Sean, I don't mess with anything but heat seal cad cut. It's a field that goes right along with your other shirt work. Pretty easy to learn for simple stuff.
If you are wanting to expand to other areas, then there are banners, windows, and even expensive car wraps , but that's a whole new field, with a whole new learning curve, and more demands on your equipment.
Now, with these new temptations though, I would recommend a better cutter, sooner or later, because even the GCC folks say that the $450 model is really hobby or at best, "light production" level. We all remember your disappointment with your last foray into "entry level" equipment. You must accept it for what it is.
Perhaps, like the advice given you to save and get a real dryer years ago, start with whatever you can, and earmark profits to upgrade sooner than later if and when the need appears.
For occasional use, you will probably do fine with this cheapie. If you find that you are really using it regularly, step up.
Another stop gap measure would be to have someone else cut for you, and you apply. I'm lucky enough to have an agreement with someone for just this service.
