Rick
Certified Enneadecagon Designer
So I'll admit it's been a while since I have been on a cut vinyl install, but when I got the opportunity to go on one, I jumped at the chance! Gigi asked me if I wanted to come play on a retail storefront and vehicle. I thought what a great chance to see another 101er in action. I have already seen her in action before on a digital print and we sometimes work together on design stuff, but this was down and dirty cut vinyl. We have talked about setting up files to weeding and masking techniques (we don't play all the time, we actually get work done)
I grab my Weber Made masker and head to her shop!
I get there, she gets to work setting up the files and starts cutting. And we share how we set up files. We cut the vinyl (okay she does) and we start weeding in her shop... very impressive by the way for a home shop. I get to see her nice rack of course, I even get to touch it. She shows me her weeding technique, I show her mine, then the fun part, using the Weber Made masker... then, steamrolling method of masking and then setting up the vinyl for install.
We load up the car with her tools and head out... to lunch
After spending way too much time at lunch we head out to the job. And start slapping vinyl on stuff. I'm showing her my way of applying while she is handing me tools like I'm a surgeon, but in my mind I'm desperately trying not to screw it up. We made a few mistakes and picked on each other, mostly who was in charge (umm, she was) Then had to go back and re-cut a section and go back and apply that part.
So what are the lessons learned?
--- It's fun with another person.
--- When not doing installs for a long time, lock your tools or someone is gonna get to them and it won't be there on install time.
--- Buy fresh tape.
--- Test the torch before trying.
--- Decide who's the boss.
--- Razzle dazzle each other with your impressive skills.
--- We are not young anymore, be careful on the ladder!!!
--- Candy is NOT enough nourishment for handling sharp knives and sign installation work
--- Next time take pics of the job!
--- Picking on each other is way more fun than being all business but try not to look like a comedy team when the client is watching. (we might have failed that one)
I hope she lets me play with her again soon!
I grab my Weber Made masker and head to her shop!
I get there, she gets to work setting up the files and starts cutting. And we share how we set up files. We cut the vinyl (okay she does) and we start weeding in her shop... very impressive by the way for a home shop. I get to see her nice rack of course, I even get to touch it. She shows me her weeding technique, I show her mine, then the fun part, using the Weber Made masker... then, steamrolling method of masking and then setting up the vinyl for install.
We load up the car with her tools and head out... to lunch
After spending way too much time at lunch we head out to the job. And start slapping vinyl on stuff. I'm showing her my way of applying while she is handing me tools like I'm a surgeon, but in my mind I'm desperately trying not to screw it up. We made a few mistakes and picked on each other, mostly who was in charge (umm, she was) Then had to go back and re-cut a section and go back and apply that part.
So what are the lessons learned?
--- It's fun with another person.
--- When not doing installs for a long time, lock your tools or someone is gonna get to them and it won't be there on install time.
--- Buy fresh tape.
--- Test the torch before trying.
--- Decide who's the boss.
--- Razzle dazzle each other with your impressive skills.
--- We are not young anymore, be careful on the ladder!!!
--- Candy is NOT enough nourishment for handling sharp knives and sign installation work
--- Next time take pics of the job!
--- Picking on each other is way more fun than being all business but try not to look like a comedy team when the client is watching. (we might have failed that one)
I hope she lets me play with her again soon!
