adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,777
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Post by adrian65 on May 3, 2007 6:30:19 GMT -5
I found this forum fortunately, by googeling "tumbling hobby", so once the words "Rock Tumbling Hobby" appear on the sticker, it's the same for a spammer if the adress is there or not (maybe some minutes delay). But if there's not, some people interested in rocks but with few pc knowledges might be "lost".
It's the same problem as the weapon control, it takes the weapon only from the harmless people.
Adrian
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Post by Bikerrandy on May 4, 2007 5:57:40 GMT -5
The URL should stay. Why display the sticker in the first place? It would be like putting a car club sticker on your car that says "CAR CLUB". Spammers don't spend much time driving around anyhow, 90 percent of their time is spent in front of a computer. Let people know who we are and where we can be found! ..... I'm not scared.
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jmsj
starting to shine!
Rocks in my head...ask my wife, she'll tell you
Member since January 2007
Posts: 31
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Post by jmsj on May 6, 2007 4:02:06 GMT -5
I want to start this post with an apology for two reasons....First, I have a feeling that this is going to be a rather lengthy post of little to no interest to most folks. Second, I probably should have done this much earlier in the discussion of decals. so folks would have a little better understanding of the process It is my intent here to attempt to enumerate and explain the steps in the manufacture of vinyl decals (no, I really don't intend to bore to tears most of you reading this, but probably will) So here goes nuthin'! 1. Basic concept of what's desired 2. The ARTWORK, very important step!, fine lines and multiple colors complicate later steps. Technical BORING Part Alert:The artwork HAS to be in a vector graphic format (preferably .cdr, then .eps, .ai, .svg or a few others) 3. At this point, if the customer desires, they are notified that artwork is ready for final approval. Many just say "You know what you're doing better than I do, just take care of it" 4.The color of vinyl selected (we stock about 20 colors) and loaded in the cutter\plotter.Technical BORING Part Alert: The vinyl comes in 50 yard rolls either 14 or 24 inches in width, it has adhesive on the back and a fairly thick paper backing with a wax-like finish so the vinyl will peel off. The cutter knife is adjusted to cut through the vinyl and just barely score the paper backing. 5. The data (artwork) is sent via USB to the cutter (this is the easy part) If the decal is intended to be placed on static cling sheeting or the inside of a window for viewing from the outside then the image is "mirror-cut" to reverse it. 6.The cut vinyl is then sliced off the roll and the piece with the latent image(s) is taken to a well lighted work table and then the real fun begins (the tedious part). All the little cut pieces of vinyl that AREN'T part of the image are picked out and removed by hand. So the finer the lines and details, the more tedious and time-consuming this is. This part of the process is called "weeding" the vinyl. 7. The weeded image still on the backing paper is then "masked" with what is essentially a wide piece (6, 12, 18, 24 inch) of masking tape that has a medium tack adhesive. 8. The mask and backing are trimmed together and VIOLA! a decal is born and ready to send out.......unless it goes on static cling sheeting, then there are a few more steps, but that's another story for another time. So, any of you that made it to this point without falling asleep and drooling down your chin and onto your keyboard, can now walk in to a Sign Shop and honestly tell them you know the basic steps in producing cut vinyl signage. Whoopee!
At this point, I'd like to express my deep heart-felt thanks to all the members who voted for me to win the award for the longest, most boring, un-rock related post EVER to appear on this hallowed Board. :-)
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jmsj
starting to shine!
Rocks in my head...ask my wife, she'll tell you
Member since January 2007
Posts: 31
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Post by jmsj on May 6, 2007 4:25:05 GMT -5
almost forgot this part...because they are produced in relatively small lots, it is possible to make them in different colors for different people ( I recommend white, yellow, orange, or red due to higher visibility, but several other colors are available). also due to lot size and their being to a large degree "hand-made" the "www.rocktumblinghobby.com" can be incorporated into the design as a separate element as in #9 and#11 and then for those members who don't wish to have it, it could simply be weeded out during production so their decals wouldn't have it.
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on May 6, 2007 9:55:49 GMT -5
Jmsj - you clearly know what you are doing. What do you consider a small lot? Could you give us a close break down on the size lot prices for those that might want some that do not make the vote?
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Post by akansan on May 6, 2007 14:52:01 GMT -5
Okay, so in truth nothing is printed on the vinyl, but instead cut-away from the vinyl...yes? That's why the fine lines and such are considered a negative, as it's more difficult to leave just what's wanted.
I'm used to traditional printing such as Zotika mentioned, where a one-color print job is that color and then white...and percentages of the color are okay. Hmmm....Interesting!
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