question about cutters

[Etched In Thread]

Hi everyone, I have a question about cutters. Obviously I know nothing about them, but I am looking for something to cut fabric (mostly quilt weight cotton) into applique shapes. I know there are dies and die cutters, but they are quite limited. Can the cutters used for heat pressing/transfer cut fabric? Do they use blades or some kind of heat point to cut? If not would it be possible if a stiff backing was ironed onto the back of the fabric? Thanks for any advice on this. Edna

[signman]

You can buy special material made for cutting on plotters, but that doesn't mean all plotters can do it. I've confronted Roland Corp techs at shows and asked specifically what thickness the cutters would go through-and never got a definite answer. Just 'it should (maybe, might, ought to) cut what I ask about. But none of them ever HAD used a cutter to do it. Like 8mm or thicker sandblast resist...never been able to cut through all the samples I've had with my Allen Datagraph even though the company says it will. Cadcut films (soccer number/name material-go slow enough and have the right 'angle' blade and it's great. 'Fabric' for iron on 'texture' letters...haven't tried it but I don't think the standard little blades would work. Roland's and Datagraph both use the same blade-thinner than a pen refill and the tip is miniature. Other brands have blades like Xacto knives-so that may be where you need to look. Instead of trying 'embroidery' houses-go to a SIGN supply house since these machines are mainly used in the sign industry and the reps know about heavier materials and such. Stahls I think now rep a cutter line and their techs would know about cutting fabric and how to 'back' it for cutting (I'm assuming)
Roland

[TinaK]

Roland!

So I am looking at getting a cutter what kind of down pressure and speed would you recommend I get? I know I want at least a 24" but that is all I know at this point.

Thanks and Merry Xmas!

[signman]

If you are going to be cutting the fabrics from Stahl's, etc. for applique and iron on-Roland Corp has a GX series. I saw them at the sign show 2 weeks ago-price for the quality and company support is well worth it.
A couple people here in Amaya land have bought them over the past year....maybe they'll chime in.

[levelbest]

Love the Roland GX24 - for the price it's hard to beat. Use it all the time from EcoFilm cut vinyl heat press material, to sign lettering (even kids projects).

[KNC Designs]

We have the GX 24 it has served us well.Heat applied and regular vinyl for signs and lettering.I am going to venture into using it for twill this year to expand our services.

Curtis