Author Topic: Printer advice  (Read 2124 times)

Offline jake899

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Printer advice
« on: September 24, 2018, 03:33:57 PM »
I realize there are many other posts on printers.  However with availability and products constantly changing, I'm asking.

Is there a good printer for a newbie starting with none that will last a while and do a good job?  Wide format probably best I assume.

Price really isn't a problem as long as it's quality and will be worth the expense.

Thank you!


Offline blue moon

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2018, 05:06:26 PM »
I realize there are many other posts on printers.  However with availability and products constantly changing, I'm asking.

Is there a good printer for a newbie starting with none that will last a while and do a good job?  Wide format probably best I assume.

Price really isn't a problem as long as it's quality and will be worth the expense.

Thank you!
Jake,
what would you use the printer for?

pierre
Yes, we've won our share of awards, and yes, I've tested stuff and read the scientific papers, but ultimately take everything I say with more than just a grain of salt! So if you are looking for trouble, just do as I say or even better, do something I said years ago!

Offline Dottonedan

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2018, 09:40:13 PM »
TO clarify, We should ask,  is it to print films or to print shirts?  Like a screen print press or a digital film printer?  Sometimes people mix the names up.
Artist & high end separator, Owner of The Vinyl Hub, Owner of Dot-Tone-Designs, Past M&R Digital tech installer for I-Image machines. Over 35 yrs in the apparel industry. e-mail art@designsbydottone.com

Offline Frog

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2018, 10:09:33 PM »
TO clarify, We should ask,  is it to print films or to print shirts?  Like a screen print press or a digital film printer?  Sometimes people mix the names up.
Nope, the phrase "wide format" zoomed me right in on an inkjet printer.
I think that Pierre wanted to narrow it down to films? proofs? sublimation or even pigment ink transfers?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline jake899

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2018, 10:36:38 PM »
I apologize.  To print films to transfer to making screens.

Offline Dottonedan

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2018, 11:27:51 PM »
TO clarify, We should ask,  is it to print films or to print shirts?  Like a screen print press or a digital film printer?  Sometimes people mix the names up.
Nope, the phrase "wide format" zoomed me right in on an inkjet printer.
I think that Pierre wanted to narrow it down to films? proofs? sublimation or even pigment ink transfers?

Let me quote your quote.
There are some presses for flat stock that are pretty wide format. 4' 12' is pretty wide. ;)  But yea, you're right.
Artist & high end separator, Owner of The Vinyl Hub, Owner of Dot-Tone-Designs, Past M&R Digital tech installer for I-Image machines. Over 35 yrs in the apparel industry. e-mail art@designsbydottone.com

Offline blue moon

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2018, 09:24:47 AM »
I realize there are many other posts on printers.  However with availability and products constantly changing, I'm asking.

Is there a good printer for a newbie starting with none that will last a while and do a good job?  Wide format probably best I assume.

Price really isn't a problem as long as it's quality and will be worth the expense.

Thank you!

in a nutshell,
for low dollars EPSON 4880 is a great printer. If spending more, new EPSON T3270 is getting pretty good reviews.

pierre
Yes, we've won our share of awards, and yes, I've tested stuff and read the scientific papers, but ultimately take everything I say with more than just a grain of salt! So if you are looking for trouble, just do as I say or even better, do something I said years ago!

Offline RICK STEFANICK

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2018, 09:53:15 AM »
There is also the economy  new or refurbished Epson 1430.
Specializing in shop assessment's, flow and efficiency

Offline jake899

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2018, 10:00:32 AM »
Isn't the 4880 discontinued though?  (I ask because from reading other posts you know enough that I trust your advice)  I know I can find a 4880, but I don't want to be in a jam for aid in two years if I bought one.  Maybe that's not the case in a printer like this, and I'd have little problem in that area?

Again, thank you for the help!  I'm glad I was recommended to this board!

Offline blue moon

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Re: Printer advice
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2018, 10:21:02 AM »
as Rick mentioned, 1400 series is a nice little printer, but in my eyes is a little slow and fiddly.  4880 has been off the market for a while and thus the cheap price (you should not be paying more than $500 for it). It is a heavy duty commercial grade printer that should last you for a while. I uses rolls, so no need to keep feeding paper. The ink cartridges are significantly bigger (220ml compared to under 10ml) and last longer. It prints much faster too. . .

1400 series is disposable . If something goes wrong, you have to throw it out. 4880 can be fixed, but unless you are doing it yourself, it will be expensive.

pierre
Yes, we've won our share of awards, and yes, I've tested stuff and read the scientific papers, but ultimately take everything I say with more than just a grain of salt! So if you are looking for trouble, just do as I say or even better, do something I said years ago!