Epson wide format printers

[Yogi8]

We are looking to upgrade from our old Epson Stylus 3000 printers and are looking for recommendations.  We never print color, only black on film for screen printing.  With the possibility of going direct to screen in the next few years, we don't want to spend a lot on a really high end printer.  We use the T-Rip to make our separations.  Any advise would be appreciated!  Thanks!

[Sbrem]

We are looking to upgrade from our old Epson Stylus 3000 printers and are looking for recommendations.  We never print color, only black on film for screen printing.  With the possibility of going direct to screen in the next few years, we don't want to spend a lot on a really high end printer.  We use the T-Rip to make our separations.  Any advise would be appreciated!  Thanks!

We're in a similar situation; our 3800 shows problems every Monday morning, and it's old, nowhere near as old as a 3000, but, will cause some trouble probably, when we can least afford it. So, we are looking at both of Epson's screenprinting options, the P800 at around $1800, or the T3270 somewhere near $3K. But, I think it makes more sense to finally go DTS for a machine that does just one thing and make the monthly payment. We haven't pulled any triggers yet, but we're leaning DTS, especially the M & R at around $30K... There is no shortage of opinions here regarding all the other benefits of making the leap. I hope this helps you some.


Steve

[Yogi8]

We just can't make the leap to DTS right now.  Are there any Epson printers that can be converted to just print black? Seems like a waste to have all of the color cartridges but never use them.  Our trusty 3000 was converted to print black only. Not sure others can do the same.

[im_mcguire]

The 7880's you can get for a good price.  24" wide printing on those.  I use that with all inks printing, because I also use it as a proofing printer for my familys offset printing business.  It has been running great for the last 6 years without any major issues.

[blue moon]

We just can't make the leap to DTS right now.  Are there any Epson printers that can be converted to just print black? Seems like a waste to have all of the color cartridges but never use them.  Our trusty 3000 was converted to print black only. Not sure others can do the same.

Hi Yogi,

first off, welcome aboard! Second, sorry to be that guy, be this has been discussed at length on many occasions. Do a search and read the cons and pros, but overall, the EPSON 4880 is the way to go. . .

pierre

[mimosatexas]

I would definitely look into a used 4800, 4880, or really any of the _800 and _880 models. My 4800 was $100 bucks and the refillable carts, accuink black, and cleaning fluid, plus tools to work on one little issue, etc were like $250 more. Great printer for $350 and a few hours of work. My 9800 was $500 and came with the refillablescreen already. There is a 7800 near me for $350 right now, and I just saw a 9880 go for $300 without the refillable last week. The 4800 and 4880 are the cheapest and most common though and easy to work on if theyou aren't in the best shape used.

[TCT]

Think you can convert pretty much any "higher end" Epson over. I've converted a 1280, 4000, 4800, 4880 and 4900. May even have the carts for a 4880 if someone can use them.
The 4900 is nice because you don't need a chip resetter. You just use a flat head screwdriver to jump 2 of the leads and it resets them.



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[Doug S]

Think you can convert pretty much any "higher end" Epson over. I've converted a 1280, 4000, 4800, 4880 and 4900. May even have the carts for a 4880 if someone can use them.
The 4900 is nice because you don't need a chip resetter. You just use a flat head screwdriver to jump 2 of the leads and it resets them.



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Alex, can you send me a pic of what 2 leads you are talking about? 

[TCT]

Alex, can you send me a pic of what 2 leads you are talking about?
[/quote]

I'll snap a pic when I get to work, but here is a link-
http://www.inkjetcarts.us/support/article/epson-pro-4900-hdr-refilling-tutorial-video-with-chromiumpro-4k-hdr-pigment-refill-bulk-inks-and-refillable-ink-cartridges-94.html

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[Yogi8]

Thanks for all of the good info!  I am doing more research on the 4880 and 4900. 

[Doug S]

Thanks for the link to the video.

[TCT]

Thanks for the link to the video.

Sure thing! Glad I did it also because I had totally forgot about it!

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[Yogi8]

Doing a bit more research on the Epson P800...  thoughts?

[willy35]

If you have a tight budget, a cheap printer that serve me well for years is the epson 7600, very easy to found used, very cheap.

[mimosatexas]

7600/9600 can be tricky to get to work on windows 7/8/10, just FYI.  It's doable (i did it) but it is far from the plug and play of the _800 and _880 series printers.  I guess if you were using a 3000 though, that would mean you're either not using a newer OS or already know how to make the older ones work...