Hi Lisa,
A bit late to the conversation, but wanted to add a very positive review of the vinyl cutter that we brought onboard at the Nasher back in 2007. It's a Roland 30" GX-300 (
https://www.rolanddga.com/support/products/cutting/camm-1-pro-series-gx-300-30-vinyl-cutter ) and has been an absolute workhorse through a long history of exhibitions and other museum applications (need a last minute parking lot sign?...done!). Like Matt, I've always used a plug-in for Illustrator that came with the machine, as I'm most comfortable working in it....although I imagine the Roland sign-making software is fairly easy to learn. Though the cutter will handle vinyl rolls up to 30", I seldom use anything wider than a 24" roll for our needs. I will add that I worked at a couple of sign shops prior to my museum career, one of which used a Graphtec plotter, and they are also terrific, reliable machines.
Needless to say, being able to produce, install, and edit(!) wall text and signage in-house has been a game-changer for the whole exhibition team. I wish you well in your hunt, and feel free to contact me if I can be of help!
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Alan Dippy
Senior Preparator
Nasher Museum of Art - Duke University
Durham NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-10-2022 10:08 AM
From: Lisa Highsmith
Subject: Vinyl Cutter Machine Recommendations
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone has any advice/recommendations on vinyl cutters? Our museum is looking into buying one to create exhibit signage. Previously we used a company here in town, but it is more cost-effective to just cut and mount the letters ourselves.
Right now I am looking into machines that can cut 24-inch letters.
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Lisa Highsmith
Curator
Mayer Museum
San Angelo TX
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