Vinyl cutter for names and trim items
11-13-2003, 10:34 PM
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Vinyl cutter for names and trim items
Has anyone had experience with the small 8 inch Roland "stika" vinyl cutter? I'm considering making a buy, but I'd like to hear from an owner or two first. Will it cut tiny fonts, approx 1/4 inch or even less. Typical of pilots names seen on smaller planes. Also, will it do a nice job on custom trim pieces, like stars and such? What about the scanner operation? Any general notes on its successful operation..or otherwise..will be appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
11-14-2003, 01:35 PM
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RE: Vinyl cutter for names and trim items
I have the SX-8. This machine does a great job of cutting vinyl graphics.
The small lettering can be a problem. The machine will do it, but small letters are difficult to weed without damaging the letters. I think that one of the books said that about 1/4" was about as small as you would want to go. I have done smaller letters but you have to apply the vinyl to the plane and then weed it. The problem with small letters is that there isn't enough surface area to make them stick properly. For small lettering or intricate designs you should also purchase a 60 degree blade.
The machines are easy to use, and you will be cutting letters a few minutes after hooking up the cutter.
If you want to design your own graphics, you will have to learn Corel Draw, which is supplied with the machine from some distributors. This is not real difficult, but is very time consuming. Dr stika also comes with the cutter and is easier to use than Corel, but not as versatile.
You can scan graphics and import from other sources.
The SX-8 is a good size for most of the graphics you would do for RC airplanes. Max width of design for the SX-8 is 6-1/4", and loadable material size is 7-13/16 to 8-7/16 wide. The SX-12 maximum width is 9-13/16", and loadable material size is from 11" to 12". The maximum length is 39" for both of these machines. If you go much longer than that, the end of the cut may not match up with the start of the cut. I like the 8" but the 12" would be nice. With the 12" you throw away a lot more uncut vinyl.
Call Sky at 450 449-0142, or visit their web site at http://www.stika.com/. They can give you all the information you need to make a decision on what cutter will be right for you. Every seller of the Stika cutters packages different software with these machines. Sky has the best software for our use.
Greg
The small lettering can be a problem. The machine will do it, but small letters are difficult to weed without damaging the letters. I think that one of the books said that about 1/4" was about as small as you would want to go. I have done smaller letters but you have to apply the vinyl to the plane and then weed it. The problem with small letters is that there isn't enough surface area to make them stick properly. For small lettering or intricate designs you should also purchase a 60 degree blade.
The machines are easy to use, and you will be cutting letters a few minutes after hooking up the cutter.
If you want to design your own graphics, you will have to learn Corel Draw, which is supplied with the machine from some distributors. This is not real difficult, but is very time consuming. Dr stika also comes with the cutter and is easier to use than Corel, but not as versatile.
You can scan graphics and import from other sources.
The SX-8 is a good size for most of the graphics you would do for RC airplanes. Max width of design for the SX-8 is 6-1/4", and loadable material size is 7-13/16 to 8-7/16 wide. The SX-12 maximum width is 9-13/16", and loadable material size is from 11" to 12". The maximum length is 39" for both of these machines. If you go much longer than that, the end of the cut may not match up with the start of the cut. I like the 8" but the 12" would be nice. With the 12" you throw away a lot more uncut vinyl.
Call Sky at 450 449-0142, or visit their web site at http://www.stika.com/. They can give you all the information you need to make a decision on what cutter will be right for you. Every seller of the Stika cutters packages different software with these machines. Sky has the best software for our use.
Greg
