New Vinyl cutter need design

[Thalan the Exiled]

Just picked up a new vinyl cutter so i can finally get some detailed etching done. Now i am looking for a design similar to that of Satele Shan's lightsaber. i have found some nice filigree work online but i really want something close to that design. if anyone has a jpg of that so i can import it into my cutting software i would really appreciate it. I know, i know just keep looking and you will find something. well i have been looking for weeks now and havent found what i am looking for. i have seen some really nice satele sabers so i know someone has to have what i am looking for.

[PhoenixHawk]

For Satele Shan's saber most if not all just free handed that pattern....hence why you can't find a .jpg of it.

[Thalan the Exiled]

DAMN. cause i cant draw for nothing. well hopefully someone out there might have something of that style. thanks for the info

[Silver Serpent]

Hit up your local art communities or find people on websites like DeviantArt that do commissions.

You don't have to do everything, so long as you're capable of finding people who can do what you can't.

[Rampant]

If you send me an image of what you are trying to emulate, and some dimensions, I might be able to put something together for you.

[PhoenixHawk]

He's after this....the pattern on the body of her saber.
15051

If i had the time i would draw it for you....but i don't sorry.

[Thalan the Exiled]

yes it doesnt have to be exactly the same as on Satele's saber but in that style. i have been waiting a long time to do a intricate etching. Finally had the extra money to get a vinyl cutter so i can. just wish i could draw...lol. I have been playing with it tho. here is some fun stuff i have done while waiting on saber parts and hunting for a design.

15052

[Rampant]

what are the dimensions? In order to make it look correct as it wraps around, you will need circumference and length (width and height).

[TrypWyr]

What brand cutter did you get? I have a design I've adapted but my Silhouette uses *.studio files and I don't think I have the original...

[Thalan the Exiled]

I have a silhouette but I bought the software upgrade so I can import jpg and convert to cut files. So ifnyou have a .studio file I can work with it to fit my needs. Not sure what the circumference is but it is the 4" double female that I want tto etch.

[darth_chasm]

Diameter x Pi. It's just about 4.555"

You can also wrap a pice of tape around the piece, mark the seam and measure that. Not as accurate but works in a pinch.

I would recommend cutting several and practicing lining up the seam of the vinyl. It's very tough getting intricate designs to meet up perfectly.

[jbkuma]

Registration marks and square lines are your friend!

[Thalan the Exiled]

Thanks for all the tips. I have just one shot at getting it right cause I only have one mhs piece. I think I will try it on some shroud material first to see how long I need to let it go. Gonna do the salt water etch method.

[rlobrecht]

You have as many tries as you have pieces of vinyl. Just don't dip it into the saltwater bath until you are happy that your stencil lines up.

[Thalan the Exiled]

True. I have worked with vinyl a lot so that isn't my worry. The etching, on the other hand, I have not done before. I have read posts and watched many videos but still a bit worried.

[Rampant]

Here is a design. It isn't exact, but it has the same general feel. Since size will be an issue (wasn't sure it it was on a standard body, shroud, milled down, etc.), I made the whole thing a tile (meaning you can duplicate horizontally and vertically and it will look seamless), so you can resize as needed. By not having a pure rectangular tile, it should help make it a little easier to get it sized correctly, without having to be too precise.

I have a PDF version if you want to edit in Illustrator (most lines are strokes to make it easier to have it heavier or lighter), but can't upload it because it is too large. PM me with your email and I will send.

Good luck!