illustrator and versaworks cut contour

[crny1]

I have a vector that needs a cut line around it. I am not sure whats the easiest way to go about it to leave a bit of bleed so it comes out ok. I have attached a pic of the vector I am working with. I need to put a cut contour on it.
WOuld it be best to copy and paste in front, take out fill, unite in pathfinder and then apply the cut contour stroke?
But how would I make the print grow a bit to have some bleed to be safe? This vector will be 32" long and 6" tall when done.
Suggestions? Am I going about it the hard way?

Thanks

 

[mpn]

After you combine the copied image, use the offset path tool to adjust how much bleed you want

 

[visualeyez]

Select all, (assuming the white is not cutout)
Edit, Copy
Edit, Paste in Front
Object > Expand (stroke, not fill)
Object > Ungroup
Object > Ungroup (yes again)
Color > Fill: Pink or Whatever...
Pathfinder > Add to Shape Area...
Object > Offset Path > .125" or whatever...
X > Switch fill color to stroke (cut contour)

Something Like that?

 

[phototec]

I have a vector that needs a cut line around it. I am not sure whats the easiest way to go about it to leave a bit of bleed so it comes out ok. I have attached a pic of the vector I am working with. I need to put a cut contour on it.
WOuld it be best to copy and paste in front, take out fill, unite in pathfinder and then apply the cut contour stroke?
But how would I make the print grow a bit to have some bleed to be safe? This vector will be 32" long and 6" tall when done.
Suggestions? Am I going about it the hard way?

Thanks

Yes, basically just make a duplicate of the artwork \then expand the outer line and change it t a CutContour.[video=youtube;jaT8Dyodzg0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaT8Dyodzg0[/video]