posted
No it's not a chemical dependency question.
OK, so what are you folks using to "finish-trim" printed decals? I have been doing the straight edge & exacto method but I'd like more size consistency in the finished product. I'd like a finished stack to look somewhat uniform in size (looks more professional that way). So what tools and/or tricks are you using?
posted
A big paper trimmer with rulers cast into it, one of those with the long cutting arm you raise and lower, not the type with the rotary cutter on a slide. Makes quick work of cutting a straight line. When it comes to the consistent size, I don't leave much of a gutter between decals which pretty much forces you to pay attention to trimming and eliminates much variation.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
I use a good ol Seal brand matt cutter for long straight cuts.. I got mine as a gift for being so sweet. IT clamps down the material just right. then you cut They pricey tho..
-------------------- 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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posted
Hiya Doug, I just cut the graphic with a weed border and leave the excess vinyl on the backing paper. After I apply transfer tape, I use the excess vinyl to guide my exacto and trim it to size.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Mike, I've got a 36" paper trimmer that I use sometimes (mostly for magnetics), but I get "travel or pull" with paper material so the cut is not consistant (no material hold down).
Curtis, can you point me somewhere online that I can see one? Is it quick to register the material and is it accurate? Also is it large enough to handle 54" material? Oh and what do they run price-wise?
Checkers, most of the stuff will need to have the excess material removed. I do use a similar "weed border" method to register my vinyl to magnetics or smaller subtrates.
Let me add a little more detail to my situation...
I will be getting a large (54") format printer (either a DC4 or a versacamm) so the width makes it harder, for just me, to trim. I have been subbing edge prints (read smaller) and have been using the exacto method for years. I am looking for a way to handle larger sizes and much higher quantities without having to do it the old way. Also I will need to be able to trim decals as small as a half inch in height. Really what I'm looking for is speedier production and some consistancy in finished product.
posted
give it to them in 1ft x 2ft sheets if the decal is 1/2" tall. i just use my 8ft table, 8ft ruler and exacto...and yeah it sucks but i don't 1000's at a time or nothing.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
Hey Doug, You're looking for something like this then...
Large or wide format rotary trimmers are the way to go if you're going to be doing a lot of cutting. The better models come with a media hold down bar and can cut over 8'. The only thing I would suggest is that you stay away from the Neolt series electric trimmers unless it comes with a very good warranty that last more than one year.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Checkers, That looks like what I am thinking. Any brand names or links you can suggest? I'm thinking one with a hold down bar would be the way to go.
posted
Good morning Doug, My last employer had an electric Neolt Strong Trim, but it crapped out within the first year of me using it. It would still cut fine, but I had to partially disassemble the machine and move the cutter head manually. When I called for service, they stated that there was nothing they can do to fix it unless I wanted to pay the freight to ship it back to them or fly fly a technician out to fix it. Nether was an affordable option. So, I would look for one that doesn't use electric unless it comes with onsite support, and it cuts in both directions. It would need to cut materials up to 30 mils thick, ideally ticker. But, I'm not sure if they make ones that can cut film and rigid materials. The hold down clamps would need to be adjustable and changing the blade should be an easy task. I've seen a couple different models at the sign shows but none of them were really impressive.
Good luck,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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