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It's (way past)time to buy a printer/cutter. I am a one man shop. Need it for decals,vehicles, banners, etc. What are your recomendations? Thermal? solvent? Roland? Gerber? Summa? (I am using Gerber Graphix Advantage right now so I realize it's time to send that to the Smithsonian.)
-------------------- Thom CREATIVE SIGNWORKS Lancaster,PA creativesignworks1@juno.com Posts: 79 | From: lancaster,PA usa | Registered: Dec 2000
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It really depends on what your market wants. There really isn't one machine to do it all.
I run a Gerber Edge and I make plenty of money with it. I don't have a wide-format printer such as a Summa DC-4 or a Roland VersaCamm because there isn't that much of a market for me in this area.
However, the reverse can be true in your area.
I would strongly suggest taking a look at the work you are doing now, farm the work to a wholesaler and build your market first. When you've done that, you'll have a much better idea of which printer is best for you.
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i have digital printer. I had two at one time. The wholesale prices are so low now that I would let someoen else do the printing. Some are charging just $2 bux a square foot and thats so low that I wouldnt condsider byuing a pritner ..
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Hiya Thom, Good advice from the others so far, but the printer is only a small part of the equation. Other things you need to consider, which depend on the type of printer are...
Computer and Software upgrades - You're easily looking at $3k and it can run $5k or more if you're starting from scratch.
Laminator - You have 2 choices, you can go with a liquid laminate or an applied film. Both work, but it's up to you to determine what is best for you and your client. While most prints don't need lamination, they will last longer and be more durable if you do protect them. Also, I would say that laminate is a requirement for vehicle graphics. You definitely get what you pay for here. They start around $2k and run $10 to $15k for some of the better models.
Training - Thermal printers are a little easier to operate and color manage, but it's not cut and dry. You can spend a couple of grand on decent training or blow through 2 to 3 times that amount on materials trying to figure it out on your own.
A clean, climate controlled space to set up and operate is another factor. If you get a 54" or wider printer, you're going to need a lot of space. This size printer can take up a 5'x10' space to be efficient. Then you'll need more room to store the raw and ready to finish materials. Thermal resin printers are more tolerant to poor environmental conditions but either set up should be kept in a dust free environment.
From there, just about anything can go. It's more a question on how much do you want to spend and which will give you a better return on your investment.
One last thing to consider, you should also plan on spending some money to market this new service too. Besides printing samples and decorating your own equipment, you may want to send out some post cards and make some calls, announcing your new capabilities.
Since you're not far from me, don't hesitate to give me a call. My number's on my website.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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