Buying Own Graphics Equipment

[acook59]

Hi guys,

This is to all the experienced prop makers and professionals in this forum.

I've been looking at buying my own vinyl cutter and silk screening equipment for help in making my star trek padds and other stuff and i just wondered if u thought it was worth doing it or just getting a company to do it.

Particularly with the silk screening i've heard it can be messy and a nightmare. Can anyone share their experience or advice?

Thanks guys

 

[acook59]

Anyone?

 

[exoray]

Well for most it's simply not cost effective...

The amount you will need and what it's worth to you is what you have to figure in...

If you can drop say $500 and consider it justified then go for it, it's cool stuff to have access to...

Vinyl cutting is pretty straight forward and even the cheap import cutters on Ebay work great, no need for an expensive Roland if you are just getting your feet wet and doing it for a hobby...

Same with silk screening you can purchase the pre-made UV activated screens and a DIY kit for pretty reasonable and give it a go...

 

[redirk2]

I bought a US Cutter 24" plotter on ebay a year or so ago. I made some test cuts with it and it works great. I am graphics guy by day and prop builder by night. I use vinyl templates to build my fullsize astromechs. The cutter cost me $600, but you need software. I have gerbers omega software alreay so I was fine. You will need corel draw at least. (the cutter comes with a corel draw compatable software). I bought it as I was unsure if I would get back into graphics as I had injured my shoulder, I managed to heal up wel so I use the one at work, LOL. Plotter are a great way od doing many things, if you can afford it I say go for it.

Well for most it's simply not cost effective...

The amount you will need and what it's worth to you is what you have to figure in...

If you can drop say $500 and consider it justified then go for it, it's cool stuff to have access to...

Vinyl cutting is pretty straight forward and even the cheap import cutters on Ebay work great, no need for an expensive Roland if you are just getting your feet wet and doing it for a hobby...

Same with silk screening you can purchase the pre-made UV activated screens and a DIY kit for pretty reasonable and give it a go...