posted
Hey all, I am going to be opening my own home-based sign shop called "That Sign Guy" (working on logo as we speak). I have been making signs for the last 12 years (on and off) with my father Chris Cox (Chris Cox Signs). He has a 24" Graphtec Plotter which is all that I am familiar with (aside from his old 4b).
I am planning on running Flexi Expert.
So I would like input from all of you experienced folk out there as to which plotter is the best/most cost effective. I'd also love to hear your thoughts on 24" vs. 36" plotters.
Thanks all!
-------------------- -------------------- Dave Cox C2 Media Services (Formerly That Sign Guy) dave@c2mediaservices.com -------------------- Full Color Printing Posts: 295 | From: Sacramento CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think today there are small differences between most average machines, and then there are more specialised machines for more demanding work. Tangential v. dragknife, friction over sprocket.
If your used to Graphtec, then I'm sure that's not a bad choice for starting out on your own.
I looked at Graphtec last time I was in the plotter market, but opted for a SummaSignPro T750 with OPOS instead.
WE also have a Gerber 30" as backup, and a Sprint for cutting Edge work.
AS for plotter width, you have to think about what your market might be, and what sort of stock you might want to have home.
I used to find my old 15" abit small at times, and frustrating to buy perforated at different widths. I now buy 48" Full width, at good prices and have it delivered 30" + 18" which seems to work really well in my marketplace.
We are all different and I'm sure some will swear 24" is best or 48".
THe only advantage I have seen with fullwidth is if you are doing lots of negative backlit signs, I find when we do trailers etc, that 30" is a manageble size to apply on your own, and then work in panels on larger stuff.
Printer-friendly view of this topic