The Letterville BullBoard: Graphtec 5100-75 plotter?

This is topic Graphtec 5100-75 plotter? in forum Letterhead/Pinstriper Talk at The Letterville BullBoard.

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Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :

I have a chance to buy a year old Graphtec 5100-75 30" plotter. Are these plotters any good? Can they really cut sandblast stencils? How's the maintenance? How's the tracking? And how about cutting from Corel 9 or Corel 12?

Hope somebody knows something about this, my 24" Roland Camm1 PNC-950 may be on it's last lap.

Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :

Bill, I don't have a Graphtec, but have heard good things about them....I did have the PNC 950 and sold it to another guy here...and wish I had it back.

I bet Howard K. will pop in here from Graphtec to give you the specs. Good luck Bill. [Smile]

Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :

Bill, I have a 4100-75 and I've had nothing but great service from it. I'd have to compare it to my old 4B as being a workhorse.

Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :

Bill...
When originally sold, the 5100-75 had a 3 yr "bullet-proof" warranty. It won't transfer to you. That's the bad news...the good news is that you probably won't need it.
I've never seen any other cutter cut sandblast mask, either Hartco or Anchor anywhere near as perfectly as the 5100 is capable....You will need a 30* blade and it's holder though. They are always ordered separately, that is, they are not shipped as standard configuration.
You're welcome to call me for further info if you want. It IS one dynamite machine.

Howard Keiper (Graphtec)
707 746 7172

Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :

P.S.

I forgot to mention that id does indeed run from Corel..all versions, Illustrator through v.10, (the Illustrator plug-in is free, for Corel you pay $350; and it tracks better than 40 ft., if the roll is square.

Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :

Can we use Co-Cut as the cutting software or is the cutting software that comes with it sufficient? What do you mean about the Corel software being $350? Sorry if this is a "stupid" question....I don't learn if I don't ask. [Dunno]

Posted by Jim Doggett (Member # 1409) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Jane Diaz:
Can we use Co-Cut as the cutting software or is the cutting software that comes with it sufficient? What do you mean about the Corel software being $350? Sorry if this is a "stupid" question....I don't learn if I don't ask.

Hi Jane,

Yes, you can indeed use CoCut to drive the Graphtec. Howard doesn't get out much if he hasn't seen other cutters handle sandblast as well as his own ;-) But, I'd agree that Graphtec is a top-quality product; and if you can get one that's a year old at a great price, run don't walk to do it. Plus, it'll help Graphtec get out from under its warranty obligation on the unit (what up with that HK?).

Also, if you're currently using CoCut 11, CoCut 12 (for Draw 12) will be a free upgrade on or about April 1. Users of earlier versions of CoCut will need to pay an upgrade fee to get 12. Not sure yet at what price.

Best Regards,

Jim

Posted by TransLab (Member # 470) on :

Can't speak for the 5100, but the 4100 upon which the 5100 was based has been flawless, fast and totally pain free. We cut directly from coreldraw (ver 9 through 12, without plugins) no problem, and we actually print & cut digital images directly from corel using either our hp3500 or our Matan Spark.

The graphtec is a great piece of equipment, you can't go wrong. Feel free to email or call if you want feedback or tips on cutting direct.

[ March 23, 2004, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: TransLab ]

Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :

Thanks all! Seems like the plotter for us.

Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :

Thanks, Mike!

Thanks to you too, Jim...you're mellowing in your old age. [Smile]

)
hk

Posted by Mike Pulskamp (Member # 3475) on :

I'm very happy with mine!

Thanks

Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :

We got it! Now we just need to get it hooked up!

Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :

Congrats Bill...

You may need / want some assistance setting up your machine. I'm available most anytime.

howard
707 280 6360

Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :

Hey Mike!!

Nice to see you post the Corel "direct" thing..

ALSO nice to see that Summa and Graphtec are also admitting that their customers can, indeed, cut direct from Corel (or Illustrator, probably)

Soon there won't be a need for over priced sign making programs for folks who fall into the trap!!! [Applause]

Hoping your grass gets green soon Mike! [Big Grin]

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