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I have an old HP plotter that had a cutter available for it (which I didn't get as I've never had a need for cutting, just printing). Since our needs are such a basic shape there'd really be no need for even the Cricut, though that would automate it I guess. The biggest issue is going to be getting the vinyl in managable size/cost. Then, once cut, lining up the vinyl properly might prove a challenge for some.
You know, another option would be heat shrink tubing. It comes in lots of sizes (I'm sure one would be perfect for our needs) and lots of colors (though not patterned that I'm aware of). In most case a hair dryer would work to shrink it and then just trim off any overhang at the ends. And HS tubing is pretty cheap and can handle the heat without a problem. Anyone tried it yet? I've seen people that put in on mods (I saw someone put it over their silver bullet) and it's easy to remove if you ever want.
You know, another option would be heat shrink tubing. It comes in lots of sizes (I'm sure one would be perfect for our needs) and lots of colors (though not patterned that I'm aware of). In most case a hair dryer would work to shrink it and then just trim off any overhang at the ends. And HS tubing is pretty cheap and can handle the heat without a problem. Anyone tried it yet? I've seen people that put in on mods (I saw someone put it over their silver bullet) and it's easy to remove if you ever want.
Ah my good friend, but I'm looking to mass these babies to customers' needs'Scissors?
Seriously, they probably used a vinyl plotter/cutter. But for our needs and the small simple rectangular shape, scissors would probably be just fine (or a metal straight edge and sharp exacto knife).
Indeed Wway! What is the cutter called?
We use Roland cutters. Any small cutter like the Circut is going to be slow going to make any great number of anything. They make smaller, 12-15 inch vinyl table top cutters, but they are slow. I'll send you the vinyl samples and you play with them and see what you think. We just have the regular solid colors, but there is lots of different types out there. Like camo, holographic, reflective lens, metallics.
If you think it's something you want to get into selling, we can talk. You would have to sell alot of them to make up the cost of even a cheap cutter.
If you think it's something you want to get into selling, we can talk. You would have to sell alot of them to make up the cost of even a cheap cutter.
As WW said, a cutter is gonna be cost prohibitive (unless someone already has one!). Even a little Cricut is what $300? The cutter attachment for my old plotter IIRC was an extra $800 (on top of the ~$4800 the plotter/stand/roll feed cost) and that plotter was almost entry level! I wonder what a vinyl shop would charge to just cut a bunch of rectangles? WW, what would have you charged?
The heat shrink tubing has an added advantage, it's rubbery so it adds grip and cushion. Drawback is that it's not shiny nor patterned!
The heat shrink tubing has an added advantage, it's rubbery so it adds grip and cushion. Drawback is that it's not shiny nor patterned!
That's a tough question as it depends on the size, vinyl, quantity. Little squares are not going to be much, mostly the cost of the vinyl and cutter time. For an example, a simple 3 inch decal we sell for $1.19ea, but ordered in a quantity of 100 there is a 40% discount off that price, making them $.71 each. Of course that's if I don't know you
Another possibilty, unfortunately it is not something I know much about, is vinyl wraps. Don't know if you have seen any vehicles with full body graphics on them, but those are vinyl wraps. It's a whole different type of vinyl. We just have never explored it as we do not have the room at this time to get into anything that big. I know some of the vinyls come pre-printed. But the vinyl contours better and I believe shinks with heat to some extent. Like I said I don't know much about it, except it looks cool. You would need to find someone that does that kind of stuff. fellers.com is one of the biggest suppliers of the materials. They may be able to point you to a shop that would be willing to work with something as small as PVs.
The site says they are out of stock. When will they be in. I am tired of waiting on mods.
Ahh now we're headed into a good direction, like Mike was saying about the prices...I seen! Those are ridiculously expensive. Maybe I can send mine in to fellers.com and see if they can produce based on it..Hmmmmm Thanks alot guys! I'm sorry about crashing out last night. My supplier had me listen to some of her favorite music and it was so peaceful. I just got knocked out. lolThat's a tough question as it depends on the size, vinyl, quantity. Little squares are not going to be much, mostly the cost of the vinyl and cutter time. For an example, a simple 3 inch decal we sell for $1.19ea, but ordered in a quantity of 100 there is a 40% discount off that price, making them $.71 each. Of course that's if I don't know you
Another possibilty, unfortunately it is not something I know much about, is vinyl wraps. Don't know if you have seen any vehicles with full body graphics on them, but those are vinyl wraps. It's a whole different type of vinyl. We just have never explored it as we do not have the room at this time to get into anything that big. I know some of the vinyls come pre-printed. But the vinyl contours better and I believe shinks with heat to some extent. Like I said I don't know much about it, except it looks cool. You would need to find someone that does that kind of stuff. fellers.com is one of the biggest suppliers of the materials. They may be able to point you to a shop that would be willing to work with something as small as PVs.
Should be today or tomorrow good buddy!
Hehe I gotcha Martha in your email
We're looking at today to Friday, they definitely should be here.
I am so glad you have chosen to get a Chameleon. You will really like the feel and the brushed alum look. The strength of this units stability is so worth it. Let us know after you have had it for a week or two.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AngusATAT
Well, we will know for sure if the Chameleon is the perfect choice for a newbie when this particular n00b gets his...
I am so glad you have chosen to get a Chameleon. You will really like the feel and the brushed alum look. The strength of this units stability is so worth it. Let us know after you have had it for a week or two.
__________________
Tina;-)
Yes indeed - do let us know what you think about it. I am sure, though, that you will come to the same conclusion - this thing ROCKS!
Isaac is the perfect seller and with Chameleon experts like Tina (HzG8rGrl) around - you really can't go wrong.
....... do I sound like a satisfied customer ......... or what?
Keep on Vapin!
-jason
A Chameleon with a chameleon tattoo?
Hehehe ........
Keep on Vapin!
-jason
That's awesome Jason!!!!! Do you really have that on your chameleon or did you just photoshop it on there?? Either way I love it!
Thank you MrsIkenmoke - I really do have that on there. After all the talk today about vinyl graphics, I decided to make a vinyl sticker at work today. I can't do the big stuff like WitchWay can (we sold out vinyl cutter too) - but I do have a laser cutter/engraver that I use on a regular basis to do vinyl graphics for clients.
It probably wont last - there's not much adhesive left after cutting such small pieces, but we'll see how it goes.
I was pretty stoked about it and thought I'd share.
Keep on Vapin!
-jason
oh wow! that's soo cool! i love it!! that sucks that it might not last long, but it still looks cool as hell for now!! I'm glad you shared!! Thanks!
Thanks Tina - I can't take all the credit, though. I found similar artwork on the interweb and changed it to what I wanted. Still - it is quite "tat" looking.
I'm glad you like it so much. I really hope it does last a while ......... or I might just have to make another.
Keep on Vapin!
-jason
I wonder if spraying a clearcoat over it would help prolong it's life? Anyone know if the Chameleon's beautiful finish would be screwed up with a clear coat?
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