As a newcomer, I must say that I am pleased to cut my patches, so far, with a scissors… ..and it had never occurred t me that you might be able to do it online.

Interested??

Here is a short conversation that came up on the Datchet Radio Sailing WhatsApp Group. (I used to think I was good with Tech until I met these Guys!) :-

Person A : Anyone got any experience of laser cutting/ engraving devices??
I want to cut deck patches etc and maybe some balsa wood so don’t think I need much laser power, but a big enough bed is more likey to be important to me. Anything else I should be thinking about..?? 

Person B: Using a vinyl cutter is a simpler and better solution for cutting deck patches .

Person B : Laser cutting with a small CNC/Laser 3018 cutter is a slow process, even cutting balsa wing ribs, for example. Very smelly, as well. Cut patches with a vinyl cutter.

Person A: Any recommendation for a vinyl cutter model to pick ?

Person B: I use silhouette cameo. Easy set up and you can transfer files between friends.

https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/featured-product/cameo

Person A: Does the Cameo handle the roll of patch material or do you need to cut it into manageable sheets first ?

Person B: The cutting mat is 12” sq (American!) as standard with a 12 x 24 also available. I stuck the leading edge of my roll onto the cutting mat and allow it to move with the cutting mat. Your maximum size is governed by the physical size of the cutting mat.

Person C! : I use an old Roland CM24, that I got on eBay. It has a 600mm wide bed and can cut any length you like off a roll.