posted
There are two types, Felix - Opaque projectors which will project any solid object you fit in on the tray, pictures, sketches, book pages, etc., and require quite a bit of darkness and will enlarge approximately 20x if you can get it back far enough, and Overhead projectors which enlarge a lot more, don't require so much darkness but must have a transparency to use on them. Both types ought to be available through a sign supply house brand new Opaques used to run about $900 and Overheads run about $300 - $400 for a good new one.Also available at stationery stores such as Office Depot and Staples. I bought one of each at a surplus house for $90 each and they both work great. You need to know that they both distort the image considerably, the Opaque ones more, so you need to consider straightening things up, not just trace.Also if you want to know what to look for in buying one of the Overheads the adjustment should be smooth and solid, it should adjust a lot, and the thing should not vibrate when it's on - looking at a jiggling image when you're trying to draw will get to you - a little vibe magnified 30 or 40 times is a lot.
Posts: 1859 | From: / | Registered: Nov 1998
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I've been using a slide projector to project and enlarge patterns....up to billboard size. If you have one or can borrow one, or even buy a used one, it might be the ticket! You won't need a slide of the pattern...just take a regular 35mm photo...have it processed without prints. Film and processing.....about $10. One Hr Photo. Clip the negitive and put it in a slide mount and project it at night or in a dark shop. The negitives work great because light and dark are reversed....shows better on the wall and there is litle or no distortion.
Just another option using "Old Technology".
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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I've used slide projectors and opaques and overheads.
Overheads is the only way to go as the image is WAAAAAAY brighter and hense easier to use.
Quality varies with lens quality and brightness the factors you should be concerned about.
Used ones are available on occasion. There are some real nifty ones which fold real flat for transport and storage.
I found that you can cheat and make them blow things up even bigger by using a second sheet of glass off the surface and putting your image on this. It makes distortion a bigger concern but I always used a projected image as a starting point to speed things up in laying out a large image.
An office supply store will probably get your best price.
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8764 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Right now on eBay there are 16 Opaque projectors - including an old SpotLight for $75 !!! also 40 Overheads from $10 to $189. In Projection Equipment
Posts: 1859 | From: / | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
My overhead was the first real 'investment' I made for my business. I was so excited. That was 27 years ago..and the projector still works great. Just remember not to touch the bulbs with your hands. Use the plastic bag they come in to install.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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posted
Used to be expensive,...but no more! I bought a new "overhead" last year at an Office Depot for under a $150. Tip: Buy an extra bulb for spare, so when your bulb goes out in a middle of job your covered. I once bumped projector while it was hot(been on awile) and out went the bulb. For Little League signs I layout in computer, print out on a transparency. and "boom" project right on a 4' x 8', no layout lines, just paint em'. I have also used on much larger signs as well, but watch out for distortion. A great tool that all Signshops should have.
-------------------- Rich Stebbing RichSigns Rohnert Park CA 707-795-5588 Posts: 755 | From: Rohnert Park, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Thanks but sorry guys. I guess I described it incorrectly. What I mean is the machine that will project a big billboard type ad on the side of a building. Not one to paint a sign with.
-------------------- Felix Marcano PuertoRicoSigns.Com Luquillo, PR
Work hard, party like a tourist! Posts: 2289 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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