Looking for Printer advice and views please?

[KevinGaffney]

A couple of years back when upgrading from our old seiko, I had the opportunity of a couple of second hand machines. After much soul searching, I decided to gp an extra 5k for a new Roland rf640. Great decision.Zero problems. From past experience, and kind of repairs can be ridiculously expensive and rarely come at a good time. Do either of the machines youre considering still have some sort of guarantee or warranty on them as Id consider that a must

[Jonathan feeney]

The older machine comes with a 3 month warranty we have a budget of 5k

[KevinGaffney]

Assuming both machines are similar price, the three month warranty would be a major factor for me. Id also make sure what items are covered in the warranty in writing. Heads are the most expensive part and would need to be included in my opinion

[Chris Wilson]

quote Jonathan feeney:

The older machine comes with a 3 month warranty we have a budget of 5k

100% make sure the head is covered from all angles, weather it is wear and tear or accidental damage. Make sure all the wet parts (anything ink touches) is also covered. Ask for it before hand in writing.

Also you can get the serial number of both machines and call Roland and ask for any reports they have, was it under one of there care programs etc…

We bought a second user Roland VS540 and… well.. we would of been cheaper buying a brand new VSI after it is was repaired, not even mentioning the 6 week down time.

Also as much as it is great to buy these machines outright you can pay part cash, put the rest on finance or bank loan. Brand new machine comes with a much longer warranty.

We should have bought new. Hands down.

[Denise Goodfellow]

What’s the age difference. If it’s a lot the performance and quality of the print could be a lot different.

I’d go newer every time. 3 months is nothing. Small issues are well covered on YouTube and the boards which allow for self fixes.

We have an old jv3 which we use for banners only. It’s at a stage where parts are hard to source, so pretty soon it’s heading for the scrap heap depending on the repair.
Don’t forget repairs are a fact of life, an amount of money should always be put aside for them, printers will always go wrong just as you’re about to do a large important print run

[Martin Pearson]

The machine from Signmaster is fully refurbished as well as a 3 month warranty, the other machine may be newer but do you know anything about it’s history? if it hasn’t been maintained properly you could find yourself with very large bills for repairs if the owner hasn’t looked after it properly 😆

[Denise Goodfellow]

While I agree with Martin to some extent
And I’m certainly not suggesting Signmaster might do this… But

Unless you get a list of parts replaced, how do you know it’s been refurbished. It could have only a check over, making sure everything is working with the view of lasting 3 months.

Surely any part changed should have a 12 months warranty or replacement

Which ever option you choose, it’s a gamble. One is cheaper with no warranty, the other more money and older with a very small warranty. No matter which one you buy, after 3 months you’re on your own.

If you can’t afford a new machine outright, I’d look at putting the cash down on one and getting a small loan over 2 years so you get a new, modern faster machine with 2 years warranty

[KevinGaffney]

Must agree with Denise. If you have enough work to keep a printer going, I’d be looking at the new option

[Jonathan feeney]

Thanks everyone ,I think we are gonna go with the second hand newer machine not the one from signmaster as ive have been reliably informed it has been well looked after and has had new heads recently and i have spoke with a Roland service engineer who is local and has worked on the machine for the person that currently owns it looking forward to stepping onto the printing world for the first time

[Chris Wilson]

quote Jonathan feeney:

Thanks everyone ,I think we are gonna go with the second hand newer machine not the one from signmaster as ive have been reliably informed it has been well looked after and has had new heads recently and i have spoke with a Roland service engineer who is local and has worked on the machine for the person that currently owns it looking forward to stepping onto the printing world for the first time

Good luck. Sounds like a good shout