The Letterville BullBoard: Any advice on application tape dispensers?

This is topic Any advice on application tape dispensers? in forum Old Archives at The Letterville BullBoard.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.letterville.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/13/329.html

Posted by Jerry Smith (Member # 688) on :

I hear that application tape dispensers are a great alternative to having to use three hands to apply the stuff. There seem to be at least two types out there. One clamps to the end of the work table, the other rolls across the work piece.
Does anyone have any advice as to which one I should consider" Most of my stuff is done on 14 inch vinyl and consists of small signage and boat names.
Thanks.

------------------
Jerry Smith
Graphics Now
Mt.Clemens, Michigan

Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :

WebberMade is what I use. They are also an advertiser here.

------------------
Compost Happens!

:) Design is Everything! :)
Glenn Taylor
in beautiful North Carolina

http://members.tripod.com/taylor_graphics
walldog@geeksnet.com

Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :

I MADE the one I use....just a little bit of thought, scrap mdo, a dowel, and some paint. I have used mine for 3 years and it is FABULOUS.

It mounts right onto the table, and it is a simple thing to pull out and lay down up to 20 feet of tape and apply it--without wrinkles, in about 6 seconds.

The best part? It was totally free!!

Email me and I'd be glad to give you some more details!

Barry

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!

Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :

Jerry,

I also have a WebberMade. I won it in the draw of the month at this web site because I am a "resident"

I can't imagine going back to the old cardboard tube by hand method. The savings of time and material, perfect control is worth its weight in gold.

I have a "double" feed. I don't need a double feed, but because I won it I use it.

The problem I have with the double feed is that the tape on the back roll gets hung up on the tape on the front roll.
Sooooo, I just use the back roll bar for storage.... The single pipe is really all you need.

I suppose, like everything else, you could c spend a day and a half building one...but you could also spend the time makeing signs, which pay more, and not have to worry about all the little unexpected problems that come up when you try to build your own contraption. They got the bugs figured out all ready.

------------------
Go Get 'Em..... :)
AKA Raptorman on #Letterheads mIRC Chat
Draper The Signmaker
Bloomington Illinois USA

Proud 2-yr. $upporter of this Web Site (May 1999-May 2001)

Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :

not to be argumentative....but the little thing i built took FAR less than an hour to build--and cost nothing. The "professional" ones are well over 100 bucks, and not any better than what I have built.

Why spend the money when you do not have to?

I would rather throw money at something I need, not something I could make easily if i would just take a minute to think about it.

ah well, to each his own, right guys?

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!

Posted by Ross Luckhurst (Member # 703) on :

I have a Webber Tape Dispenser single roll model. Best investment I've ever made!

Being able to put tension on the roll is important, so if you decide to build one, try and figure a way to adjust tension.

Also if you buy one, think of buying one larger than you need, that way you dont need to get another one if you decide to buy a larger plotter.

------------------
Ross Luckhurst
AKA Scolt on Chat
DIGISIGN
Woodstock, Ontario, Eh!
digisign@netcom.ca

Posted by Kevin L. Kleinhans (Member # 1263) on :

Denver sign supply builds one out of aluminum. I love mine and it was a whole lot cheaper than a Weber.

------------------
Kevin L. Kleinhans
Alma Signs
(Signs Be Me)

Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :

Best tape applicator available----your own 2 arms & hands. Do 'enuff of it; ya do it faster wid whut God gave ya......

Carl

------------------
Carl Wood
Olive Branch, Ms
Sonicob@aol.com

Posted by Doug Downey (Member # 829) on :

I am working on Candian Signcrafters website and just about finished the webermade page..check it out for all the details www.freshink.net/signcrafters/weber2000.html

Doug

------------------
Freshink Creative Design Group
376 Romeo, Street
Stratford, ON N5A 4T9

Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :

I can't help but shake my head at some of the comments above. How many times have we heard customers say that they would make their own sign, but they are just too busy. How can we expect others to see our product as valuable when we place so little value on the products of others. I also suggest you give John Weber a call. You'll find him at the link below. http://www.letterhead.com/sdb.cgi?Shop=1240

Couldn't a dentist get by with a Dremmel tool? Two hands work great, but are we really ready to save on toilet paper.

------------------
Steve Shortreed
144 Hill St., E.
Fergus, Ontario
Canada N1M 1G9
519-787-2673
steve@letterhead.com
ICQ 316338
www.letterhead.com/profiles/shortreed/

[This message has been edited by Steve Shortreed (edited June 13, 2000).]

Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :

No Offence Steve,
I understand your motive and all that....but GEEEEZ!

One of the things I love the most about the sign folks I know personally is the common attitude of INNOVATION. I mean, how many of us have been out there in a situation where we have by necessity had to use our creative skills for practical things?

I mean, SURE, I am certain that a professional carpernter might do a truer SQUARER job of erecting a frame up for a sign or billboard, but does that mean I want to undermine my bottom line just to hire one?

Of course not. Not when I can DO THE JOB myself adequately, more than well enough to suit the needs of my customer.

I am certain that even MR. WEBER would take exception to comparing his device with good dentistry....That is kinda apples and oranges, no?

In any event, I applaud your efforts to go "above and beyond" to promote the sponsors of the site, but we ought to remember that at the core of all of us, nestled right next to that artist's heart, there is the fire of INNOVATION and INVENTION.

For many of us, (me at least) it is THAT flame that compels me to keep at this crazy life....

and like I said....building a tape dispenser ain't rocket science....if it were I would be right there with ya promoting...

but it is not, and as long as I can build it (whatever "it" may be...)I am gonna keep the few bucks I can, and enjoy the satisfaction of doing it myself......

:-)

Barry

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!

Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :

Yea Steve,

It's like we keep seeing here where someone's let a sketch go out the door with no compensation only to see work done by someone else.

If your applicator looks exactly like Weber's, then you could be violating some patent law.

I aint no lawyer or politician so don't know if Weber has violated any anti-trust monopoly laws but did you home-made applicater's make yours b4 or after above mentioned product?

Patent & copyright laws are supposed to protect the author or inventor aren't they?

------------------
Bill Cosharek
Bill Cosharek Signs
1031 Whitehead Lane
N.Huntingdon,Pa 15642
bcosharek@juno.com

Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :

1. "mine" is yours too if you want it. I am NOT trying to profit here from it at all.
2. I have no idea for sure what Mr. Weber's unit looks like, but I bet his is prettier than mine. I DESIGNED what I use...without the benefits of "swiping" from anyone...

HONESTLY...it is a facile piece of equipment that is on the same level as the WHEEL in design complexity....

what's all the fuss?

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!

Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :

My apoligies to all! I can get pretty cranky at 3am in the morning, especially when restoring a hard drive. This time it was me who got caught with his foot in his mouth.

------------------
Steve Shortreed
144 Hill St., E.
Fergus, Ontario
Canada N1M 1G9
519-787-2673
steve@letterhead.com
ICQ 316338
www.letterhead.com/profiles/shortreed/

Posted by Jerry Smith (Member # 688) on :

Many thanks to all for their thoughts.
There were a lot of very valid points brought up.
Certainly it makes sense to buy something that has been designed and marketed for the purpose, because of the time savings and ease involved, but there is something nice about doing it yourself.I have always enjoyed inventing and making things myself, since it gives me a feeling of satisfaction to use something that I made that actually works.
It's kind of the same reason some people bake their own bread rather than use the store bought stuff.
Thanks to all.
Jerry

------------------
Jerry Smith
Graphics Now
Mt.Clemens, Michigan

Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :

Hi Jerry, here's the simplest one ever and its completely unpatented and can be made in under 60 seconds. I've been using it for years. It is no Weber, but the price is right. If you're ever away from the shop and need to mask without it you can substitute just about any rod or piece of stick. It really works well!

------------------
Joe Rees
Cape Craft Signs
(Cape Cod, MA)
http://www.capecraft.com
http://www.dave-joe-show.com
e-mail: joerees@capecraft.com

[This message has been edited by Joe Rees (edited June 13, 2000).]

Posted by Rich Stebbing (Member # 368) on :

I had a homemade version and thought it was great ,...until I got the Webbermade( I won it). If production is'nt so important one could make all sorts of things, like their own app-fluid,panel-saw, etc. I ave listened to many a signman complain about "cheap customers" etc. but sometimes we take the cake when it comes to pinching a penny. Although some people would rather putz around and make stuff and thatts OK, but for a quality tool or product it is tuff to beat one that is proffesionally made. Go to a trade-show or your local "franchise signshop" and give one a spin.

------------------
Rich Stebbing #945
RichSigns
Rohnert Park CA

Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :

I have a great formula for nearlyFREE app solution too....

hehe

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!

Posted by ErnieBalch on :

I use a method called steamrolling. You start to apply your tape. if working from right to left, take a longer roll of tape and lay it to the right of the roll you started with. Now take your right hand, put it on the right roll and start rolling toward the left. the right hand roll pushes the left hand roll and smooths out the transfer tape as it is being applied. \then squgee down. A very quick technique. Thank you Jackie, from Down under. ( A trick she showed us at the Sign Showoff
Letterhead meet in Tonowanda NY a few years ago.)
Diane Balch
Balch Signs
Wholesale Routing

------------------
Balch Signs
1045 Raymond Rd
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Wholesale Routing

http://home.nycap.rr.com/balchsigns/

Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :

Hey Joe!

Ya ever try that with a 24" roll of hi-tack transfertape and apply it to 50 20ft. long decals?

Go WEBBERmade!!

------------------
Compost Happens!

Design is Everything!
Glenn Taylor
in beautiful North Carolina

http://members.tripod.com/taylor_graphics
walldog@geeksnet.com

[This message has been edited by Glenn Taylor (edited June 13, 2000).]

Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :

Here's a couple I've made AND USED successfully for a few years for different purposes.

-----------------------------------
a rough picture for first design (now slightly altered)
basically 2 "L" shaped pieces of wood with holes for a broom handle and eye bolts to hold dowels (steel rods now)...
can be adjusted to any size depending on how far apart you C clamp the 2 pieces to the table
having the masking go under the first tube and over the second gives it enough tension

but I'll admit I've only used it for lengths to about 15 feet of masking at a time (any width)
-------------------------------------
for longer pieces I made this
--------------------------------------
it's for "steamrollering"
just a way to hold the masking slightly off the table while I push the tube and squeegee behind it ... I made a little starting track at the end of the table so I know where it's going

I have a 30' long table used for cutting banner blanks in the back room and this thing gets used all the time on it

somewhat complete, long winded, rambeling instructions for building your own here--- http://www.slamgraphics.com/slam/signtips.html

----------------------------------------

wish I had a webber too ... but these work for me ... and yes ... have had since before hearing about webber ... just common sense tools concieved by necessity

------------------
http://www.slamgraphics.com
Rochester, N.Y.
slamgrafyx@aol.com

Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :

Yo Glenn, I regret that the Amazing Masking Monkey is not designed for the purposes you described. For 24" tape you'll need to upgrade to the Incredible Spanking Monkey model. Hahaha.

Seriously, I really do use this tool and it is a great assistant for the small 14" vinyl I normally deal in - the same type of work Jerry indicated he does. If I was doing the high volume, oversized work you are I'm sure a proper machine would be indispensable. At this stage, given the small nature of my work, a Weber maching would be an extravagance for me. Maybe someday I'll splurge for one. Till then, my monkey's treatin' me well.

------------------
Joe Rees
Cape Craft Signs
(Cape Cod, MA)
http://www.capecraft.com
http://www.dave-joe-show.com
e-mail: joerees@capecraft.com

Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :

LOL, Joe. (Spanking Monkey......Freudian slip?) ehehhehe

------------------
Compost Happens!

:) Design is Everything! :)
Glenn Taylor
in beautiful North Carolina

http://members.tripod.com/taylor_graphics
walldog@geeksnet.com

Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :

sheesh you people are funny. I have a big noisey black metal one.....that I used in my shop.(about 10 years old) But at home I just stick my right hand and forearm up to the elbow into the transfer tape roll and pull with my left hand. Voila! But then I have a small little cute petite, darling arm. (and I am GOOD) :O)

------------------
"surf"
Cheryl Nordby
Signs by Cheryl
206 300-0153
Seattle Washington

Out of my mind.....Be back in 5 minutes!

Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :

cheryl's method rules. Better than any machine. As for large production; thats why God provided "help". i.e., employees.
-Carl

------------------
Carl Wood
Olive Branch, Ms
Sonicob@aol.com

Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :

I am screaming sexual discrimination!!!! Why can't my beefy muscular (stop that laffing!!!!) hand and forearm fit in that little roll of tape?

I smell a CLASS ACTION SUIT!!!!!

you hear that men?

;-)

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!

Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :

Shoulda let this thread just fade away, but saw one on Summadirect website on sale this month. Looks like it might work. Some day I might get one but for now manual labor works fine.

------------------
Bill Cosharek
Bill Cosharek Signs
1031 Whitehead Lane
N.Huntingdon,Pa 15642
bcosharek@juno.com

Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :

This is Absolutely last post initiated by me on this thread. If Webber or any other applicator is not in your budget right now, Try this. Look around your shop. See any pipe clamps? Find one that'll fit across your work table (or wherever you do this). If it has spring or something on end, remove so one end of clamp comes off. Insert application tape roll & reinstall clamp end thing.

I just tried it. Works pretty good. Takes a little practice since there's no tension adjustment but I managed to eliminate wrinkles on second attempt.

When adjusting height, make sure there's play between table-top & application tape.

------------------
Bill Cosharek
Bill Cosharek Signs
1031 Whitehead Lane
N.Huntingdon,Pa 15642
bcosharek@juno.com

UBB.classic™ 6.7.2