For a while now I’ve had an itch to answer a question that no one was asking and might not even care about I’ve wondered if signs look better when carved with a CNC vs signs using a Cricut vinyl cutter. Aside from just the overall look, I wondered which signs were faster, easier, and cheaper to produce.
I made a total of 6 signs: 3 different designs, 2 versions of each design. I did my best to keep them the exact same, but each machine has its own limitations and advantages. All signs looked good, and people looking to make money can be successful using both methods. I think there are times when a CNC carve is preferable over Cricut vinyl, and the reverse. That said, I definitely formed my own overall opinion about which are better.
Anyone here have experience comparing the two, or selling the two and seeing which sell better? I’d love to hear your experience.
I’ve included some images below that show both sets of signs. I made a video that breaks down the details of speed, ease, and cost. If that interests you, feel free to check it out. I’m not a professional woodworker of videographer, so keep your expectations low https://youtu.be/yn0WJrwstU0
A CNC made sign won’t be subject to “picking” (where idle bystanders pick at the edges, esp. if they begin to lift due to poor adhesion) and will overall last longer.
All of your signs look great. I see your question is not what is better, it is a question of what gets the job done with a fair profit. I use vinyl, dye sublimation, the Stingray, drag knives, CNC in 2+d, McEtcher, laser, vinyl heat bending, vacuum presses, leather tools… All these things are tools in the shop as much as my traditional woodworking equipment. The customer decides (after a good discussion to set expectations) what they want to pay for. Complex work may require three or more of these tools. Well done vinyl (Oracal 651 properly applied to a proper substrate) will last 5+ years. My opinion is that vinyl will always have more competition because there is a Cricut in every other home craft shop. Not so with CNC machines…but it is getting there. Fortunately, CNC design and machining has a much steeper learning curve as evidenced by this forum.
I didn’t even think about people picking at the vinyl. That is a fantastic point! As far as adhesion, that is definitely an issue that I came across. I used removable vinyl instead of permanent and had issues that may not have happened if I had used the other. But most permanent adhesion is glossy vinyl, which is not the look that I wanted. Anyways, I appreciate the extra insight.
Thanks for that response! And I completely agree about vinyl products having more competition. When you search signs on Etsy, for example, they are almost all signs made with some kind of vinyl. I attribute that to so many people having a Cricut, and that speed with which a sign can be made with vinyl compared to a carved and painted sign.
I think the carve allows for another aspect of the design presentation and maybe better “side” viewing.
I know someone that decals race cars with vinyl, that would be tough carve.
I use a drag knife in my CNC, essentially making it a big “Cricut”. Best of both worlds!
I even bought one of the Cricut tacky mats to hold paper/vinyl. I got the “Strong grip” mat which is a bit too strong for what I’m doing. If I replace it, it will be the standard or light grip.
The only thing I’m missing is the programming feature to adjust cuts in sharp corners.
I use ramping to align the blade at the start of the cut.
I also use the drag knife to precut mask before cutting to keep the mask out of the cutter.
I’ve wondered if signs look better when carved with a CNC vs signs using a Cricut vinyl cutter. Aside from just the overall look, I wondered which signs were faster, easier, and cheaper to produce.
https://youtu.be/yn0WJrwstU0
