Hi All,

I'd like to get people thoughts on buying used vs new plotter/cutters. I'm just getting restarted in the decal business. I'm going to do a decal website (which I've done before) but this time, I'm going to be producing the decals myself. I've seen the Graphtec CE5000-60 for just over 1500. If I'm making an investment, I would have the warranty, etc, with a new unit. I'm concerned about buying one for, say, $1,000 and then running into problems.

Any ideas or thoughts?

Thanks
Wally

well i bought a graphtec ce5000-120 for $1200 used but it was practically brand new. worked like a charm, so used can be a great deal, just gotta make sure you arent buying some broke crap.

We recently purchased a UScutter HM-1351 for about $600.00 shipped.
we have used that sucker just about everyday cutting close to 100 units a day.

Warranty is fine and have had no issues getting in contact with their CS when needed.

I'm glad to see you like your Refine, count your blessings.  They changed their manufacturing of these machines and now there are A LOT of problems with them.  I recommend a GCC Expert for a sub $500.00 cutter, but of course nothing would replace my Graphtec.

I'd like to get people thoughts on buying used vs new plotter/cutters. I'm just getting restarted in the decal business. I'm going to do a decal website (which I've done before) but this time, I'm going to be producing the decals myself. I've seen the Graphtec CE5000-60 for just over 1500. If I'm making an investment, I would have the warranty, etc, with a new unit. I'm concerned about buying one for, say, $1,000 and then running into problems.
Any ideas or thoughts?

I'm not a seasoned pro like the rest of these guys, but I just went through the same decision process, so I'll offer input. I went with a new Graphtec CE5000-60. I looked at used machines, but I couldn't make the money work. The Graphtec came with 12 rolls of various colors of vinyl, squeegees, weeding stuff, app tape, Coreldraw, wet app fluid, 2 CD's of clip art, and instructional DVD, and a few other odds and ends I'm sure I'm forgetting. Plus it's NEW, full documentation, manuals, warranty and I know it wasn't beaten. I looked at less expensive machines, but I'm a big believer in spending a little extra for quality tools. Not that less expensive machines aren't quality, but there are a lot more horror stories about them, and I don't have the patience to screw with drivers and serial adapters. Graphtec seems to have a pretty good reputation in the industry, and that matters to me. I'm not looking for a "status" machine, but I want something I can depend on. I'm not starting a full sign shop, just using it as a supplement to my current business. But when I fire it up, I want it to do what I want.

That's why I bought what I bought. I hope it helps you.

Has anyone else used the GCC Expert?  I looked at the website and they look nice, but could not find a price...

Thank you again Dakota!

  Used or New, this is a very difficult question to ask of someone. This is something that needs to be the total decision of the person involved. It's like buying a used car from a newspaper ad. You get what is advertised, sometimes more and sometimes less, you take your chances. You really have to ask yourself if you can afford to buy used vs buy new. What is the value of the extra included items such as warranty, add on items, training, customer service and the like? Do you have any experience with the equipment that you are purchasing? As an example, I have experience with Tajima Embroidery Machines, I do all our servicing, repairs, adjustments and maintenance on these machines. When I make a decision to buy a machine myself I will go and look at it, run it (if they won't let me run MY DESIGN then it will be a NO SALE. But having experience with the item I am not taking that large of a risk but saving 50% or more in cost.

What do you feel comfortable doing, if you cannot positively say that you have no problem with taking a risk with a used item because you know what your abilities are then go for it, if not buy NEW! 

 I recommend a GCC Expert for a sub $500.00 cutter, but of course nothing would replace my Graphtec.
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Looks very similar to the pcut. Does anyone on here own one of these? Is it a stepper or servo motor?