Training day

[TonyM]

Hi all,
Just a little chin wag/chitchat.
I posted in the Vinyl section how I am thinking of expanding into plotting and was considering the Chinese option with a few extras. Oooer does that sound rude?
By extras…… I mean I had an offer of a cutter with a few rolls of vinyl etc. Between us we weighed up the pros and cons and I decided it wasn’t for me.
Many of you were very kind and advised me admirably.
I sincerely thank you all very much for your expertise and knowledge.

I have decided to go for the Xpress lite cut.
http://www.xpres.co.uk/systems/xpres_cu ... ms/#tabs-2
This is the yellow entry level option
The main reason is the support.

I have paid a deposit and have a training day on the 30th of this month.
I need to take my computer and they will install the drivers and software whilst I am there and then instruct me on how to use the plotter. Can’t say fairer than that can they?

I have been told to arrive by 10am and it is all day if required. Then there is full technical support and warranty for 12 months after that.

I have had to pay a lot more than I really wanted but have to say I am happy with the package offered.

I am fairly expert with Office applications particularly publisher, as I was the editor of a national magazine for ADIs for a few years.
Powerdriver is a godsend for me as I can do all my work in a programme I am very familiar with and then Powerdriver does the rest.

I have loaned my Sons laptop which has Corel on it for the training day, as I think I need that software on the laptop that has the drivers and additional cutter software to be installed?

I must admit I have very little idea how corel works?
I just hope I can follow the instructions on the day?

I am looking forward to the challenge and will write a report of my day/experience on here of the events for others to consider /laugh at (kidding)

Thank you all for your help and especially to Admin for a wonderful forum

BR
Tony

[Paul]

great! good choice i would say about xpres! but how much it cost this package an how big this cutter is??

[John G]

Basic machine is £495 + vat - not sure if the training day comes FOC, probably does as they are all geared up towards training - been there many moons ago for something else.

[Justin]

Xpres support always used to be second to none. I've heard mixed reviews over the past couple of years but haven't had first hand dealing with them for some time so it will be good to hear how you get on

Thank you for your kind words about the forum.

[TonyM]

As JohnG says the machine is £495+Vat and I can confirm that the training and support is inclusive of that price.
They do contact you after you order to arrange the training and whilst on the phone take the "opportunity" to discuss your other needs.
I told them I am fine for heat presses etc. They do ask what Vinyls you would like added etc, so there is a sales pitch involeved, but hey, thats ok. I told them I would pick up some supplies whilst I am there so I can actually see the items.
I need to pay the balance anyhow, I have paid £100 deposit thus far.
I will most likely add some sub stuff also and save on the postage.
i will give a write up of the day once I have been. Warts and all.
BR
Tony

[TonyM]

Hi Paul,
The cutter is 24in so plenty large for me.
I was wrong about the warranty. It is better than I thought at 2yrs.
I have seen the package for sale at £570 on some sites.
You can see the cutter and videos if you cut and paste Xpress Cut Lite XP1960 into google. It the funky yellow one LOL

Xpres Cut® Lite - XP1960 ... Xpres Cut® 61cm (24") Ultragraphics® Cutter - XP1981 ... Produce instant logos in all Xpres cad cutting materials (2 years on site ...

BR
Tony

[John G]

Looks like a decent plotter - I think its a re-badged GCC cutter.

Excellent back up and, if you have the cash, you want to stock up on blank sublimation supplies mugs etc while there to save on delivery costs.

[mrs maggot]

Tony, i am so glad you have gone down this route, you really cant go wrong having it new, and training etc, and ad JG says if you need to stock up on anything else on the day i am sure you will be able to and not have the delivery costs