Computer Cutting Macine

I am just wondering if anyone out there could just give me some info on these computer cutting machines? Thanx

Yea don't waste your money

technology sucks.

we should all be driving model T cars

if you have the money to invest they are nice to have. but you should never rely on it to do all the work. make sure you learn your skills first.

Email me at tintrdav@netscape.net, put 'tint' in the subject line and I'll get you some shop numbers who have given permission to hand their numbers out as references to anyone looking into the systems. Not that you couldn't get feedback from the fellow tinters here.

You can call them and get it straight from a tinter's mouth, pro and con, but it really boils down to is what's summed up in the quote box below.

i think they are great ! we have 1 in our shop and it makes life so much easier . and nevr have to worry about the new guys cutting glass on a 50k$ car . I was 100% against them when we got it but have since realized how much easier it makes it

I know it all depends on volume, but like stated earlier, you better know how to cut well manually. There will always be that car or condition that will require cutting.

Best thing ever invented. All computer cut programs were not created equal-Try them all then get FilmDesigns2.0 ss

I use mine only to cut graphics, i'm skeptical on the machines ability to cut the way I could by hand.. too many factors like shifting windows, tight seals and stuff like that to be able to have the machine cut every pattern perfect.

Thank you!!! I h@te when guys with cutters say "their" programs cut every window perfect, it can't. The reason I stopped double cutting windows years ago is because alot of times their not exactly the same on both sides, all it takes is one day of every car being off for you to stop doing that.

Cars have gotten a lot better for double cutting. I still go back to single cutting side glass if I am doing a vehicle from the '80s or before. All newer stuff I do is double cut, and I haven't had any problems with the newer stuff, but I also cut roll-downs 1/4" wider than visible, giving me a little margin for error that has worked well so far.

Just curious...........when you cut 1/4" wider........don't you ever have probs w/ tint creasing as you're trying to **tuck** in the side gaskets???

Only time I go over is when I can get ALL gaskets out...........(a la my '89 mazda pickup)......*******moment of silence for stepbrother having smashed it into a telephone poll & totalling it back in '95*******............OK, silence over.



P.S. Reminds me......gotta go post in 'horror stories' right now, BRB!

i used 1 a few times before and thought it worked great! would like to have one now

I like the plotter system we have . and if you want to alter templates larger or smaller you can thru the software

Our plotter has paid for itself in graphics and vinyl jobs alone, not to mention the twenty minutes that it knocks off every car. I did it the old school way for a long time..... now I'm a big, big fan of the plotter.

Granted, not all patterns are perfect, but the company we use is pretty good for changing them if we tell them why it's bad and send them another one cut out well.

Although the initial investment is steep, if you can afford one, get one. It will definitely pay over the long run.

plotters and software is a good investment, just dont rely on the machine alone.
if you dont have any skillz cutting your own pattern, youll have to turn away cars because not all cars have patterns, that you can cut,
or what happens if you loose internet for a couple of hours, or even if the computer crashes. then what?

I like my plotter but I can hand cut even better, just not faster.

Class of seven this week learning auto install basics... 2 will leave with automated cutting package.

When asked about showing how it operates and cuts, my response, you need learn to cut first, install second. What are you going to do the day the plotter does not cut, the software locks up the puter or the pattern isn't in the selections.

Don't put the plotter before the cutting...

Plotters are not going to replace hand cut pattern needs, but when they're operating like a top, they sure can do many things without interference from a hangover...

I can definately agree there MT, knowing how to cut by hand is very important. Computers crash, software and hardware will malfunction
and usually at the worst time possible.

I still don't have a good tint cutting program so hand cutting is the way I do most all jobs.
I have made my own patterns in ACad for a few cars with some luck, but I never rely them. Most times it is quicker to just cut it by hand.

The time it takes to load film, set up the file to cut and walk it out to the vehicle, you'd be done faster if you just cut it yourself.

I dont have one and have never used one. You guys keep talking about expense anf programs.
Whats a ball park figure or range on the set up and do you pay monthly for the programs or just one fee up front???

The whole set up costs around $7500+ and the monthly fees for the program runs $120. You can piece on together cheaper but thats what you get-cheap with no technical help. A plotter setup isnt for shops doing a few cars daily-its for people who need more time.Some one who runs alot of cars. That would be me! I think most people that bash these setups either 1) cant afford one or 2) has never seen someone experienced with it use one!

I agree completely. Whether or not you use a plotter, you should definitely learn how to cut by hand and be proficient in that. You learn a lot more about what the window does (side to side movement, etc.) when you cut by hand, and that helps in applying the tint. The plotter saves a ton of time, and the patterns are usually right on the money. I won't lie, though, some patterns are so off that I will still cut the car by hand. However, all things considered, I wouldn't trade it for anything because of the volume of work that it allows me to do.

well said
heck Im not bashing them I was just wondering

But you can also go ahead put me in the section of not affording them frick in xmas and 4 kids

4 kids! Damn Willie ...You need that machine to slap more tint pappas on to feed them kids

lol yup but gotta have the cars - Im opening in hickville Tx -I dont imagine the numbers are going to be there
but Ive tried to keep the stash from the shop I just sold to be safe
Hope to hell momma hasnt found it yet

Where you opening up at Willie? Hicksville-thats way to close to me!!!