posted
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
Posts: 77 | From: Harrison Twp, MI USA | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!!!
Posts: 2500 | From: Clinton, AR USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
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)
Posts: 2883 | From: Bloomington Illinois USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!!!
Posts: 2500 | From: Clinton, AR USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
posted
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!!!
Posts: 2500 | From: Clinton, AR USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
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
Posts: 703 | From: N.Huntingdon, Pa, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!!!
Posts: 2500 | From: Clinton, AR USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
posted
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
Posts: 77 | From: Harrison Twp, MI USA | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!
posted
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
Posts: 755 | From: Rohnert Park, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have a great formula for nearlyFREE app solution too....
hehe
------------------ Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting Clinton AR 5017456246 ICQ 17430008 Signs of Excellence!!!
Posts: 2500 | From: Clinton, AR USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
ErnieBalch
unregistered
posted
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
posted
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
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
posted
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.
posted
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
posted
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
Posts: 703 | From: N.Huntingdon, Pa, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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
Posts: 703 | From: N.Huntingdon, Pa, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic