Andy Perry
Forum Replies Created
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Interesting Thread Guys:
I have been looking into this myself and we have opted for a frame from an old roller shutter door, We have one lying around as we used to fit them. steel rails either side and used to hold heavy doors, so roller won’t be an issue.
I am using steel tables, so don’t think it will bow, but the 10mm toughened glass might be an idea!!! Love the drawings, and images plenty to think about, interested in your finished images Adam….
Now I need to find the time to build the thing!
I know the finished articles are brilliant, I just can’t see where the money is going, except that not many people are doing it, therefore keep the prices high until they have serious competition. If only I had a few million lying about….
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Hi Mo,
What about delivery to Scotland?
Andy
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I use illustrator on my Roland GX24. When looking at flexisign etc, I couldn’t see a great amount of difference with regards to cutting, but feel better designing in Illustrator then going straight to cut.
I am interested in the Flexi guys comments to see if I am missing stuff too.
Andy
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HI Rich,
Do you have Adobe Illustrator? I have a GX24 and all I use is the plugin for that, easy to get a hold of and not had an issue in 4 years.
Andy
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Also, I am using compatible pigment ink, but this never had any problems before and I am pretty sure the inks are spot on.
I have done lots of head cleaning, calibration, alignments etc… totally flummoxed
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Hi Guys,
Yeah I have wasted a hell of a lot of ink at the moment, but I can’t figure this one out. I can still print and it is not showing any error logs, I thought there might have been an airlock, but think it is clear, unless there is one inside the printhead? Might try and squeeze the ink through I noticed there are small sacks in the top of the printhead for doing this…Unsure what they are actually for but seems to flood it with ink…
I probably will buy another printhead again, I was just hoping to save this one as it had only had 4 months of work on it and the machine has only done 740sq mtr so far…
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Thanks Stafford, the cleaning routine will be very helpful.
I had downloaded the full operation manual and am working my way through it. I have been delayed in picking up the printer as the guy that is selling it had a family bereavement. Hopefully have it here soon and get cracking on with it.
Andy
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Cheers Dave….
What about regular maintenance? Anyone have a good routine they swear by for the same machine?
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Big Building next to BandQ.
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pm’d you my address Barry..
Andy
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Brandsoftheworld.com or use google and get the highest resolution possible and live trace in illustrator and expand then recolour to the desired colour. Hope that helps. I am in Paisley, so if your stuck give me a shout.
Andy
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Thanks guys for the replies… I Luton would be good and not too expensive, but we have a few bodies that can lift the printer into the transporter. I know we have to keep it level. Got a few ratchet straps for the job. Plenty of anchor points in the VW and the length has a bit to spare.
I think the main question would be what should I look out for apart from the obvious nozzle and head checks. Is there anything else major that goes wrong with the JV3?
The guy said he hasn’t had it on since Easter, so wondering about dried ink in nozzle etc.
Anyone know of any maintenance or freelance tech guys that service central Scotland?
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Hi Stevie,
i have had a few nightmares with print I sent to customers. mostly 5-10k leaflets, getting sent to the wrong place and held up at depots. I was told by one supplier they are not sending anymore up to Scotland via city link? Had to use other courier and still waiting for them, hope they arrive tomorrow.
Andy
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I think everyone is thinking I am down on UK business, as I have said, I understand all these valid points and have already stated my hand was forced from a bad supplier. I am happy with my UK suppliers and give them a lot of business, but if there is a problem that cannot be rectified and I can get the same service elsewhere I will and it is my prerogative to do so.
If you buy a BMW from a main dealer and got a bad service that was not rectified, but really wanted another BMW you would go to another supplier of a BMW, if there was no other supplier and someone offered it to you direct from Germany would you do it?
The upside is that I save money in the long run as well as getting a better service.
Andy
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Agreed Shane, I do work well with all my UK suppliers and believe me I give them enough work lol.
It was only because my hand was forced from a bad supplier I decided to get it myself.
We just need to get the prices in the UK down a bit and it would stop us looking hahahaha
Andy
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Hi Stuart,
I charge £75 per sq mtr for printed vinyl on flat panel ACM and find this to be a great price for both myself and the customer, it is also very easy for quoting jobs. I have done this for all my substrates, it saves making up prices off the top of your head and pondering for a while before submitting a quote, deciding on if you are cheaper or more expensive than other companies.
It does depend on the market place you are in as to how competitive you have to be. Rent, rates, buying power, time and competition etc all play a major part in my quoting system and all these factors may be more expensive where you are.
Andy
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HI Shane,
The reason I went to China for my inks is: the company in the UK I was ordering from let me down, I decided to find their supplier and order from source to avoid problems within the UK. I agree if you don’t know what you are buying then there are many pitfalls and a sharp learning curve, but if you do then why not?
I order original parts for my machine and compatible inks.
Andy
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I would be around £180.
Here is a chalkboard I did recently, charged £340 for it, was later told that wood artists charge in excess of £1k for the very same thing. Something to think about for all you guys. The customer told me he had been looking for someone to do this for 6 months!!
MDF painted with Chalkboard ink surround is wind fallen Scottish Wych Elm.
Andy
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I agree Rob, I was saying that to a potential new person buying from out with their comfort zone.
I buy from one of the biggest suppliers in China, these guys supply the UK market. i like going to the source and cutting out the middle man. I have previously been a buyer for a large retail company before getting into Printing, so I am confident in what and where I buy my products from. The advice I was giving was for someone dabbling with import. Personally I buy my vinyl & media locally, but after a few bad experiences from UK suppliers I decided to source my ink, print heads and maintenance carts from Abroad.
I have never had a problem and you may say "yet" but after a few orders I have made the savings to allow for a missing order, if it happens.
Buying from abroad is not for everyone, but if you make the right contacts it certainly increases the profit margin. :lol1:
Andy
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Too True Andy 😀
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Hi James,
I buy a lot from the China, mostly compatible inks, print heads and maintenance carts. I save quite a bit. Quality is superb, same as most of the guys selling compatibles in the UK. That is really what most of them do anyway.
Word’s of warning would be:
Buy a small amount first to make sure they are a real company
Take the hit on a good freight DHL, or UPS 3-5 days from far east.
A friend of mine said – "Ask them to say the value is less than what you buy or get hit with import tax. He said it is $100 that way you are paying about £22 when it comes in. 😉 (Andy)Regards
Andy -
Hi Cameron,
What is the price difference?
Andy
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Hi Mo,
Just make sure your tension is right on the rollers, board and vinyl if you are flood coating a full sheet it can be a bit tricky.
Andy
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Hi Martin,
Before applying it to the wall, give the backing paper a last going over with your squeegee to make sure the adhesive makes good contact with the vinyl then turn your piece over so the app tape is to the wall to start it. fold over your backing paper about 3 inches to start and line up your graphics. press on the first piece the fold back your backing paper to release the vinyl.
Now once you have applied it all to the wall you have to start at the top corner and start on your app tape coming off. fold it back on itself to begin and always putting pressure just behind the fold firmly and slowly pull it back (almost rolling it back over the app tape), remember to watch for when the graphic is showing as you will have to push the graphic to the wall and squeegee over it to make adhesion to the wall. This is because there is not enough contact with the wall and adhesive.
You will sometimes have to hold the graphic with one hand while puling the app tape off until so much of the graphic adheres, keep rolling back slowly and going over the graphic as you proceed. Should be ok.
Sorry if I have put this in too much detail, but hopefully helps.
Andy
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Hi Martin,
I use low tack clear app tape for sticking tricky vinyl onto painted walls. The biggest problem is whatever app tape you use, you will have to peel off very slowly and as you are pulling the app tape back you are almost rolling it with your fingers, always using pressure to keep the vinyl on the wall. Gloss paint should let the vinyl stick better, but the matt is a b!*ch! Patience is the key.
Easy enough after a bit of practice.
Good Luck
Andy -
Righton is the one for me. Great prices, great service and cut whatever for free.
Mo – do you have a laminator? Use it for flood coating. I know this might be stating the obvious, but hey ho.
Might take a few goes to get your tension etc correct, but once you do your away.
Andy
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Congratulations!! It’s going to be Awesome!
Mine is coming up for a year and his wee cousin is 6 months behind him. Great fun learning all their traits.
It’s unbelievable how small they are, but how they grow!!!!!!!!!!!!
ENJOY!
😀 😀 😀
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Looks like Radecal are on Signboards haha good for the picture…..
Looking good guys.
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Hi Richard,
It is because it is a stroke. It won’t scale to proportion, if it was a separate object it would. Stroke never does.
Glad it’s sorted.
Andy
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Hi Richard,
Is that illustrator cs3 or photoshop cs3?
If you open in illustrator highlight everything (ctrl & shift & A) grab the top left corner and hold down shift (to keep proportion), drag down to size. Should be it.
Andy
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Hi Martin,
Yes this is personal experience, is that not why we use these boards?
I also have quite a few friends around me that have been doing this a lot longer than me that will swear by certain types of laminate in sunlight. I did say that someone would argue against my point lol…
I have been involved in the printing trade for 15 years, but only a few of them in large format, but I am unsure what experience has to do with this. Someone asked a question and I am giving my opinion and experiences with certain types of material and inks.
Costings: Pigment printers are cheaper than solvent, therefore you will save quite a few grand on the initial cost, also, it depends on what inks you buy as to wether it is cheaper than solvent or not. My previous job was in retail management and procurement was a major part of this, so I think I am pretty good at sourcing my materials at the best price. The initial question was of printing for vehicles and if you were to use any WRAP vinyl you would be extortionate compared to my vinyl – therefore, a lot cheaper and you could print quite a few more compared to these.
You are quite correct in that these were not designed to do this sort of work, that is what laminate is for…..They were designed for that.
As I have said in previous posts this is my opinion and experience and people can try out their material, laminate and judge for themselves.
Hope that clears a few things up.
Andy
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Speak to Isabell at Paper Graphics 0141 842 1222, tell her Andy @ Flyerscotland sent you. I buy the matt adhesive vinyl & Stickybits laminate from them. I would never put it outside without laminating it first. I use this stuff for everything. Just finished restaurant walls and counters with it 40 sq mtr of the stuff. looks great. I will upload images later.
Good Luck!!
Andy
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Nice images, went out with my Uncle a few times and loved every minute of it, highly addictive!!!!
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Hi Martyn,
I am unsure about solvent inks in an HP Designjet. The key to getting over fading etc is good lamination. I am not saying it would be my preferred choice as I am currently looking to buy a solvent, but as I don’t have one just now and have been signing vehicles with vinyl for a while) I do use my canon for vehicles.
You have to make sure the lamination you are using is UV resistant. If you laminate correctly using decent vinyl you won’t really have a problem on flat and very small recess areas. I wouldn’t go and wrap a car or van with it, but it is good for a few years. Stickybits Crystal Laminate is good for me.
I could go on about this for an age using pro’s and con’s, but each to their own and someone will always argue what is best. Do what works and if you are proud to shout about your job then do it.
Hey Eze,
yeah I mean be upfront and tell them both options and price differences, there is no point in losing a job if they want a cheaper option. I am in a fortunate position as I have both options (my friend has a solvent I use til I can buy a new one).
here is my scenario:
customer comes in and asks for a vehicle wrap.
I ask, is it a wrap or decals?
What’s the difference…… Proceed to tell them the difference in using a mixture of materials, lifespan, cost, application time…..
they know what they want to do and will have many questions so just answer honestly with no bias to either and see what they want. My customer in the picture knew that vehicle film is a lot more expensive, but never knew there was a solution. I told him it was pigment inks, but they are good for a few years with the correct lamination and if applied correctly. The guy could print this twice more if he wanted to for the price difference…that is if it fails at any point.
If you spend the time trialing a few things you will see what works best for you. Print out a square metre on printed material and laminate it with a good uv resistant laminate, stick it outside for a while and watch the progress, that is what I have done and it has been going well.
Andy
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HI Eze,
Yeah, it is just a stop gap til I buy a solvent, remember to tell the customers the situation as it is always best to be upfront. I have attached an image for you to see.
The resolution of the image is much better on my printer than solvent and I will be watching some of my images over the next while to see what is best.
Andy
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Hi guys,
Don’t know if your still looking, but a great company I deal with all the time and get great prices from are Paper Graphics, I buy Stickybits Matt, Gloss and Crystal Laminate from them which is solvent based and can last around 3 years outside when printed on pigment. I have a Canon ipf8000s and loads of my prints are in direct sunlight and have lasted well over a year without colour fade. Only if laminated mind!!
Their self adhesive vinyl is pretty good and managed to do some graphics on vehicles with them, I told the client the price difference and he bit my hand off for the pigment print, even with the risks of fading! Remember this was laminated!
Their 200gsm poster paper is awesome too, I am printing shedloads of this stuff and can’t fault it. I think it’s Jackson micro porous satin photo paper, really nice professional finish, laminated or unlminated.
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Hi Mo,
Welcome aboard, I know what you mean about the kids, not enough hours in the day.
Andy
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Hi Dave.
Welcome aboard!
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Hahahahahahahaha, That’s awesome. This is how we end up taking 5 hours to a 1 hour job while online
You end up on one site that leads to another and another…………..
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Hi and Welcome.
Andy
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Thanks Hugh,
I will ask him.
Andy
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Hi Elena,
Welcome along!!
Andy
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Cheers Hugh, I will give the customer some options, depending on price, I am unsure if he wants it proper reflective or just bright colours as it is for plant maintenance and not legal guidelines.
Andy
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Thanks Peter your a legend! Every time I post something your always the first to shed a light on my lack of knowledge.
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Hahahahaha, That’s magic!!!!
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Hi Kate,
I think you have an option to cut from the first object, this would be better for you as it doesn’t whizz the material through at top speed and starts making contact with the vinyl right away stopping it running off as much.
Andy
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Hi Nik & Harry, Thanks.
Harry the wee man is usually too busy in the workshop to come on the boards. It’s only when I get him cutting and weeding I get the chance to come on! 😀
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http://www.bagsonline.co.uk _ I have used on several occasions and they are very reasonable. I would use them again and again, excellent service and bags were brilliant.
http://www.elliottpackaging.co.uk – Had priced these guys up and used once. Good quality and prices were on the money. -
Hi Marcella, Thanks.
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Yeah, definitely stay with that I was meaning for year 2. I am sure I will pick your brains on it again.
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Cheers Dave,
I will check that out too.
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Thanks Peter,
What kind of price are you looking at saving on these carts and contract?
I might need to get the contact number for your guys as I am pretty new to the solvent printing I will need as much help as I can get.
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Thanks Peter, I think I would like to stick with the original carts, to make sure nothing dries up or invalidates the warranty with 3rd party inks etc. I will probably still use the original carts after the warranty expires to make sure there are no problems.
What does everyone else think of the original carts versus everything else?
Andy
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HI Graeme,
Thanks.
That’s some size of ears you have there big boy! :lol1:
Andy
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Here is what is included:
Full set of CMYK Inks x 8 440cc Cartridges, Mimaki Rastorlink Pro 3 RIP Centre, Full 12 Months Mimaki Gold Parts/Labour & Engineer Call Out Warranty, Motorised TUR, Frontal Dryer System, Mimaki CG160-FX Pro Plotter which includes the unique di-cut feature, Free Roll of 1370x50M Xerox Printable Media, Delivery, Installation & Training over 2 Days plus on-going technical support when required.
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HI Dave/Peter,
Gen pro 3 rip if that makes sense?
It is the sp
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THanks Neil And Duncan.
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Hi All,
I had the same response from them when I called to see about prices for sheets of 5mm foamex it was as if they didn’t want the business, until I mentioned it was 60 sheets!!!!
I would suggest Graeme at Righton (0141 646 3730), always give me a great deal, even though I drive a hard bargain, tell them you want Andy @ Flyer Scotland prices lol. They will tell you to $£%@ off!! I managed to get about £8 per sheet off Stocklines prices. Most of my orders are for 30-40 sheets or more, so you might not get that discount, just thought I would throw that out there.
Andy
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Thanks Lynn
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Cheers Phil & Jan,
Yeah I think I am picking things up quite well and have an eye for design. I will post some work I have done and you can tell me what you think.
Andy
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[quote="Matty Goodwin"]Frankies 18 months now, feels like 22 yrs! If youv’e only lost a Macbook your doing well!
Frankie in her car seat, next to hand brake while unloading shopping….Another story!
Priceless!
Ben did kill a Macbook, but luckily my insurance understands new babies and stupid first time parents!
Coffee and Computer don’t mix!
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Aww Thanks Jill, that Renfrew looks like it get’s better weather than Scotland!
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Just to clarify – I am the one with no hair in the pic lol
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Thanks Rob, No probs, it’s much better when everyone can see who they are talking to.
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Thanks mate, you can always spot the new dads eh! Mine is 7 1/2 months and in at everything….. 1 Macbook down and my new one nearly got it today!!!!
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Yes is that your grandad behind you? :lol1:
And that’s a lovely pink suit your wearing!
Thanks for the welcome!! Haha….
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Cheers Warren, they are on my list of companies to call as a friend of mine said they were offered a vp540i from them at a good price, ex demo.
Andy
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Thanks Peter, I will go and look at it and ask for a test print, ask him to do a thorough clean.
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I also forgot to ask, has anyone got a Mutoh ValueJet 1614 and are they any good compared to the VP540i?
Thanks
Andy -
Thanks Peter, I have viewed an ex-demo from Robert Horne and had a few prices in from Radecal and VTS. Although VTS offered the XC540 as they had a 2nd user in stock.
I am still pretty new to sign making and learning more and more as I go, hence joining UKSB. So, any help or advice would be appreciated given the amount of experience on these boards. I have been cutting and applying vinyl for a few years while outsourcing my solvent print. Once I reached between £1-2k per month on outsourcing I decided to bring it in-house.
The last thing I want to do is buy a printer between £10-15k and regret it after the service or help let’s you down. Any recommendations as to who is the best overall re-seller?
Andy