacto. I said yes its 400 Bucks for a 5" decal.
langecustomgraphics
New Member
Its already been ordered and its better than the P.O.S that I have trying to work with. I used all of my "emergency" fundage so I will have to make do until I can turn some more orders.
asignstop
New Member
If I were to buy a new cutter today, I would go with the Q series from sign warehouse. I think Graphtec makes them (although I heard there are made in Taiwan, and Graphtec is a Japanese company right?). Plus if I had plans to grow it would be nice to know I could add contour cutting later – and go 30" – (even though I will admit most of my rolls are 24”)
langecustomgraphics
New Member
ken - you can get the ce5000 from ordway for $1500 at signsupply.com and the 30 inch pro fc runs $3000. The dude I have been dealing with has been totally helpful and it includes shipping.
Ken
New Member
Thanks..twice as much for the FC series.I dunno, I am not running my machines every day, 8 hours a day. I dont think the extra 1500 is correct for me. I'm thinking the ce series machine is my choice..still would like to hear from High Imact ....does this fit a low-volume shop?
Ken
Ken
ColorDoctor
New Member
G R A P H T E C....and not a bad idea to get a w i d e one.....ie 40"min...WHY??? Less splits-Customers LOVE one piece layouts and scale drawouts.....!!!!!!!!!!!...........Have had a 2100-90A for over 15 years-NEVER A PROBLEM.....N E V E R! 
iSign
New Member
Had my CE 1000-60 going on 9 years. Never once had problems except ruined a teflon strip 8 years ago which was my own fault... and 2 years ago the front sensor needed replacing. 24" was good enough for my shop untill I got my 63" printer, but I got a 63" cutter then anyway.
I still use the Graphtec almost every day. Hardly ever even change blades... just keeps spitting out perfect cuts year after year...
not sure what more durability would be for... maybe for careless employees dropping things on it?
Mine runs like a champ, so I'd expect you'll be real happy with yours too.
I still use the Graphtec almost every day. Hardly ever even change blades... just keeps spitting out perfect cuts year after year...
not sure what more durability would be for... maybe for careless employees dropping things on it?
Mine runs like a champ, so I'd expect you'll be real happy with yours too.
langecustomgraphics
New Member
I got the shipping notice! its on the way. iam soo excited
Munch
New Member
In need of some feedback...since you are on the subject of cutters.
I primarly deal in printed graphics (grandformat) and wideformat print/cut.
I have been thinking of getting an entry level cutter for cut support of vinyls.
I have been eyeballing the Roland GX-24. Is this a good idea or should I reposition by view of the "box"?
I primarly deal in printed graphics (grandformat) and wideformat print/cut.
I have been thinking of getting an entry level cutter for cut support of vinyls.
I have been eyeballing the Roland GX-24. Is this a good idea or should I reposition by view of the "box"?
high impact
New Member
Ken,
Sorry for late reply, I was out of town with my son taking ATV safety classes so we can go to the dunes next month.
Ken and Isign, I had an old ce about 4 years ago I inherited along with an out of business shop's inventory. It was great - actually much better then the the ce-5000 I sent back.
I guess I am too used to the pro series to settle for missing some of the bells and whistles. Yes, it's $1500 difference from the ce ($1495)to fc ($2995) locally BUT well worth it IMO. Mine does not run 8 hours a day either...
I actually used that ce-5000 for about 1 week and couldn't stand it so I did return it. HOWEVER, for a part-timer with limited funds and limited room AND not used to the high end features then it should be fine...much better then some of the alternatives. It's just my opinion - the ce-5000 seemed VERY cheap to me. I do not intend to offend anyone who has one, please do not get upset. I had a SW panther for about a year and would compare it to that quality - the fc pro series is a level above.
Sorry for late reply, I was out of town with my son taking ATV safety classes so we can go to the dunes next month.
Ken and Isign, I had an old ce about 4 years ago I inherited along with an out of business shop's inventory. It was great - actually much better then the the ce-5000 I sent back.
I guess I am too used to the pro series to settle for missing some of the bells and whistles. Yes, it's $1500 difference from the ce ($1495)to fc ($2995) locally BUT well worth it IMO. Mine does not run 8 hours a day either...
I actually used that ce-5000 for about 1 week and couldn't stand it so I did return it. HOWEVER, for a part-timer with limited funds and limited room AND not used to the high end features then it should be fine...much better then some of the alternatives. It's just my opinion - the ce-5000 seemed VERY cheap to me. I do not intend to offend anyone who has one, please do not get upset. I had a SW panther for about a year and would compare it to that quality - the fc pro series is a level above.
langecustomgraphics
New Member
Anything is going to be better than what I have right now
os101king
New Member
CE SERIES IS (now) JUNK. In response to those with long-term relationships with them, I offer the possibility that they've gone the low-rent route with the CE series in the last couple years. THREE FAILURES with a CE5000-120 (in eight months, and I treat my machines BETTER than my children). So bad is the problem with that series that my supplier offered me an FC7000 (new) even after 8 months of my lease at just the cost difference. They are not even going to carry the CE series anymore due to all the issues. I would not downplay Graphtec though, the FC loaner I have until my new machine comes in is the friggin ROCK OF GIBRALTAR of plotters. Rock solid, laser straight.
Personally, I don't think a machine that barely works is good enough for even a part-timer. If you're going to spend, spend wisely. As Ken said, he liked his OLD CE, but the new one isn't up to snuff. Remember when Motorola phones were the proverbial "bomb" and they lasted forever? All companies do it until they get caught. I think Graphtec is about to get "caught" on the CE's.
Long story short BEWARE THE CE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Drop the cash. Buy the FC.
Personally, I don't think a machine that barely works is good enough for even a part-timer. If you're going to spend, spend wisely. As Ken said, he liked his OLD CE, but the new one isn't up to snuff. Remember when Motorola phones were the proverbial "bomb" and they lasted forever? All companies do it until they get caught. I think Graphtec is about to get "caught" on the CE's.
Long story short BEWARE THE CE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Drop the cash. Buy the FC.
gvgraphics
New Member
Yes you can ad the ARMS later BUT you have to send it back to them. It has to be installed by a SW tech. Best bet is to get it installed when you buy it. It is only like 250-300 to add it to the cutter.
signguy95
New Member
I've had a graphtec FC2100-50, which is a 20" inch cutter (tells you how old it is), for going on 14 years. Only had to send it back one time because the cutting roller got cut up to bad! Mine runs almost all day long every day! Graphtec is a work horse...I'm in the process of finally adding a 30" cutter to our arsenal. It will the another Graphtec FC series!
Jay
Jay
langecustomgraphics
New Member
my ce is kickin ass so far. just finished a 500 decal run and it was flawless
