What plotters do you have

I have talked to a few of you about Tinting software but I am thinking about just buying my own plotter out right than I can try a couple trail programs and see what I like best there seems to be pros an cons to all of them.

anagraph old school .

does anagraph still make plotters?

graphtec

I have roland, but next will be graphtec.

http://www.apdevices.com

vinyl express q100 is basically a graphtec under their name if im not mistaken.

I've played around with a few now, I see DGI's Roland Graphtecs everywhere and they all seem to last and for general cutting of auto film they all do a great job. If you are going to be cutting thicker materials I would look further into each brand.

My advice would be to score a deal on a used one, try to make sure you can see it work first. Most plotters start messing up film during cuts from improper setup, damaged cut strip, dull blade.. some folks shelve a perfectly fine plotter due to not knowing how to use it.

I think its a no brainer, you can offer vinyl lettering and signs to make extra and something to keep busy during winter months.

I voted "rowland" but I have a Roland. Is rowland the ghetto, off brand version?

No I just can't spell

Started with an Anagraph, it's was a fine starter back in 99 but you don't want now. Went to a Graphtec CE5000, sold and now have Graphtec FC7000 and Vinyl Express Q100. They are the same. I have to say Graphtec is really nice, but I too believe the DGI's and Rolands are pretty bullet proof

I have a graphtec now but started with a roland.

Both are nice

i bought a new anagraph last year . With the anagraph there are no roller marks from the grit rollers . I looked at the graphtec / dgi and it leaves deep grooves so if tint goes off track and peice is no good. I can cut a pattern 39.5 inches wide on a 40" roll and no marks on tint . With the other ones max is 38 and that is as long as it doesnt go off skew ,easy to load and easy to use .i use 20 36 40" rolls with very little waste . Tracking is awesome . My last one lasted 6 years . all the other bells and whistles i would never use. I cut ATC and ATR all on the same settings.

This was my understanding as well. I've got the Q100 and no complaints..I have no other experiece with other plotters so maybe I'm not the best to ask..but I can tell you from one "ol School " to another that no knowing ANYTHING outside of using an olfa knife all these years, that I wouldn't be without the Q100 and the Tint Tek 20/20 system now. I keep the program on running if I you need a pattern , simply type in the car and hit the "CUT" button ..I like simplicity The pinch rollers are also 1/2 the size of others on the market..this is a good thing for minimal waste when cutting out certain size windows with certain size rolls

i own the DGI...bought it with a film reck that hangs off the back and holds three rolls. i have a extra rods that sitt off to the side for quick changes

q-100 setup from tint tek. bone stock. i found way to get cuttin strips cheaper by the way. order a cutting strip for the graphtec which is about 3 times wider than the q-100. cut it down and make 3 from 1. same price for the fat one, but it makes 3. theres an oldshool way of cutting it....just like cutting pin stripes. some of you may know about it...all it takes is a busniess card and a razor blade.

Thanks for all of the responses

What are you going to get besides whatever the missus tells you

I am looking for a plotter to replace the misses

2 Graphtec's

60" dgi for me

Vinyl express Q100

To what extent are plotters worth it in your opinion?? i.e number of cars needed to make it worth the cost of the machine and software updates. Also I have heard that some of their cuts are not as good as a experienced tinter doing it by hand. Meaning to their liking as side windows may not be cut wide enough. Im interested in a machine but not sure if its worth it from what I hear. Hope you guys can shed some light for me.. thanks!

I am playing with a Uscutter its cheap and as such I dont expect it to last but if it helps pay for a good one then its worth it to me.

plotters are super cheap, if you've thought about buying one buy it... we have 24 " and a 30" no name plotter (old as %&$# and they are beautifully fast and easy)... (lol turn dials for pressure and speed... I love them.. We also have a roland vp 540 and some other big as printer we don't use...

As far as tinting software the only thing I have personally used is computer cut, ... things might have changed, but the patterns never fit the way I would fit it...

As far as vinyl software Signlab isalso the only thing I have used and I have zero complaints for it.

DGI for me