Can you print vinyl from a normal printer?

What's a good starting printer/cutter/software for vinyl printing/cutting?

• I've found a few machines that print/cut 12" or 24" wide in the $600-800 range, plus "starter kits" of the supplies that would give me a range of colors for around $400. This is about what I'm looking for in terms of price of the cutter, but what I'm wondering is what are some specific brands to recommend or warnings to stay away from? The next question I have, is what about the vinyl cutter software? I've found plenty that you can make things in the program itself and cut from it, but is there any software that lets you import from Photoshop? What are some of the better vinyl cutting programs? Likewise, what are some of them to avoid? Overall, I'm willing to make an initial investment of around $2000, so what kind of suggestions are there for that price range when including the cutter/printer, supplies, and software? My only stipulations besides price are that the cutter has to be able to actually print images, and everything has to be Windows based.

• Answer:

  Your challenge is the type and size capability the lower cost equipment will provide. We initially purchased vinly cutter that is for vinyl up to 24"; and found that we were limited as to the types of jobs we can accept. After a period of time, the sales support folks wander away and get tired of the calls. What happens is there is too much memory required for larger jobs and the jobs do not run fully. ALSO, if you want to run photo vinyl work ie for work trucks, multi color window logo etc you are going to have to come up with at least 5000k. Then you have supplies, software and equipment add ons to consider. What you might consider at this point of your career is contacting vendors and asking about their lease programs. You should look for 2 percent down, 3-5 yr lease with no more than 10% buyout; no early pay off penalty so you can get it paid off sooner if able. Any other terms and the interest will eat you up...and no one wants to pay more than 10 percent for equipment they have run to death for five years... Hope this helps you out.