Plotter/vinyl cutter

Not sure this is the right place for this post but it is used for image transfer so I figured it’s close enough.
Anybody out there have experience with plotters/cutters?
I’m planning on buy one soon and am looking for suggestions on brands and models.
I would be using this professionally so don’t want to get something intended for an average home user. I’m looking for easy to use software and probably a 24 inch feed. Any suggestions?
Thanks guys.

I thought you would be 'plotting' to get one Theres a few of us who have them and I did think there was a section for them. There still may be but I can't find it for looking.

I have an old Foison C24 which you can guess is a 24" cutter. I initially got it for cutting stencils and masks but have only done a few in the 10 + years ive had it. I mainly do stickers with vinyl.
The Silhouette cameo is quite popular. some peeps here have them. Mostly they have the V3 some have the V4 some may have older ones. Its quite easy software to use and the cutters are pretty good. I've had a look at the software even though its not for mine, and created some cut files although I can't cut them..

You can download the software for free and try it.

I do believe they have a V4 pro version which is indeed 24" It may be of interest. I'm sure others here will pop in and add their suggestions and thoughts on what's the best so I will leave it there. And if there is a section for cutter/plotters one of the wonderful admin will move it.

professionally is exactly what? What you planning to cut? Or to ask differently, what kinda material and size you plan to cut?

I hear the Cameo 4 is exquisite after getting it set up!

In my opinion, Graphtec is one of the best out there currently if you're looking for a reliable machine that is designed for more than hobby use. I run a Graphtec CE6000-60 Plus (which is a 24" machine) in my shop and I like it even more than the Roland I owned previously. The software is very user friendly and easy to set up.

By professional I mean used often and for larger jobs (24 inches), I do automotive painting and I’ll be using this thing at least several times a week.
The Roland is what I’d previously seen recommended, so I’m glad someone has tried that and preferred something else.
Thank you guys, I appreciate the input.

LadyCharlie said:

I hear the Cameo 4 is exquisite after getting it set up!

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Have you not got yours set up yet?

jord001 said:

Have you not got yours set up yet?

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Shhhhhh! Not yet, Lee. My family life went to hell in a handbasket mid December and it's not on track yet.

Oh, sorry to gear that Charlie, update us when you have it set up. Take care x

I can't offer an opinion on the Roland or Graphtec, but one of the advantages of the Cameo 4 is it's ability to cut from a roll of material. You can cut something 12" wide by 10' long if you want. The software is not geared towards beginners, but if you have experience with programs like Photoshop, it shouldn't be an issue.

I have an ancient Roland PNC-1000 that still runs and I have used both Roland and Graphtec professionally. The Graphtec machines are work horses for sure but I like both.

As far as software goes, I have way back in the past used Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator. I still use a pro version of Flexisign that was given to me years ago for being a beta tester. There are some free basic software packages out there I think but I have not looked around for one in a very long time.

I bought a LXI plotter cutter years ago from "Sign Warehouse". It was a 24" and came with a basic version of Flexisign which was a great combo. I sold it years ago because it was gathering dust. Sign Warehouse would be a good place to look for a package deal.

** I just took a look at the Sign Warehouse website and found this deal which is pretty much just like what I had. The LXI Vinyl Express software is included in this package as well.

https://signwarehouse.com/products/refurbished-r31-basic-expert-signs-shirts-package

I think this is still mainly for hobby use.
But you can cut wider rolls.
https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/featured-product/cameo-pro

I've used the hobby machines, and they are great for small work, but they are very slow, so you are correct to stay away from those for what you are looking for. I had a graphtec 24 with the 'laser eye' for die-cutting, and it was fantastic. I've never used a Roland, but from what I've ready Graphtec and Roland are very similar in functionality and stability. i think you would likely be fine with either one.

As for software, I use Corel Draw. I have a very old version (6), but it still works fine, even on the most current version of Windows 10.

I have a Titan plotter from US Cutter that has served me for many years. If you don't want to spend a lot of money for a Roland or Gaphtec, which are for people who are in the vinyl business, the Titan is perfect. It is a more professional machine but doesn't carry the big price tag. This is the machine I use.
Check it out: https://amzn.to/3r1IM6A

It's crazy how cheap these big vinyl cutters are in the US. They start at about $700 here in South Africa.

Hi I've used roland 24 in a pro capacity great machine although somewhat dated now tec has moved on and for little investment you can get a good cutter I'm now using an eh721
That takes 610mm vinyl used fairly regularly no probs yet around $250 in your currency I think. software I use corel draw x7 easy to use and if you want to cut direct to your plotter it may be worth getting sign tools4 personally I now use artcut to get the plotter cutting you can't edit your vectors I don't think but if you get it all done in your chosen graphics software first export over to artcut and your done