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[gprockhill]

While evaluating what features I need in a cutter and attempting to balance this with my limited budget a few questions keep popping up for me. I have read that a lot of folks do not use the contour cutting feature very much. This feature seems like it would be important but maybe it is not. Could you guys summarize when the contour feature would be important vs handy? Is it simply when using opaque transfers? Also with the exception of the little graphtec portable cutter do all the other cutters require images be vector?

[charles95405]

when using contour cutting you do not have to have vector. Contour cutting is useful when putting an image on a dark fabric...this will elimate using manual cutting methods around the image. I had a GX24 for almost two years and only used contour cutting once.  I had a GCC Puma III and now have a GCC Jaguar IV..both of which have optic eye for contour cutting, but I have not used that feature with either cutter. I just don't do transfers on dark material because I have yet to find a paper I am happy with. But in cutting normal vinyl direct from your cutting program you will need vector images.

Maybe someone can give a better reason for contour cutting...but in my operation, it is not very high on my priority list

[badablue]

Same here. I have had my GX24 for 2 years and tried to do contour cutting and after wasting  10 sheets of paper I gave up.I found if I have 10 transfers I could cut them faster with a scissors and not spend the time setting up my cutter. That is just a feature I would bet is used very little. Lets do a poll.

[MonkeyMeMe]

i have to say lou, i love the polls,,,
MMM

[Lnfortun]

You do need vector outline of an image. The coordinates of its point along the cutline is what the cutter go by in cutting. You can contour cut a bitmap image provided that vector cutline was created for it. The registration marks determines the boundary of where the cut lines are. The marks are used as reference points to compensate for the distortion of the image during printing.

[gprockhill]

So then what circumstance would you use contour cut on vinyl? For lettering? Numbers?

[Lnfortun]

You don't have to contour cut vinyl for letter or number. As a matter of fact you don't need cutter with registration marks.

[precisioneng]

Anyone using the Graphtec Craft Robo Pro for contour cutting prints.
I just got mine set up yesterday and played around with last night. Printed out a graphic in circle form and some text on the Epson 1400, along with the registrations marks on some transfer paper for dark shirts.

It cut out the circle and text, but I notice along the right side of the circle and same on the text letters, there is a little bit of white material showing, which when put on say a black shirt would not work.

Looks to me like something is just not aligned perfect.

Mike

[MXRacingDad]

Anyone using the Graphtec Craft Robo Pro for contour cutting prints.
I just got mine set up yesterday and played around with last night. Printed out a graphic in circle form and some text on the Epson 1400, along with the registrations marks on some transfer paper for dark shirts.

It cut out the circle and text, but I notice along the right side of the circle and same on the text letters, there is a little bit of white material showing, which when put on say a black shirt would not work.

Looks to me like something is just not aligned perfect.

Mike

I have found that sometimes when you choose the material setting in the software and it gives you the color tip to use you still need to adjust the speed and pressure that you use. There is also a place in the software to align your cutter but I haven't had to use it on mine.

[Nvr2Old]

I bought a Laserpoint 24, because I wanted the option of being able to contour cut images on light and dark transfer papers. After trying many different types of paper, I decided I will not be using contour cut graphics for garments, but I still may use transfers on different items. It took me quite a while to learn how to contour cut with this cutter. It does not have an optic eye, it uses a laser alignment system, so a vector contour cut file with registration marks must be created for each graphic image.
If you buy a USCutter LP24, do not waste your time trying to learn the process with the included software "Signblazer". The contour cut feature is buggy, and will not allow a contour cut closer than 1/8" off center. I use SignCut Pro. Here is a link to another thread that I performed a simple circular contour cut on. http://tbiz101forum.com/index.php/topic,930.0.html
If like me you choose this cutter due to low start up funds, be prepared to invest the time to learn the contour cutting process. If you have more money then time, get a cutter with an optic eye.

[Masterkoin]

I agree that the Laserpoint isn't really a contour cutter anymore than any other cutter without an optical eye is.  I returned mine and upgraded to a Graphtec for that reason and man was I happily surprised at how many other improvements I received in one package.

[Lnfortun]

Anyone using the Graphtec Craft Robo Pro for contour cutting prints.
I just got mine set up yesterday and played around with last night. Printed out a graphic in circle form and some text on the Epson 1400, along with the registrations marks on some transfer paper for dark shirts.

It cut out the circle and text, but I notice along the right side of the circle and same on the text letters, there is a little bit of white material showing, which when put on say a black shirt would not work.

Looks to me like something is just not aligned perfect.

Mike

It is the nature of the best. I have offset with mine and for the life of me I can't find any solution using the configuration menu for all kinds of alignment and adjustment method. I even emailed Graphtec support and I was told the same thing that I already tried. The thing is the offset is going in the negative direction. The firmware does not allow negative number. So what I do is fool the cutter. After I printed the artwork with registration  marks I nudge the artwork and contour cutline towards the error before I send it to the cutter. Another option I do is put a dark outline close to the color of the shirt that is thicker than the offset. Opaque will still show some white because the cut edge does not have ink. If the opaque is thick enough the white edge will show more.

[precisioneng]

I think all manufactures are the same way. I have a Roland SP-300 and it does the same thing, I always have to nudge the cut line to the left(looking at the machine) just a few clicks then it cuts just perfect.

I did the same thing with the robo pro the other nite, nudged the cut line to the left a smigget and it cut perfect.

Mike

[cutme]

i think if you want to print and cut, you need to get a printer that also cuts.

bb

[kimo]

I have a GX-24 and use it for vinyl and heat applied transfers.  Our local supplier pretty much only carries Joto brand vinyl and transfer papers, and I have not been disappointed in the quality.  In the 2 years I've been using the cutter, it has done everything I've asked it to do.  As far as heat transfers for dark shirts, I pretty much contour cut everything.  From simple oval shaped logos to more complex shapes, it will do it.  I'll admit it took some trial and error to get good results, but it does work!  I've had to nudge the cutter one tick to the right, and one tick up to cut satisfactorily within the boundaries.  I also make sure that I make the borders wider than I need, then offset the cutline to cut inside the border, so there is no white showing.  When cutting, make sure that the printer is set for the printer you used to print the image, or the cut will be way off the printed image.

Also want to say that if your doing heat press on apparel, the best tools to have is Lou's Tee Square It and Tee Pad It.  Use them ALL the time.