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The Sign Guy
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2014
This channels is about life as The Sign Guy. I've been designing, cutting vinyl and making signs for over 25 years, join me in my daily endeavors as I show you some tips and tricks. Heck I might even learn something from you all but I have lots of "older" school knowledge I'm willing to pass along and have fun in the process. Most of the signs I do are all off the internet, I'm a 1 man show and do pretty good at it.
Out With The OLD and In with the NEW
It's been over a year since my last video, a lot has changed. I owe it to my subscribers to where and what I've been up to and what my future goals are.
มุมมอง: 643
วีดีโอ
I Bought A 23 Year Old Vinyl Cutter | Will it work?
มุมมอง 3.4Kปีที่แล้ว
I bought a 23 year old used vinyl cutter for $80 bucks. The GCC Panther or as Sign Warehouse called it the Vinyl Express GRC-61 24" Servo driven plotter with Digital LCD display. No stand and the cutter did not have the USB to connect the cutter to my Windows 7 PC with Flexi 12 Pro, I had to use a USB Serial Adapter and connect the 9pin to the 28 pin on the plotter. A few tips and tricks I reme...
How To Make a Co2 Laser Stand
มุมมอง 726ปีที่แล้ว
I bought a "new to me" 50watt 12x20 CO2 laser, now I just need somewhere to put it. I figured I would make a simple, cheap and easy stand for it. I used 8 pieces of 2x4x93, 1 4x8 4 ply 1/2in sheet of plywood and a box of 3in drywall screws. Total time was about 2 hours from start to finish. It came out great, super sturdy with plenty of room under for the chiller and air pump.
I Bought a Atomstack X7 Diode Laser | Was it a Mistake?
มุมมอง 1.1Kปีที่แล้ว
I bought a used 5 watt Atomstack diode laser off Market Place for $200, also bought a $60 rotary for the tumblers and running it all with Lightburn Software. The used Engraver was already assembled , the rotary needed put together and Lightburn needed configured ion the old HP Laptop. Very easy to set up and configure, I was engraving in about an hour start to finish. So I'm looking to get into...
Watch This Before Buying A Used ECO-SOL Sign & Wrap Printer!
มุมมอง 2.4Kปีที่แล้ว
Tips and tricks to look for when buying a used Eco Solvent sign printer. These are just some of the basics to look over, always, always, always ask for the nozzle check or have the printer print something in front of you first. If the seller can't provide a good print out or if the print is questionable you may have bigger issues YOU may have to deal with. Most used printers don't have any kind...
MUTOH 1324x Valuejet Blown Head and Will not initialize
มุมมอง 2.3Kปีที่แล้ว
This is the third and last part about the MUTOH ValueJet 1324x / Signwarehouse PrismJet 54. All the electronic board were sent off for testing to see if any of the boards or power supply was bad. All boards came back with a clean bill of health so I reinstalled them to see exactly why the printer stopped initializing. It was confirmed from testing that the Epson DX6 print head de-laminated and ...
MUTOH 1324x is still broken
มุมมอง 662ปีที่แล้ว
A little more progress on the issue with my PrismJet 54 (MUTOH 1324x) printer. I ran into what I think caused the issue on the power supply but some of the boards will be sent off to further test if that is the issue. If you even need that service, I used inkjetperformance.com and worked with Ed.
MUTOH 1324 Printer Might Be Toast...
มุมมอง 2.1Kปีที่แล้ว
What started as what I thought was some bad banding and a dirty machine may be a bad electrical issue for my PrismJet54 (Mutoh ValueJet 1324x). I started with replacing the maintenance station and did not get any better, it was worse. I replace the 4 dampers and that is where the BIG issue happened. I'll work on the printer as I can but it's not looking good, I know everyone like happy ending s...
Is this the End | Early Retirement on the way??
มุมมอง 2.3Kปีที่แล้ว
It's been a few months since I posted a new video. Just wanted to take a few minutes to see what's new and a new venture I'm hoping will fire me back up! As always, thank you to the watchers, comments, phone chats and video likes without you all I would not be here. I'm not saying I'm 100% done and out but I will be putting more time in other places, for now..... Thanks Sign Folk, TSG
How to Print and Cut Colored Decals
มุมมอง 20K2 ปีที่แล้ว
How I print and contour cut on my Mutoh 1324 and Graphtec 8600 with flexisign. This video was a request I hope it helps other out. Sorry for the blurry video, I should have cleaned my lens before recording!
Finally Making Money With the EDGE 2 Printer
มุมมอง 2.6K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Getting the bugs worked out and figuring out the work flow for the Gerber EDGE2 printer. This was a small print and cut job that was perfect for these printers. After a few trial runs I'm starting to get the hang of it, thanks again Clyne!! I'm printing on Oracal 6510 Fluorescent Yellow with Black and Brite Orange foil from ZERONINE. The contour cutting was off of the Q54 (AKA Graphtec 8600) an...
It Works! Test Print GERBER EDGE 2
มุมมอง 2K2 ปีที่แล้ว
After a little trial and error, I figured out what my printer issue was. Always double check your connections, remember this printer had both circuit boards and the power supply removed and tested. Lucky for me is was a simple fix and the print head looks great!
I Bought Another Sign Printer | GERBER EDGE 2
มุมมอง 4.1K2 ปีที่แล้ว
I bought a used GERBER EDGE 2 and it has some issues. I only gave a few Hundred for this one, another $250 for the 30-40 foils and and some other miscellaneous stuff needed to run this gem. A big shout out to the Plotter Doctor for the quick turn around on the boards, they tested everything and sent them back in a few weeks.
Printer Profiles, The Printer is Not Always at Fault
มุมมอง 5942 ปีที่แล้ว
If you have printing issues, it may not be the equipment. Check your printing profiles to see if the issue clears up. That's what happened here, I had to reload Flexi and one of my printing profiles looks terrible!! Luckily I did not overreact, the prints before this one was spot on, what changed? The profile for some reason does not like the "new" flexi production mananger I had to reinstall. ...
Tropical Storm Ian update, power off your equipment!!
มุมมอง 1752 ปีที่แล้ว
For the second time today the power has flickered and knocked the power out. I'm in shutdown mode after having a hard drive crash a few weeks ago. Remember to power all equipment and computers down and unplug them if not on a UPS. Stay safe out there!!
Starting a Sign Shop / Part 2 / Choosing the Right Vinyl Cutter
มุมมอง 26K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Starting a Sign Shop / Part 2 / Choosing the Right Vinyl Cutter
Graphtec FC8600 / Q Series Cutting Tool Carriage / Bearings / Alignment / Maintenance
มุมมอง 8K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Graphtec FC8600 / Q Series Cutting Tool Carriage / Bearings / Alignment / Maintenance
Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphic Part 2
มุมมอง 9942 ปีที่แล้ว
Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphic Part 2
MDO Plywood Sign | Cut Out The Clip Art | Applewood Acres
มุมมอง 5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
MDO Plywood Sign | Cut Out The Clip Art | Applewood Acres
How to Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphics
มุมมอง 3.5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
How to Print and Install Floor Concrete Graphics
How to | Painting Special Effects on Sign Vinyl
มุมมอง 2.8K3 ปีที่แล้ว
How to | Painting Special Effects on Sign Vinyl
We almost lost it all! | $12K loss | FM Expressions | T-Shirt Transfer Fail
มุมมอง 6K3 ปีที่แล้ว
We almost lost it all! | $12K loss | FM Expressions | T-Shirt Transfer Fail
How to Price Signs and Decals for Small Sign Shops
มุมมอง 28K3 ปีที่แล้ว
How to Price Signs and Decals for Small Sign Shops
Thanks for a informative video on pricing. Establishing a fair price is typically more difficult then doing work.
So so vid. But you gotta practice stop say “ah um”!!!
I have a set of those scissors as well, then i stole my girlfriends westcott carbotitanium pair, they slice through masked vinyl so well!
Thank you for your help. Good idea giving the top bearing bar a very slight bend
Big squeegee has gone out of business. Theses are no longer availble.
I'm glad you posted this! I've been wondering what your new shop looked like!
hola buenas tardes me podrias pasar algún link donde pueda comprar los baleros que cambiaste
Thanks for all your tips and tricks! One issue I am having with my graphtec FC8000-75 plotter, for some reason when cutting lettering out where the start and finishing point of the cut meet up they never actually meet up on every single letter, so I've never been able to weed as quick as you... I've looked over all of my settings as much as I know and still can't figure out why it's doing that. Definitely makes weeding a pain the the rear...
thank u for this i am struggling and i am barely started i dont know what the issue is and i am dedicating my self to learn everything about how the printer is made and what each part means so i can get an idea love making signs but by no means do i know how its built which sucks when u run into issue with lines in the design its fustrating the printer has been sitting a while so i dont know if its a head issue etc.
If it's been sitting with ink in the lines, and it was not flushed with clean fluid, 98% chance the head is bad.
@@TheSignGuy Thanks for the reply! I had a feeling that was the issue but wasn’t sure. I keep getting multiple lines despite changing the maintenance station. Enjoying your content very helpful-please keep making more videos!
Windows XP Pro!!!!!
Why did you choose not to replace the print head?
I wanted to move on to something else. Check out my last video and it will explain better.
Where get the big squ
good luck with that! big squeegee has gone out of business.
You got to do what you're passionate about. I'll miss your videos on the sign/printing business. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge over the years. Best of luck to you in your new business.
learned so much from you. Good luck.
Like to see more content on the new endeavor! It's an awesome facility, lucky to have it close by.
Sean I'm glad your still doing well I need to call and catch up one day soon! Maybe add in an RC Drag setup if you have the space outside? Also rock crawling has been a hit up this way along with the scale slot car drag stuff! I made a 24th scale slot car track in my basement and we had a blast with it!
Well, guess I'll be learning about RC racing 🙂
It's how I got started in signs, painting the RC bodies. Thanks for your support!
Best of luck to you brother! Thanks for sharing all of your valuable knowledge on this channel.
I appreciate that!
Great video! Love to see it, looks incredible in there
Thanks to you!!! Glad you liked it!
I have been following your channel for a longtime as im also a sign shop owner. With you changing ventures i find that inspiring as you are a true entrepreneur. Taking risks and suceeding by taking chances in a new business, cudos!I know it was a real scare for me to start my sign shop 7 years ago. Leaving a job with consistent income was risky but has been the best decision ever. Although im not into rc i will continue to watch what ever post as i enjoy and gain insight or learn something from you. So thank you for sharing your aspirations! All the best in the future and cant wait for you next post!
Appreciate the support! I'll try keep posting videos.
Good luck in your endeavors We learned some good tips here! Also, We’ll buy some goods and tools from you if looking to part
Thanks for the support, much appreciated! Still have a bunch of vinyl and a few random tools I won't be using, not ready to part with them yet.
good luck with your new business...hope it works out for you
Appreciate it, I'm excited for this next chapter!
Thats awesome.
Do you know the hardness numbers for that?
Thanks I ordered a Rowland
I’m unsure as to how much to charge for these type of stickers ?
Material cost X's 2.5 + what you typically charge per hour. It's a specialty item, make it worth your while. My design rate was different from my production rate. I felt like I had more design skills than someone that you could teach to lay vinyl, Therefore I charged more for design than production.
I recently purchased a gcc jaguar 4 and was wondering if it needed a driver on laptop to work. I’m using it to tint with. Or do I need to just get the software and will it work?
Typically the software should have the drivers in the production software. Even if you have the drivers you would have to use a program that you can edit the vectors with like LXi, Flexi, COREL and Illy. Just get the correct software and avoid the headache lol.
Great info, im just getting started so that helped alot
Glad I could help
I do glass etching/engraving any recomendation
If it's just standard vinyl any cutter will do, if it's a thick rubberized mask you need a really good cutter. Like the Graphtec, Roland, Summa and higher end US Cutters.
Thank you
You're welcome
😢
new update video dropping soon!
Wheels
agreed, lol Hopefully I don't have to move it very much.
do you know if they sell a jig or some kind of tool that can help align the laser? i have a ce5000-40 and the screw loosened over the years, causing drift in the cutting alignment. i tightened it and slightly pushed the laser to the left to bring it back into alignment, however it's still a tad off (if i have a page of 6 squares, two per row and 3 rows) the bottom right square is the only one that seems to not be cutting perfectly around the square, it's offset to the right (clipping the left side of the square).
Not that I know of, I'm sure GRAPHTEC has one when setting up new machines but none that I'm aware of off the shelf.
We appreciate you and the videos you do. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
You need a CNC laser bud!
Got one now!
The vinyl cutting market is already way over saturated...
Agreed, another reason I retired from the sign industry.
Hey man where did you get the racks that you put your vinyl on that’s mounted on your walls? Mine are all on the floor , yours is much neater. Thanks man
Got them a long time ago from a place called Harbor Sales in MD. You can also get them form Metalcraft Industries, Inc. in FL and I believe Sign Outlet Store sells them too!
I've worked in the sign and graphics industry for about 15 years now and I can tell this guy knows his trade. I'm now looking to branch out on my own but I'm hesitant because ive had a good thing working for another company for so long. I have an old roland vinyl cutter that only works with windows xp.. wondering if I should just start with that or bite the bullet and invest in something modern
Appreciate the kind words. You have the experience, the only thing stopping you is you... Personally if you have the design skill and everything works just use what you got IMO.
Is there a type of vinyl or material that’s best for making masking stencils for spray painting firearms or similar?
For flat surfaces I use Oracal 631.
For speed, instead of cutting it out and then masking it. Mask it first and then cut it out. The way you did it in the video you had to cut it out twice. It's not a huge deal but a simple step to shave a few seconds off of your time. Anything you can do to help speed up the process will make you more efficient over time.
Why would I want to cut the app tape??? What I do works, thanks for the suggestion.
Why not just get a laminator
Don't need it and took up to much room, there is a time and a place but not for me. I explained that in other video's, I found the BIG Squeegee just fit my needs better.
Hello im curious if you print custom decals on 8 mil high tack adhesive vinyl 48inches× 28inches please and thank you @TheSignGuy
Wonderful video tuto. Excellent tutorial.Ready sucribe .Thanks
Thanks for the sub!
Would a US cutter get me by for a few years of constant used without to much problems?
It should
How are we weather proofing these signs? I currently make signs on MDO & epoxy everything in attempt to weather proof it, but deal with the inevitable yellowing 😢
I never use epoxy on outdoor signs. I use paint and vinyl specifically for outdoor use (1Shot or RONAN), I've seen some signs last over well over 15 years now. The suns UV rays will break down and yellow just about anything, especially epoxy. North, South, East and West will effect how long a sign will last, how much sun it gets, what direction the sign faces etc. There is no material out there that will last forever no matter how much you spend.
How do you buy resin that will not yellow in 10 years when used outdoors exposed to sunlight? (automotive wheel center caps) ....also what do you need to print vinyl?
I don't know of any resin that will not yellow over time. I'm sure it's out there but I don't have any experience with anything other than what I used. To print vinyl you need a good design program, for outdoors a eco solvent or resin (latex) printer and a good UV stable media.
@@TheSignGuy Some custom center cap folks are claiming won't yellow. That's a big claim and I have zero experience.
When I ordered Ronan last time they too arrived looking like that, warped and paint running out. I have been using Ronan for about 30 years now, but they messed up their paint. Several of the cans they sent me are pretty much unusable , they would not skin over, instead they turn into a huge messy chewing gum like paste. Will not buy it again.
That sucks, I use the Black and White and maybe some Dark Green and had okay results. Sometime you gotta work with what you got.
It's kinda of funny how I found your channel. I'm coming from the laser world and recently got interested in vinyl stickers and signs. Naturally, I thought why not use my laser? It's been impossible for me to find a PVC free vinyl that is laser safe. There are of course HTV that are laser safe, but I've not found any sticker vinyl. Do you know of any laser safe sticker vinyl and have you thought about using your laser to cut vinyl? I'm just getting started with my side business, but vinyl stickers seem like a good item to offer and also a way to accentuate some of my laser projects. I've interested to see your growth and how you apply your years of expertise to this new market. Best Jeff
Hey Jeff, not that I have found. You are better off with a vinyl cutter to cut the vinyl. I finally retired from sign making back in April 2024 and started a new venture. I still use all 5 pieces of equipment the EDGE 2, 24" Cutter, 15" cutter, diode laser and my Co2 in my new venture for awards and promo stuff I give away.
@@TheSignGuy Thanks that's kind of how I'm leaning. Thanks again for replying and good luck with the racetrack and awards
I wish I could buy you a beer. This is the best video ever. Thanks so much for sharing ...
Glad it helped
Can you recommend a 100-200usd vinyl cutter for sign making? Im really new to this.
Focus more on the software and less on the machine. Anything new or used will work, you just gotta start somewhere.
Thanks very much my good man - very helpful for my one man shop here in Northern Canada.
Glad to help