dumb question, but what the F is a plotter

[draggin81]

I've been hearing/seeing/reading more and more about plotters, vector files, etc. lately. I'd just like some clarification as to what exactly these things do, especially as it relates to airbrushing.
Here's what I can figure so far. First off, you have to use a "vector" file, which is different from a bmp or jpeg, so if you have a pattern you want cut and it's in bmp, you have to convert it to a vector file. Is that correct? What all is involved with converting the file?
Then, I assume, once you have the file, the plotter acts like a printer for your masking, making cuts instead of pictures, obviously. Do you use frisket film, or something like that, i'd imagine?
What else is involved with these, and what all can you do with them? I've seen people talking about stickers and iron-on t-shirt stuff, but i'm mostly interested in it's applications regarding airbrushing.
Are they hard to set up? Do I actually need to know how to use my computer towork one of these things (meaning more than the internet, ms word, and solitaire)? Do the programs to make the vector files come with the plotters for the most part, or do you have to go out and get those separate?

Sorry for the 1,001 questions, but it seems like a small plotter might make life alittle easier, but since i'm not the most computer-literate person around, I could also see it being a big, expensive headache.
Any advise/info is appreciated, or if you know of a place where this info is already out there so you don't have to type your fingers to the bones answering all my questions, that'd be great, too.

[corey]

The hardest part is actually learning to use the software. your pretty much correct on everything else. It cuts vynil for stencils. And you can use the materials to make stickers and decals.

[blinddog 99]

Hey Draggin81, I couldn't live without my plotter. It is just a small tool, but oh so helpful. I use mine for cutting some vinyl, but mostly airbrush stencils & masks for shapes and complex designs. I will usually vectorize logotypes and especially lettering to keep their uniformity, as I am weak at lettering.

You need vector art or outline art for the plotter to cut the design. It couldn't possibly cut all the little pixels in a BMP file. For vectoring a BMP file, look under Computer Assist, I did an article that you might find helpful. Its the "JPG to Vector" article.

Then cut on the plotter, weed out the pattern, and apply to your surface and you have a mask. Usually I will do this for the white underprinter or general shape capture, then remove the mask and work the object with freehand airbrush...See Steven Craig's article on how to use his "Gearmess" artwork. It shows the steps well.

The material I use for this is especially designed to be used for paint mask.

Hope this helps. I have been meaning to do an article on this, but haven't had the time yet.....

[Whit]

Your basic software should come with the plotter,,,
but a good drawing prog as Corel/Illustrator always
helps,,, as in making your vector files to send to the
plotter,,, some good sign progs have the vectoring
capabilities as well (software that comes with the
plotter is usually sign oriented) but making signs is
a good way to start your plotter for income ($$$) !!!
Good Luck in Your Choices !!!:partyalone:

[bigwater]

You seem to have a pretty good grasp on the vector vs. bitmap issue, but I thought I'd throw this whitepaper up for anybody who wants it.

I came up with this a few years back as something to give a customer who complained when I would quote art charges for vectorizing something. "I gave you the art, why are you charging me art charges?" was a typical question.

This is why.

[draggin81]

what size plotter would you recommend? I'm mostly going to use it to cut AB masking. Has anyone tried one of those U.S.Plotter ones from Ebay?

[bigwater]

US Cutter is selling two different brands over at ebay. There are really good reviews on both of these cutters over at Signforums.com. You may have to register to read the reviews... I don't know. It'd be worth your time to register though. Because it's a forum for sign makers, there is a lot of discussion on vinyl cutters. You can probably learn everything you need to know in just a couple of hours of reading.

Bottom line is both of the US cutters would be okay for casual use, although neither one has been around long enough to have established any sort of track record. They're inexpensive, so they're easily replaced, but as a sign maker who relies on my plotter daily there is no way I would have one in my shop as my only unit.

From what I remember of the reviews, one of them sounds like an arcade game when it's running, and the other one was relatively quiet. Seems like the Copam was the quiet one.

As far as size? The question comes down to how much are you going to want to mask at one time. If all you're doing is bike tins and helmets, you could probably get by with a tiny 12" cutter, although their getting sort of rare. I've been making signs for years and cut *a lot* of vinyl, and the one and only vinyl cutter in my shop is only a 24" unit. There has only been a couple of occasions over the years where I wished I had something bigger.

[draggin81]

thanks Bigwater. I'll have to go check out that forum. I'm thinking the 12"er will do for me, since tins and helmets are about as big of projects as i can handle right now, anyway. Most of my projects are even smaller. Then again, if I can get a deal on a 24"er on ebay, might as well, right?
Again, thanks all for the info

[blinddog 99]

Draggin81, I have a Roland Stika 15", and it works fine for most things. I use it a lot, it gets constant use, and has stood up well. It was their previous year's model, so I got it new in the box from Signwarehouse.com for $499. It has already paid for itself a couple times over. I can cut vinyl 141/2" high by 4 feet long, so it will handle more than you think, although I use it mostly for AB paint masking. Very user friendly, but now the new price is $999.

A good investment if you do lots of masking and like Whit would point out, you can produce vinyls to sell which will help offset the cost pretty quickly.....