Full Version: Vinyl Cutter/Plotter cutting software

From: gt350ed [#1]
 9 Apr 2007
To: ALL

Now that my "new" Graphtec CE3000 cutter/plotter has fermented for nearly 2 years without so much as having been plugged in, I thought I would solicit any and all opinions as to what cutting software I should (finally) purchase.

So far, my choices include Co-Cut Pro or Smart-Cut Pro, both from Digital Art Solutions. Co-Cut can be had for $550. Smart-Cut Pro, for about $750. Smart Cut Pro has been described as the enhancement and replacement for Co-Cut. If such is the case, I'm not sure why both are stilll being marketed by DAS.

All I want to do is custom vinyl window stickers and small-to-medium signs; maybe banners.

I really need a software that is plug-and-play and has a GOOD written manual.

Of course, cost is a consideration, although I am prepared to pay between $500 and $700 at this point. FREE would also work. (devil)

Any suggestions?

In addition to serious assistance, I'm also prepared for the jokes that some of you will offer up since I have been sitting on this piece of equipment for so long. You know who you are!! B-)

From: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#2]
 9 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#1] 9 Apr 2007

Ed:
I used this software as long as I was cutting vinyl. Don't do that anymore or rarely.It's actually pretty good and at the time, it was about $500.00. They added a RIP to it. Here is the website, the actual company is in Australia. I actually did some Beta testing for them once. Vinyl Master Pro is the name of the software and the company is Future Corp. Good luck.

http://www.future-1.com/united_states/products.htm

From: Mike (MIKEN) [#3]
 9 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#2] 10 Apr 2007

Before you buy something why not try free.
http://www.graphtecusa.com/products.php?cat_id=14&visit=img&series_id=26&view=D

I believe this is a plug-in for Corel. If not they have one so give tech support a call and they'll point you to it.

From: Puck (PUCKERBRUSH) [#4]
 9 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#1] 10 Apr 2007

If you have corel draw you can use it as your software program. You basically set the cutter up like a printer. Theres detailed info on how to do this on the sign forum (signs101) if your interested.

I use a bridge program (cutting) after I design in corel but only because it came with my cutter when I bought it years ago. I also use signmate, sign express and sign elite. Use to use sign wizard but got rid of it, just wasn't needed. Theres just about nothing that can't be done in corel draw that the sign softwares do.

Theres also one called sign tools (I think thats the name) thats a add on to corel and you can get a demo of it to use to see if it would work for you. I tried it and liked it but don't need another software program. Was easy and would work for stickers and just about everything else.

Puck

From: Griffo (LASERWEST) [#5]
 9 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#1] 10 Apr 2007

I've used SignWizard in the past and have found it very easy to use.
I now use Corel (I've got a laser) and have found the trasition difficult at times. SignWizard is very interactive (do most things with the mouse) where with other programes you have to use drop down boxes. It's a bit more expensive than what you're willing to pay, but the investment will be well woth it I think

Regards
Dave
http://www.signwizard.com/products/signwizard/index.php

From: JHayes55 [#6]
 10 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#1] 10 Apr 2007

Ed: You may want to take a serious look at the program listed on ebay.
I have read a little about it in a couple of the sign magazines I get and I personally think it’s worth a strong look. Best thing is it works with Corel and your cutter. My personal opinion is you will like having a bridge program from Corel design over to the cutter. When I buy a new cutter I plan on test driving this program before I consider my upgrade to Co-Cut Pro. Co-Cut has been excellent for me because of its ease of use and has never shown me a bug. It also lets you know if you have done something in the design that will cause a cutting issue.

Best of luck to you on this undertaking and let me know if I can do anything to make this learning curve easy for you.


http://cgi.ebay.com/SignTools-3-for-Corel-Draw-sign-software-vinyl-cutter_W0QQitemZ170098812548QQihZ007QQcategoryZ3771QQcmdZViewItem

From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#7]
 10 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#1] 10 Apr 2007

Ed if you have illustrator....you should be ready to go. I also understand they have a compatible plug in for corel draw. We use illustrator, and have found it to work just fine.

From: gt350ed [#8]
 10 Apr 2007
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#3] 10 Apr 2007

Mike, I really appreciate your effort in assisting me on this. Actually, Graphtec is where I started for cutting software, but as I understand it, Graphtec has chosen to have their cutting module as a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator. I do not have Illustrator and, as a result, I did not pursue Graphtec's cutting solution any further. Illustrator will probably be in my future but, for what I do, Corel 9 & 12 with associated plug-ins, and Photoshop, Photopaint and Paint Shop Pro get me there....except for cutting.

Nevertheless, I do thank you for coming to my aid.

From: gt350ed [#9]
 10 Apr 2007
To: Puck (PUCKERBRUSH) [#4] 10 Apr 2007

Puck, thank you for your most helpful response. I have always been interested in the potential of using Corel, or a plug-in to Corel, as a means of cutting vinyl, etc. I just have not known how.

I will definitely log in to Signs101 to check into setting up Corel as you have described.

Additionally, I'm interested in the "bridge" type of software for use with Corel. I'm thinking the terms "bridge" and "plug-in" are interchangeable.

Thanks again.

From: Mike (MIKEN) [#10]
 10 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#9] 10 Apr 2007

Ed:

Graphtec tech support gave me a password to download a Corel compatible plug-in. It's called Cut Master. It actually shows up in the drop down options in Corel. I have a 5100.

That was about 3 months ago. Like you, I've been turning business away because I haven't had time to get up to speed on it.

EDITED: 10 Apr 2007 by MIKEN

From: gt350ed [#11]
 10 Apr 2007
To: Griffo (LASERWEST) [#5] 10 Apr 2007

Thank you, Dave. As you mentioned, Sign Wizard is going to be too expensive for me at this time. Maybe down the road. I appreciate your link to the site, nevertheless.

From: gt350ed [#12]
 10 Apr 2007
To: JHayes55 [#6] 10 Apr 2007

Hey, Joe! Thank you for the response. Sign Tools 3 might be just what I'm looking for. I went to the site. I'm checking it out and downloading a demo. I particularly am interested in a program that plugs-in to Corel, as this one does.

Thanks again.

From: gt350ed [#13]
 10 Apr 2007
To: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#7] 10 Apr 2007

Howdy Brian. Long time no talk!

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, I'm not using Illustrator. Although it's a great program, I have not reallly had a need for it. Maybe in the future, however.

From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#14]
 10 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#13] 10 Apr 2007

Understood...Hopefully you can get the Corel "plug in" and be on your way...

From: JHayes55 [#15]
 10 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#12] 10 Apr 2007

If I am correct the demo will let you use it as a full program for about 25 or so times. That should be enough to tell if you like it. Let me know if it works well for you it might be one that I would look at for future use. From
a cost stand point and what it seems to have it looks good.

EDITED: 10 Apr 2007 by JHAYES55

From: gt350ed [#16]
 10 Apr 2007
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#10] 10 Apr 2007

Yea, up til now, I've been going by what Graphtec's CD had to say about Cut Master; namely that it was a plug-in for Illustrator only. As a result of your latest suggestion, I'll get in touch with Graphtec Tech Support and see if they have a plug-in for my CE3000-40.

Thanks for replying back again.

From: gt350ed [#17]
 10 Apr 2007
To: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#2] 11 Apr 2007

Larry: Thank you for your response to this thread. It occurred to me that your's was the first one received and that I had not responded to you. As soon as I received your reply, I went to the link you provided and ordered a demo. I'm initially impressed with what they have to say on their website. And the cost, at $499, is within my budget.

Interestingly, this company, as well as the company that Joe Hayes suggested, are both based in Australia. There's a "Peter" joke in there somewhere, I'm sure. B-)

Thanks again, and I apologize for failing to reply earlier. We "geezers" have to stick together, although you are MUCH older than me. :O)

From: Puck (PUCKERBRUSH) [#18]
 10 Apr 2007
To: gt350ed [#9] 10 Apr 2007

The vinyl bridge program I have (pro-cut) is a stand alone program.

I design in corel draw, save it as an .AI or .EPS file and then open it in pro-cut. It then layers it by colors so that I can either cut it by colors or I can cut it all at once if I want to. Can be sized, rotated, mirrored, sectioned or etc. I use it for cutting all my graphics. Very simple and great program. I believe co-cut might be the newer version of what I have.

I use the other programs I have for basic lettering but I could use them for the graphics if I wanted to but I like corel for designing and pro-cut for cutting, simple is what I like.

Sign tools should do everything you need and it's at a reasonable price.

Puck

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