Vinyl cutters are available in sizes from 8” cutting width up to 60”.  The question you need to ask is “Where am I willing to take my business? “  If your answer is:  “I am buying my cutter for a very specific application (paint stencils for a consistent product size) that I am already doing, or I am a hobbyist and not interested in anything more than I’m doing” (i.e.e. motorcycle detailing) then you should buy a cutter that will handle the single largest dimension you will ever need to cut – typically a 25” cutter is all these people will ever need. 

However if you answer the question, “If things go well, I’ll take whatever comes my way, then you need to think about a larger cutter.  For example once you get into vehicle graphics, it won’t be long before someone wants the side of their van, trailer, or truck done, and they are not going to allow you to seam their 30” logo with 2 pieces of vinyl you cut on your 25” cutter.  You might have to turn down that large light box face job, pay someone else to cut the graphics for you, or turn them over to your competitor because the job requires graphics that are larger than 24” in all directions.  A 36”, 48”, or 54” cutter might be worth the extra investment down the road.  The following is a rough guide for what you can do with different size cutters:

8” - 12” Cutting Width:   Good for craft people, hobbyists, extremely portable.  It can handle most wall lettering, lettering on some vehicles, and small decals.  Drawbacks – 12” vinyl is hard to find and you will probably be forced to cut down larger rolls of vinyl.

25”Cutting Width:  Vinyl comes commonly in 24” rolls.  A 24” cutter is somewhat portable.  It handles most vehicle graphics, smaller signs and banners, most storefront window lettering, lettering for interior walls or products, all heat transfer vinyl for t-shirts, and can cut smaller vinyl for all kinds of decals. 

30” - 36” Cutting Width – Good all purpose size.  It can create larger signs and can do most vehicle jobs including vans, and some trucks and trailers, Larger logos and decals.  Can handle vinyl 30” and larger which is commonly available.  It can also use 24” and smaller size vinyl. 

48” Cutting width:  Great for big jobs and large signs.  Large trucks, trailers, large storefront window applications.  Vinyl is commercially available in 48” lengths.  It can also handle smaller vinyl. 

54” Cutting width:  It can handle almost anything.  Special projects, large wall exhibits, wholesale work for other shops.  People with 54” – 60” cutters often pick up jobs from other sign shops that have smaller cutters.  60” is the largest size in commercially available vinyl.