Which software for Graphtec 6000

[chris888]

We have recently purchased a Graphtec 6000 cutter and have been told we can use the software supplied, think its called cutting master, or use Adobe illustrator. Does anyone use this machine who can advise which is better / easier to use. This is the first cutter we have had so very inexperienced.

[mrs maggot]

what is it not doing that you need it to? if you are inexperienced, then why do you need something other than the one that comes supplied, which Graphtec support and understand at their office ?

[StellaD]

Cutting Master is a plug in which is free to download for Graphtec cutters and installs into either Corel Draw or Illustrator.

It is not a design software.

We use it for cutting on a Graphtec FC760 Mk2 and it works fine. You do need to download the correct version which suits both your cutter model and software version. We have stuck with Cutting Master 2 as it does everything we need.

[chris888]

Thanks for the replies, the software supplied is actually called Pro Studio, we have access to both this and adobe which is why we wondered which one would be easier to use. We are actually engravers so the graphtec is a new machine to us. Are they easy to master if you have never used one before? We had a little go at setting it up and were a bit confused.

[StellaD]

OK, that is different then. Studio is stand alone software which will do basictext and shapes whereas Cutting Master is just the plug in which needs either CorelDraw or Illustrator.

Studio will be fine for basic work but the others will give you a lot more features - at a cost.

Graphtecs are great cutters but do involve a bit of a learning curve with a fewthings which never used to be documented (they might be now) like rapid movement of material forwards and backwards where you need to press and hold the "Next" key while pressing the "Up" or "Down" arrow to speed things up.

If you ever need blades for it use Edward Mathias & Co.

[pw66]

You are confusing Cutting Master with Graphtec Studio. Cutting master is a plugin so that you can export direct from Illustrator or Corel Draw.

Graphtec Studio is a basic vector design software that is ok for text and simple shapes. Not as powerful as 'proper' design software but some features are good - the contour tool being one that springs to mind.
You can still use your existing software with Studio, but you will need to export in a compatible format ( I prefer .eps which I export from apackage called DrawPlus) and reopen in Studio. Once opened you can edit your design in Studio if needed.

Exporting/reopening adds about 1 minute to the process.

[chris888]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful