Ok here is a positive post about Gerber Scientific and the quality products they make!
Yesterday I was scrambling to finish a truck that had pinstriping, airbrushing, digital print and some vinyl. Well my Graphtec 4100-75 decided to have throw a fit and packed up and went on vacation. This was the last part of the job for everything else was done and I need to add some height numbers, and a few just vinyl pieces.
So Itried and tried to get this high tech super fast plotter to work, but nope! it just wasnted to spin around and vomit pea-soup.
So the only alternative to painting it on which wasn't an option at this hour ws the old 4B.
Flipped the switch it woke up and said " ready for work "
This sucker was manufactured in 1989 and hasn't missed a day of work since.
" employee of the month " my old 4B.
Man they make good stuff! Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
You are right to give Gerber it's due on their rock solid hardware. A lot of 4B's still humming. Their software is another matter.
How old is your Graphtec and is it usually dependable?
[ November 16, 2002, 02:51 PM: Message edited by: David Wright ]
Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :
Hey, Bob... I'd like to know more about this too.. Howard
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Dave, & Howard
Yes my Graphtec has been extremely faithfull as well, but seeing as it is past its warranty period, it may be ready for some work.
Right now it wont recognize anything and just sits and cuts erratically, untill I shut it off.
Don't get me wrong I'm not crapping on my graphtec yet. I'll run some more tests on monday, I need to check the pc as well.
[ November 16, 2002, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
I wouldn't mind getting a 4B just for historical value I guess..... I actually have fond memories of the two or three years when I used one everyday. Those Gerber machines sure changed a lot of peoples lives!
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
I have a 4A that is still running and performing. She is pretty battle scarred but just keeps on going. I hope I get the same type of longivity from the GS15plus and the edge.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Bet your bottom dollar my Gerber 4B is a full fledged part of my family! As loyal as the best doggie you got! Always there waiting for action when the puter goes down!
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
I've been running my Gerber gs15 Plotter for 12 years now and it has never required one ounce of repair. I suspect it is every bit the work horse the 4b was. I wish sometimes I still had my old 4b but I really enjoyed the 4000.00 it brought when I sold it (it was 10 when I let it go) and as far as I know it's still producing.
We've really been pleased with the quality of gerber products (including their software)we paid a lot for it but it has proved worthy of that expense...what more could you ask for...besides I can't make any appologies for purchasing it...at the time it was "state of the art" ( and I think it still is)!
Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :
To satisfy my curiosity... What happens if you do the "cutting pro" test cut? hk
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
We have both a 4A and 4B which runs every day and these are the only plotters we have.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Howard the cutting pro test worked fine.
I found my PC to be plagued with a virus, I think I'm on to something...........
Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :
Bob... Call me if you want, let's try to chase the problem. The "cutting pro" checks out most all cutting functions, only thing left is the communications. Could be cable (unlikely if previously working), port, or S/W. Have faith bro, your machine's young yet. hk 707 289 6360
Posted by greg baker (Member # 3337) on :
I have owned a Graphtec 2100/50 series now for about 10 years and it hasnt missed a beat. Great piece of gear
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
When I first started in the business I bought a Gerber 7in.You had to spray adhesive on the back of your vinyl to stick it to a perferated piece of tracking plastic.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
My Gerber is a bit dusty but that is only because I am too! Slowly getting back into business, but wanted to mention that I recommend that everyone have a self sustaining plotter, whether it be Gerber or not, to have for backup when the computers go down. Not a bad idea, at least for basic letters (no harm in lending out fonts either)for an ER job that might come up. These 4B's are really nicely priced. I got mine at about 4,200 refurbished but in mint condition ten years ago. It has NEVER let me down.
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
I got my 4B in mint condition for only $100. I also got the S750 30" to hook to it for an additional $200. Don't you love it when someone doesn't know what they have and you just steal it from them.
Posted by Chuck Peterson (Member # 70) on :
I bought a two year old 4B in 1987 and it has only quit twice. My total cost of repairs in 15 years has been less than $100. I think of upgrading but always decide to spend the money on something else.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I have a 4B with a LMK card that I am going to sell. I just sold my other one for about $1000. I just don't need it. It runs great if anyone is interested. I have manual, tool kit, weights, pen, knife, and pounce wheel.
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