Time for a new cutter

[Kemble]

My Vinyl Express Q54 just dies on me. Mobo fried according to SignWarehouse Tech support. USB device is not recognized on any of my computers. I also have a 24" CE7000-60 Graphtec.

So here I am, shopping for a new cutter and I know I want to move up to a 64" but the brand/model is the real question. Graphtec or Summa? We do vehicle wraps and lots of stickers. I'm leaning more towards the Summa. But wanted to come here to get some feedback before I pull the trigger. Any reason to not go with the Summa? any reason to go with a different brand? Please provide your experience/feedback. Thanks !!

 

[JBurton]

Any reason to not go with the Summa?

Because I have a graphtec, and it's a tank.

any reason to go with a different brand?

Because they have a summa, and it's a tank.

Both brands are top tier, and lots of folks on here are loyal to one or the other, or have some horror story that turned them off of one or the other. Let's see how the rest of this thread unfolds...

 

[Pauly]

I own both,
Graphtec FC9000 with Take up Option
Summa S3 160TC with Take up Option

Both great machines,
If you're getting a drag knife, both Summa and Graphtec will be great. If you want a Tangential, then Summa.
Graphtec has the Cutting Strip & Cutting Channel, so cut contours wont ruin the strip.

The menu and settings on the summa is more straight forward, the Graphtec has a complex user interface.

 

[Pauly]

Because I have a graphtec, and it's a tank.

Because they have a summa, and it's a tank.

Both brands are top tier, and lots of folks on here are loyal to one or the other, or have some horror story that turned them off of one or the other. Let's see how the rest of this thread unfolds...

I've had issues with both.
because nothing in this world is perfect.

 

[cornholio]

I have sold/serviced all major brands and never liked the complicated user interface of Graphtec. They cut nice, but the Summa (T) cuts superior and faster.
I'd go for Summa.

 

[TateM]

VE Q54 is a rebranded Graphtec. Ours started having failures within a couple years.
We purchased another actual Graphtec FC8600 and it was shot within less than 2 years. Support from Graphtec is non existent, even during the "warranty" period. It's in storage collecting dust.

The final replacement was a Summa S2 T160 and it's been an absolute work horse. We cut prints w/reg marks and load 40+ precolored materials onto it a day. It cuts nearly all day long ... just as good as it did on day 1.

When I'm in the market again- it will absolutely be another Summa. Waiting for the S3s to go on sale and will pick one up. Airmark has been my go to for the machine and consumables for it - no one was willing to compete with their prices when I got the S2 and their customer service is top notch.

I'm sure there are horror stories with ALL brands, but after two failed Graphtecs, I'll never get one again.

 

[MarkSnelling]

My Vinyl Express Q54 just dies on me. Mobo fried according to SignWarehouse Tech support. USB device is not recognized on any of my computers. I also have a 24" CE7000-60 Graphtec.

So here I am, shopping for a new cutter and I know I want to move up to a 64" but the brand/model is the real question. Graphtec or Summa? We do vehicle wraps and lots of stickers. I'm leaning more towards the Summa. But wanted to come here to get some feedback before I pull the trigger. Any reason to not go with the Summa? any reason to go with a different brand? Please provide your experience/feedback. Thanks !!

Summa T Series. Accurate over 50' long. Total game changer. We used to sell the Graphtec and Roland plotters because the Summa units were twice the cost...that isn't the case anymore and I think you'd be foolish to not spend an extra $2K'sh to get the tangential technology from Summa.