Frisket cutting machine

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I thought the software was just to print the decals, I use GIMP to design and do my concept work, I love it. It's a free version of photoshop, and if you aren't sure the best way to do something, there are youtube tutorials, so it makes it easy to self teach. The images below were done on GIMP. The nice thing is that I was able to specify the dimensions of the artwork after i created them, so I'll try to do a test print to see how accurate it is. 

 

 

I always just print from the graphics program that I create the artwork for.  GIMP should work fine.  Ony thing is, the printer driver should ask what medium you are printing to.  I always select gloss photo paper.  That works fine.

Sounds like for the same price, there's more versatility with the Silhouette than the Cricket. Can cut more materials which is good becaue I'd use it for other things than making masks. 

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greghile I really like  what you have done. I think I'm sold on getting one ASAP and trying to make my own, but I'll probably go with the silhouette 

 

Sounds great. I think you'll be happy with it. Just out of curiosity, what made you choose the Silhouette? Either I or Santa will be purchasing my own machine soon (daughter wants hers back) and I am researching exactly what I want ...

greghile I really like  what you have done. I think I'm sold on getting one ASAP and trying to make my own, but I'll probably go with the silhouette 

I model 1/24 scale garden railroads and I have been experimenting with my daughter's Cricut machine on a number of different items. So far, I have made shingle strips out of 1/32 basswood, stencils and masks for signs, and scoring strips of .040 styrene. I also created vinyl mouse ears and polka dots for a Minnie Mouse car for my 2-year old granddaughter. They have all worked out fine after some of the quirks and idiosyncracies of the software and process were worked out. 

I generally use Adobe Illustrator to create a vector file, save it as a .svg file, and then export that into the Cricut Design Space software. The next project will involve creating signs and other graphics (like wallpaper, floor coverings, and the like) in Photoshop, printing them out on my regular printer (Epson Artisan 837) and then exporting that into Design Space. Cricut will not print the actual graphics but will cut the outline so I can then affix it to a sheet of styrene or brass and attach that to the model.

These machines are gaining in popularity among modellers and the possibilities are endless, especially as they are able to accommodate more and thicker materials.

Here are some photos of a couple of items created so far:

Don, thanks for the words. I hope to see what you can do with the cricut, I'm looking at seriously doing this. I would be willing to help out fellow modellers doing custom work if I could figure out how to go about it. 

I thought the software was just to print the decals, I use GIMP to design and do my concept work, I love it. It's a free version of photoshop, and if you aren't sure the best way to do something, there are youtube tutorials, so it makes it easy to self teach. The images below were done on GIMP. The nice thing is that I was able to specify the dimensions of the artwork after i created them, so I'll try to do a test print to see how accurate it is. 

I bought a cricut machine to try and cut pieces from thin sheet styrene- still working on getting the right settings for that.

But, saw neat masking patterns my daughter cut for use sandblasting designs onto glassware.  They mask just like frisket paper.  Haven't tried it yet, but I sure intend to.

However, let's talk about your problem making inkjet decals.  Testors software is far from the only game in town.  Any good graphics or photo editing software works- it doesn't have to be for decals.  Your printer doesn't really care whether it is printing onto decal paper or glossy photo paper.  I am not that familiar with Mac, being a PC user, but there must be some decent Mac graphics/paint/photo software.  All you need is a program that allows you to create a design and then resize it appropriately for the scale you want.

CAD programs also work and actually resize more easily than paint or graphics programs, but I find the ones I can get for reasonable prices do not have as good of fonts or abilities with the colors, such as shadings and such, as the graphics/paint programs.

If you are able , you can score a silhouette on eBay for half that maybe even less. But you have more freedom With a silhouette. It's not locked down software wise like the cricut. I absolutely love it. I am with you as far as painting as much as I can before using decals.

I use the Sihloutte machine which is similar to the cricut. I cut my own stencils using clear frisket. So far it has worked out perfect.

Here is a pic of the roundels and numbers I have painted on a 1/32 tomcat I am currently working on. I also used the machine to cut out stencils for the walkways. I try to paint as much as I can before I resort to decals.