Roland GX-24 Digital Cutter

[levelbest]

Just a follow up - I ended up purchasing the cutter package today and will report back what it's like etc. I'm supposed to get it next week sometime.

I am curious though if anyone has used the applique stitch function in Design Shop and can share their experiences. One of our users was quoted as saying "If you have Design Shop Plus, (not sure Design Shop has it), you have the capability of creating applique sew files by taking your vector file from the Roland cutter into DS+. It requires a few steps, but it costs you nothing." I really would like to know more and how well it works.

At this time, I passed on the program you can buy called Twill Stitch Pro which creates the sew discs. It runs about $600.

http://www.imprintableswarehouse.com...ine/index.html

[SkyLinePrints]

Hi John,

Any updates on the Roland cutter? I am very interested in your feedback. I am looking to purchase one myself.

[levelbest]

Hey Nathan:

Got it - love it. Havn't had much time to do vinyl transfers yet or twill cut buy I have already done die cut stickers and window graphics for both a Sheltie Rescue Group and a company that needed their logo and a few other things on glass! Also, I plan on putting our logo on the back of our mini van - so the advertising from that may just justify the $1600 alone!

I figure I will also use it as an ADD ON to customers... such as sports groups (the vinyl stickers that is). Just another step towards becoming a one stop promotion shop.

Far as tackle twill, I probably wont have time to get into that till after tax day but am looking forward to it and seeing what design shops capabilities are as far as creating sew discs from imported vector art.

Geek wise, this thing is a 12 on a scale of 1-10.

[SkyLinePrints]

Awesome! I ordered mine and it just got delivered Friday. Still in the box. Was your setup easy? Any tips so far?

[levelbest]

Nathan:

PM me and I would be glad to give you my cell # to talk to you about it and what I have found so far. I am by far using it for creating signs and stickers, but in the next day or so, plan to start some heat press vinyl for a client that wanted a short run of shirts. The cost of doing that thru someone like Transfer Express was just too much and it will be interesting to see what I can get the finyl costs to.

BTW, props to Rolland (the person - not the machine) who has been helping me figure out what to buy and how to do some of the sign side of things.

The videos that Imprintables Warehouse has on youtube are pretty good. Just wish they went into a little more depth - but to get the basic hang of the machine they are excellent.

I actually downloaded them and then grabbed something called the FLVPlayer which will play flash video. You can find out how to download flash videos by simply googling the term. I actually wish Imprintables would send a cd and the player out rather than making you go to youtube. Maybe I can suggest it to them

Did you buy from Josh?

Oh, what I forgot to say was that the actual setup of the machine including loading the blade wasn't covered in their videos which I think is a huge oversight - but the printed manual does a pretty good job. Just follow it... and you should be fine.

[signman]

Another hint for you all...when doing the iron on heat seal transfers, straight vinyl or digital print....
get a good ole' chalkboard eraser...the 'felt' kind.
As soon as you take the shirt or hat off the press, place a sheet of transfer 'teflon' paper over the backing of the decal and rub vigorously with the eraser...THEN peel off the backing and you should not have any lifting of corners or edges.

Roland

[SkyLinePrints]

Excellent Tip, Roland.

Unfortuately, I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. LOL...

I have it setup and cut a few samples this weekend to see how it goes. so far, i'm a cutting fool. i want get comfortable before i start cutting stuff for customers.

Either one of you know a good source for learning how to print vinyl stickers, vinyl shirts, and signs? I understand the concept but i am missing a piece when it comes to applying it.

Applique should be a snap. I can create the sew disk already with no trouble in DRAWings.

[levelbest]

As far as applying it, do you have a heat press? Essentially, you mirror the design, cut the vinyl out, weed away the surrounding vinyl and press it to the shirt [img]smile.gif[/img]

What is DRAWings and how did you create the cut disc?

Far as a source for learning - did you watch the 8 videos? See http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Imprintablesdotcom

I can tell you how to make stickers. Pretty easy - and get a catalog from http://www.fellers.com for their ShineRite vinyl. Works like a charm. Sign supplies as well from them. They also have a book on mastering vinyl graphics.

[levelbest]

Oh, one other thing - for those wanting to see what this thing is capable of, I have a few pics up in my flickr photo album:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/levelbe...7600030776768/

[signman]

Want to learn how to do the vinyl for signs and shirts?
Grab a plane or Amtrak and head on up for a couple days...I'll
teach you how!
No better way than to do it first hand...
of course, if you are doing your design work in PC I'll turn you into a whimpering sissy when you see what a REAL computer can do with artwork-one of my Macs....LOL

[SkyLinePrints]

Hi Roland,

I bought the cutter to cut twill for applique but it can do so much more. So, I want use it for shirts and signs. I am going to play more with it over the next few weeks. My wife and I have talked about going to the New England area for a couple of years. maybe i'll take u up on the offer.

and yes, i am on a PC... I am very educated on Macs as my graphic design uses Macs and never passes up a chance to rub my nose in my pc. lol...

[Digital Stitchz / LaserWorkz]

John,

I have mentioned that Design Shop Pro CAN create applique from a vector file. In fact, I am currently creating a work document that walks you through the process. Unfortunately, it is only about 60 to 75% complete. But if you want I will allow you to critique the document.

Lee

[levelbest]

sounds great... would love to see it!

[Digital Stitchz / LaserWorkz]

John,
How would you like me to send it? What is your email address?

[SkyLinePrints]

Hi guys and gals,

Does anyone have recommendations to pressure (force) settings for the gx24 i should use for cutting film for shirts? hech, just any recommendations for anything (twill, shirt film, vinyl)! LOL.... i either cut all the way through or i dont cut enough. i am wasting yards and yards of stuff here....

don't get me wrong, i'm having fun but this is starting to get expensive.