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Thinking of Setting my son up with a computer Sign making system. I'm totally ignorant when it comes to this stuff - still doin' things the old fashioned way - so I would appreciate some input. I have learned that Flexi and Sign lab are available from suppliers relatively close to where I am. The other thing I have learned is, the more features, the higher the price. I know that I want software that can design and cut, but that's about all I know. I don't have a clue what features we will need on a regular basis, and what features might be a waste of money. Also, I have Corel Draw 9 and have heard that you can use it to design and cut. If that is true, how versitile is it? Thanks for any input.
-------------------- Kurt Silva Bend,Oregon ksilva@bendbroadband.com Posts: 46 | From: Bend, Oregon | Registered: Nov 1998
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Corel users seem to love it and can make it do most anything and it's cheap. I prefer a sign program and find that with one I can accomplish my tasks more quickly. Kurt, this is a loaded question that repeatedly stirs things up here. I like Flexi and Percell loves Corel. Had you been down to Petaluma you could have seen it all and striped a bike and we would have enjoyed your company. I missed you. Maybe next time.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6722 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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I don't use Corel, but can agree that it sounds like the winner for you if you already have the program. I also don't know if you son will be going headfirst into full business oriented sign making or if this will start out as a part time gig. Saving thousands of dollars is always a good thing. Flexi is an excellent program & not by any means an outright waste of the additional capital it requires... but for your son it may not be money well spent. If I'm not mistaken, some here can help you get it cutting without even needing Co-Cut.
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I use SignLab, this program is geared toward signs where Corel is more of a desktop publishing program. But many people here use Corel and love it. I have used SignLab since 1995 and like all the features available. Ask SignLab to send you a demo CD so you can check it out for yourself. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Kurt..Whatever your son starts to use will be like his college sweetheart.."always the best"
I happen to like Corel....it works for me...
Like others have said..if you already have Corel why not let him use it? He will have to learn any prog anyway.
Many of the cutter manufacturers now provide drivers for Corel and Illustrator so it is an inexpensive way to get into the "Wonderful World of Vinyl Cutting"!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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I have run many different sign programs in many different situations. I think the learning curve for Corel is long but a little less steep than most of the proprietary sign softwares. It also, because it is a desktop publishing program is a bit more versatile than many. Still, it has its quirks and downsides.
For cutting I can't recommend anything better. Corel's interface is the most intuitive IMO of all the different programs I have worked with.
Since you already have a copy I suggest you go with it.
I'm very curious about a way to cut with Corel without an intermediary program. I'd love to have whatever info is available. I'm using Corel and COCUT right now with a Summa D-60. Works well enough but I'm running CoCut11 and it "STILL" does not work with XP service pack 2.
If there is another way it'd be nice to know.
Steve
-------------------- Steve Aycock Designs 3489 Oswald St. Johns Island, SC zaor@warpdriveonline.com Posts: 124 | From: Charleston, SC | Registered: Feb 2003
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Steve...If my memory serves me there ARE Windows drivers available for Summa cutters that will let you cut direct from Corel. I am just not sure where they are located for download.
If you do want to explore this avanue, I'd suggest you post a new topic with your question being prominent in the title.
I am sure that Jim Doggitt will respond.
You could also try saving your graphic as a PLT file which is an HPGL plotter file format. I have never tried but someone else might have used that method.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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Dongled software will have probs with SP2, Its well documented throughout the software engineering forums.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Wow. that summa driver looks like it would do a reasonable job.. Id like to test it someday
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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