LongBeachCoupe... NY, not CA... HEY!

Hey guys... I just bought my first plotter..
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SeikiTech 34" Vinyl Cutter SK-870T

[/FONT]Im so excited to start plotting!
Flexistarter 8.5 "soft key, no dongle" is included

Im going to primarily be using it for automotive application.
Vinyls for decals, transparent outdoor for headlight/taillight tint, and big vinyls for roof overlays...

Ive been reading the forums for the past few days and i see this is THE forum for signmaking/vinyl.

Im no stranger to forums and i am a moderator on one of the largest Nissan forums on the net.

Ive learned so much from you guys already and i have a few questions that i know you can help out with..

Where can i get some good info on alignment markings and how to make them?

Im computer savvy, but is there a flexistarter "cliffs notes"?

From the info ive gathered here, i am planning on starting off with Oracal 651 for all the car decals, using a 45 degree blade. In addition to "clear choice at-60" transfer film. (is that the transfer i should use?)

For tint on headlights and tail-lights, is oracal 8500 series the best choice?

In addition, i believe i should get the 30" rolls when available bc of the value factor. I am in NY, and obviously i want the cheapest price delivered. I know theres been talk of several suppliers, which is TYPICALLY the best value delivered to NY area?

Lots of questions, i know but better get all my questions answered at once than clogging the forums...


THANKS guys i look forward to being a contributing member!

 

Hi Chitown!

i dont see how that applies to my questions, nor does it welcome me to the forum... But being a moderator on another site... ill bite...

Im a 25 year old investment banker, this is a hobby i wanted to pick up to help myself and my friends...

But no, are there any "million dollar" sign businesses that are members here? Im sure it must take quite some time to build up that level of business.

 

Why is doing vinyl as a hobby looked down upon? is it deemed as "stealing business" from people who do vinyl as a profession? Please dont take it in that regard... Im sure i dont need to tell you guys how bad the market is, and i want to have fun customizing my car, and my friends cars, dont expect me to make a "splash" of any sort.

I cant see the link on the transfer tape, do i need to become a premium member to have access?

My experience in vinyl is limited, ive applied it on several surfaces from putting flames on a friends car (sheesh) to small window decals and other automotive applications. As far as production and plotting is concerned, im as green as they come and i came here to educate myself on the excellent methods and expertise signs101 (you the members!) provides!

By alignment markings (maybe im not using the correct term) im speaking of how the plotter will help me match up a 2 color vinyl job... photo redacted.


Thanks for the welcomes guys!

 

I am taking it seriously as well, if i wanted to make a half attempt, i would have gotten a crappy plotter, and wouldnt care about the quality of my materials etc...

The fact that I am here, should speak on its own behalf!
I am eager to learn, and be a productive member on the forums, expect my posts in the future to be value-adding, and dont expect me to do any reposting or asking silly questions without doing a search...

I take what you guys do seriously!:signs101:FTW!


Edit: in the tutorial you posted on 2 color vinyl, they use clear transfer tape! I just figured id use that as it may make application easier for someone who isnt skilled.

 

I dont have the pockets for that! Outsourcing jobs to Signs101 members FTW!:signs101: