Suggestions for a plotter for very small business

[VicoDrive]

Im considering getting a plotter to create vinyl decals with for a small business. Probably more of an Etsy thing to start and some local gigs if Im lucky. Currently I use a high end Roland Soljet Pro XC-540 printer/plotter at work which I LOVE but its out of my price range to have at home. Not really looking for a printer either, just wanting to cut vinyl. Not wanting a scrapbooking style cutter like you find at Michael's either. I need to be able to connect it to a computer. Im just looking for suggestions for models right now that are not overly expensive and hopefully can take atleast a 24" roll

 

[StopSignGraphics]

What's your price range?

There are almost always a few older descent name brand machines on ebay. I don't recommend buying one without being able to see it operate. So keep your search within a safe driving radius.

~Chris

 

[VicoDrive]

Im not really sure honestly, kind of playing it by ear. Maybe $1000? Really rather not go that high unless I have to though

 

[J Hill Designs]

saw some 36" roland models on ebay as low as $300

 

[VicoDrive]

saw some 36" roland models on ebay as low as $300

Wow, wasnt expecting that low! Im more than ok with used also

 

[OldPaint]

and your buying a cutter for what BUSINESS???? or is because the sign shops you call charge to much???

 

[J Hill Designs]

and your buying a cutter for what BUSINESS???? or is because the sign shops you call charge to much???

it seems like he works at a sign shop, but wants a personal cutter...

 

[graphicwarning]

http://rolanddga.com/products/cutters/gx24/

 

[Mosh]

crit-cut, pick one up at your local Wal-Mart.

 

[nashvillesigns]

if i could find one, it would be a gerber HS15 plus.
we did 300,000 is sales on one year with that machine back in 1993.
-mosher

 

[VicoDrive]

it seems like he works at a sign shop, but wants a personal cutter...

yes, I work at a printing company. signs are a real small part which we fell into and I pretty much deal with. the owner isnt letting it grow as much as I likefor it to (and im really into it!) so I figurw I could do my own thing from home for some side cash. with any luck, he will let me order supplies at the same cost through them at wholesale through Harbor

 

[VicoDrive]

http://rolanddga.com/products/cutters/gx24/

doesnt look bad, little more pricey than I want but maybe can find a cheaper used version

 

[VicoDrive]

crit-cut, pick one up at your local Wal-Mart.

I dont have to look that up to know its not what I want as I said above

 

[VicoDrive]

if i could find one, it would be a gerber HS15 plus.
we did 300,000 is sales on one year with that machine back in 1993.
-mosher

great! That might be a little too old, afraid it will not work as smooth with todays software.

 

[StopSignGraphics]

I'd be very cautious about getting your boss to order material for your side business. You need to establish your own relationships and set up your own accounts with vendors. He might be a great guy but a little misunderstanding over what material is for you and what material for him can definitely cause some bad feelings.

Also if you are working on his time, you really shouldn't be using it to conduct your business.

Just my two cents,
Chris

 

[VicoDrive]

I'd be very cautious about getting your boss to order material for your side business. You need to establish your own relationships and set up your own accounts with vendors. He might be a great guy but a little misunderstanding over what material is for you and what material for him can definitely cause some bad feelings.

Also if you are working on his time, you really shouldn't be using it to conduct your business.

Just my two cents,
Chris

I wouldnt be sneaky, I would tell him exactly the reasons. I feel the problem with doing signstuff there is he doesnt fully understand everything that goes into each job, he thinks its more work and trouble than it really is. im still learning and have learned a lot but want to do more and be challenged a bit.. dont know anything about getting tax IDs and everything to create a business acct with a distributor or if its nessary if im just selling on etsy for the most part. but would like o get supplies as cheap as I can for now

 

[royster13]

GCC Expert Pro 24 for just under 1,000.00

Or a 15" Graphtec for 1,200.00....

Or really cheap but will do what you need a Cameo Silhouette less than 300.00

 

[s.hack]

I bought the GGC Expert 24 a few months ago. Works great. Easy to set up and get working. If 24" is enough for you I highly recommend it.