Help choosing cutter and software

I would recommend the Graphtec or Vinyl Express (same machine rebranded for signwarehouse) in a 24" or 30" model. I know your only doing 12" letters but 24" and 30" material is most common and usually well stocked at suppliers.

I second Inside's thought on size. 24" minimum. Everyone always thinks they only need a small machine and then in two weeks they have buyers remorse. I started out with a pretty cheap cutter. Chinese made called a P-Cut. Stepper motors and lots of static electricity. I survived with it for a couple years but ohhh so love my Summa. If you go the budget cutter route just don't pick the bottom of the barrel. Even a few steps up the ladder makes a difference. Graphic is one of the best brands out there and a real good bang for the buck if you consider resale values. You might keep your eye out for a good price on a used one. They are tough enough to hold up for years of service and you can get parts for them. The Chinese models are more if a dice roll and are NOT something to buy used.

I recommend Graphtec as well. What size did you get though?