Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Jul 14, 2004 02:09pm | #1

   we use an HP500... got the floor demo model for about $2.5K..

    will print in full color, b&w..

   24"  x 150' paper roll..my favorite format is 18" x 24"

    fantastic!

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   mitch | Jul 14, 2004 03:13pm | #2

   beat the bushes for some place that handles secondhand stuff from architecture firms.  maybe you can find a really deluxe low miles unit- archies love to have the newest, fanciest toys.  if there's some bigger firms in your area you might just try calling them to see if they have a unit collecting dust they would sell, or at least ask them who deals in used eqpt.

   m

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Jul 14, 2004 03:17pm | #3

   matt, we also have the HP DeskJet 1220c.. which will do 13 x 19.. but i think you have to have paper cut special for that size.. i've never seen it available..

   the 1220 is ok.. i was going to use it for test prints.. but it is kind of slow..

    also , it doesn't like card stock .. bummer for printing our golf league score cardsMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Jul 14, 2004 05:08pm | #4

   I have an epson 2200 and an HP Designjet.  The 2200 does up to 13 wide by however long you want.  Pretty decent photo quality, but not real cheap.  It is one of the few that will take real thick material, up to medium cardboard sort of thickness.  Also no problems printing on cloth.  Designjets are expensive, even used.  Probably a lot bigger than you want.  I have an older model I got used.  I used to have an Epson 1520 (before it blew up).  If you can find a refurbished one of those, they're real handy.  Slow and not good for photo quality.  Only 4 ink colors.  But, they print up to 17 by 22 paper, do 11x17 pages sideways and are cheap.  Essentially obsolete, but when you can find them refurbished they're under $500.  Good for small CAD stuff on a budget.

   If you hunt around, you can get a used Designjet 500 or 750 in the $1000 ballpark.  They're big, but they're serious machines and worth the investment.  Mine will do a D size blueprint in a couple minutes for under 50 cents worth of paper and ink.  Also, used HP 5SI laser printers can be found cheap.  Like $200.  They do 11x17 in black only.  Fast and very inexpensive.  I have a laserjet 8000, which is almost the same thing.  Does 11x17 at about 15 pages/minute.

   Except for the commercial/industrial models, I'm not a big HP fan anymore.  Had many of the cheaper home/office models die.  Had much better luck with Epson if you're looking for a cheaper new unit.

3. 
   pino | Jul 14, 2004 05:24pm | #5

   take a look at the Epson 1280. It handles 13" wide on rolls or sheets, delivers good print quality and runs around $400. I have used Epson printers for years in my graphic design business and they are a better value than HP. If you want to spend more, i ran across a refurb Epson 3000 (which I use daily) at http://www.publishingperfection.com/printers-color/16/. Seperate ink cartridges reduce wasted ink and expense.

   good luck.

4. 
   Piffin | Jul 15, 2004 05:48am | #6

   I've got that 9650 and like it. Paid about that price for it. It has only been out on the market for a few months so no clearance sales going on yet.

   Don't know why anybody doesn't like it. We got it because it will do good colour photo work too, which is my wife's thing, and I can make my prints and working drawings from it. I consider it a good value.

    

    

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1. 
   dIrishInMe | Jul 15, 2004 02:13pm | #7

   OK - great!!!  Thanks for the super responses.  Now I have some options...

   Matt