Vinyl Cutter Owners Thread | Challenge Numbers

Per the new rules, number panels will no longer be provided. That said, tape numbers are not allowed, and there are specific size requirements. 

If you have a vinyl cutter and are willing to make numbers for your fellow competitors at cost or for a reasonable fee, post here so that folks can get in contact with you.

Hopefully this new rule will allow for more creativity!

Numbers and number panels will not be provided—All entries must display their number and class on the sides and rear of their car. Numbers must be a minimum of 8” (20.5 cm) high with a 1¼” (3.25 cm) stroke. Class must be a minimum of 4” high. Tape numbers are not allowed.

Edit to add:

Tom Suddard said:

Oh, right. Yes, budget exempt numbers and class letters. Any other vinyl counts. 

I like the vinyl sharing idea. I also think we're going to see more hand-painted numbers, mostly out of last-minute necessity. Also, gumballs.

I have the ability

My wife has a Cricut machine she has never used and I know nothing about it. Can it cut vinyl numbers?

My wife has one, but I'll need to get her permission before I volunteer her.

Am I correct in assuming that the vinyl numbers do not need to be included in the budget?

DeadSkunk (Warren) said:

My wife has a Cricut machine she has never used and I know nothing about it. Can it cut vinyl numbers?

Here are a bunch of free books today about Cricut  on amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093NHNMLD?smid=A1G3UP32AZJ14F&tag=pepperugc03-21&ascsubtag=2306287951

I haven't had time to read the the full rules yet. Are car/class numbers & letter budget exempt?

DeadSkunk (Warren) said:

My wife has a Cricut machine she has never used and I know nothing about it. Can it cut vinyl numbers?

I cut a couple meatballs and my numbers and class letters for the rallycross car on the Cricut.  I got the Oracal vinyl in rolls from eBay and then cut it to fit on the special mats.  The only trick is that the largest it can do is 12" x 24" - or at least that's as big as ours can do.

Oh, right. Yes, budget exempt numbers and class letters. Any other vinyl counts. 

Well I used to own a graphics business and had a pretty large cutter.  I did a few race cars back in the day and lots of car projects.  I have a huge graphics design in mind for my challenge car.  I need to start the digitizing and I will need to find and get a cutter or pay someone else to cut them (way over budget).  So I will very likely be getting a large cutter soon.  Numbers and meatballs are easy.  The scheme I am doing has large rectangular number boards already.  With enough encouragement and prodding, I could probably be convinced to get a cutter sooner rather than later.  I can tell you how to make your own installation solution cheap and you'll want a decent squeegee, but putting on vinyl is pretty easy overall. 

I bought a USCutter from someone here a few years ago and love it.  I can do up to about 11" x 24" or so, the longer they go the more it seems to get off track.  I made some vinyl for the BRZ late last year and put it on white magnetic sheets.

So I believe I could help.

Jerry said:

I bought a USCutter from someone here a few years ago and love it.  I can do up to about 11" x 24" or so, the longer they go the more it seems to get off track.  I made some vinyl for the BRZ late last year and put it on white magnetic sheets.

So I believe I could help.

You are right on the longer you go the further off track they can get.  That's why I want to get a US made cutter which costs quite a bit more.  I was wondering if a US cutter would meet my needs now I wonder more.

In reply to AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) :

A friend told me if I want to do big stuff, go up in model to one that uses vinyl with sprocket holes on the edges.

In reply to Jerry :

I think that's pretty old tech now.  I know graphtec cutters can go 50 ft or so in length and maintain hood dimensions using just rollers.  You need to load and check your alignment well first.  I sold my old cutter as part of my first divorce.  A good car graphic needs good linear control over 20 ft.  The MR2 is short but the graphics I want to replicate are pretty intricate.  Scaling then to the MR2 will probably present some challenges too, but I only need two colors and vinyl is cheap.  A good cutter is real money though.  

Tom Suddard said:

Oh, right. Yes, budget exempt numbers and class letters. Any other vinyl counts. 

So the way I read that is if my numbers and class letters cover my entire vehicle they are budget exempt. 

In reply to Stampie :

LOL, now I want a cutter just so I can help Stampie bend some rules.  

Now kiddo wants to do an accent wall in her room with stars and other patterns on it.  Easiest way I know to make patterns is a cutter.....  wife said buy one already.  I have the funds to do it......  if anyone is serious about number boards or meatballs, now is the time to say it.