[James Boden]

quote Martin Cole:

I like it James and should drag in some business for you.

Couldn’t resist a dabble though :smiles:

Definitely using some of those design elements Martin, Thanks!

Think I’m happy with it now

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[James Boden]

Thank you guys, some really helpful advice.

I’ve drafted up this version taking some of it into account. How’s this looking?

Had to put the & in as the logo was confusing the flow. What you think?

I’m going to draft up a version with high res pictures of vans I’ve completed too to compare the two.

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[James Boden]

quote Jamie Hunt:

After 30 years in Business and two moves im finally happy with my Unit.
Ive made my own vinyl wall racks out of offcut dibond, aluminium angle and plumbers overflow pipe (email me if you need the cnc cut template for the vinyl
I had an office made underneath the mezzanine floor and laid the wooden laminate floor and made the tables using breakfast bar style legs
i made sure all the Printers and vinyls where kept in the dust free office where they wouldn’t get cold in the winter[SNOWFLAKE]️ and it keeps the heating bill down

I also have my main unit outside the office to do vehicles and cutting etc ,
All the tables outside the office area are on wheels so i can move stuff round the unit

This looks like a really nice space to be working in Jamie :thumbsup:

[James Boden]

Wow Dan, that looks really cramped. I can see why your looking to move.

I like my unit although the downsides are:
The wall by the computing area is curved so it really limits the layout of the office. Also one less wall to utilise.
My work bench more often that not becomes a dumping ground and fills up quick.
there’s no garage or undercover area so when the weathers bad I have to use a garage near by.
Space is limited so I don’t have a laminator. Anything that needs lamination get’s outsourced. This is a real problem for me at the moment.

The good points:
It’s secure, warm and looks fairly professional when people come to see me.
I avoid the rush hour traffic as it’s out of town
Most of all it’s CHEAP!! :smiles:

It would be good to see some more established premises to get ideas for the future.

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[James Boden]

Just out of interest guy’s, Is the odour from the Nazdar inks worse or the same as Rolands Eco Sol?

[James Boden]

quote Jamie Hunt:

Be careful with contour cutting S/A adhesive as I had a roll of Gekkotex and id had it a year and because it was contour cut it peeled on the edges , we had to do the whole job again for L’oreal down London of the London Skyline on 3mm foamex cut to shape which actually looked better as it gave it a bit of depth

Cheers Jamie, I bet you were glad when that job was over :bigsmile:

quote Martin Pearson:

I used to carry a portfolio of different jobs I had done to help explain to customers plus a few different examples of substrates like foam, ACM etc which works better than just trying to tell them 😆 😆

I must admit Martin I need to put one of these together :blushing: great suggestion to avoid any confusion with the client. It’s on my list of things to do :thumbsup:

[James Boden]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I must admit George I didn’t mention the self adhesive part which may have worried her unnecessarily.

quote Iain Pearson:

From what you are saying she has either been quoted for a contour cut printed image, or as George says, a S/A wallpaper

Yes Iain, I imagine she has been quoted for a contour cut printed image but what material? I know there’s some great products out there but still don’t think it would look as good as the whole wall finished with wall paper.

Jamie, I think that is sound advice. I will run a small sample off and take it down to her. Apart from Metamark or Tepede Gekkotex what SA wallpapers is everybody else using?

[James Boden]

Great work there Warren, I’m going to sort something similar

[James Boden]

Hello Gaz, welcome to the boards

[James Boden]

Great work Neil!

[James Boden]

I used to use Amari alot but getting it cut was taking longer and longer. I now use Pure Plastics who so far have been great. Not sure if they are just regional or national.

[James Boden]

Cheers David

[James Boden]

Thanks for the feedback Chris, fills me with a bit more confidence

[James Boden]

Nope, not the caps Stafford. Just replaced two new caps on the problem heads and no improvement.

[James Boden]

I have a SC540 ex I need to shift within the next two weeks

[James Boden]

The problem now seems to have moved on to the light magenta head now. Haven’t tried moving the capping around yet. Could this be something else other than the cap seeing as the problems on two heads now? This is on a Grenadier btw

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[James Boden]

quote Mike Thornley:

Hi Iain

Thought about a VW Kombi with the removable seats, they are just very expensive because of the surfer and hipster set, yes something like might be good.

Problem I have is that I am very picky when it come to vehicles, I’m not good at compromising, but might have to learn to.

Hi Mike,

I have a Vito Dualiner with the removable seats in the rear. It’s ideal for business and family. I know a few people have negative things to say about them but so far mines been ideal (touch wood). Unlike the VW’s they depreciate quickly so you can pick up a fairly new one for a reasonable price. I bought mine for just over 5k on a 2010 plate, It was 25k new.

[James Boden]

It’s hard not to stereotype when you have more bad experiences than good. My heart sinks when they walk through the door.

[James Boden]

I’d be interested in this too… Good post

[James Boden]

quote Gary Birch:

quote James Boden:

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just out of interest Gary, what ink configuration are you running on those? Do you have white & metallic on either?

We started off with one of each but as we didn’t have the call for it the white and metallic just ended up being expensive cleaning cartridges so we just took the decision to stop with both.

Thanks for the reply Gary. This is what I was thinking, don’t have much call for metallic here either. Cheers.

[James Boden]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just out of interest Gary, what ink configuration are you running on those? Do you have white & metallic on either?

[James Boden]

Hi Stafford,

Thanks for the reply. I’ll try this and post my findings..

[James Boden]

quote Chris Wilson:

” 9 times out of 10 they always come in 2-3 weeks later “

Exactly. I’ve had a lot of this, this week in particular. One guy wanted me to sign an entire fiesta van for £70 and I’m thinking if someone else will do that for you – good luck to you mate.

They always come back when they realise they can’t get the price they wanted or someone else has botched up the job.

[James Boden]

Thanks Jon, I thought that might be the case.

Cheers Martin for the reply :bigsmile:

[James Boden]

quote James Sahota:

Well I can confirm the first night was a success…

Managed to pin Wee Robby down and we ended up rolling in around 5.00am this morning.

Great catching up with so many people, suppliers and friends…I made it to about 4 stands only, to much chatting!!

Lol, no wonder I didn’t see you around James!

[James Boden]

quote Hugh Potter:

I do think, and it was the general consensus, that the show seemed smaller this year, and certainly it didn’t seem as busy as last, at 3pm the halls seemed to suddenly empty, and by 4:30 even some of the stands were closing up for the day but still a good day out and I managed to find a handful of suppliers for various bits and pieces!

Yes Hugh, that’s what I felt. It seemed they tightened their belts this year and didn’t have the same buzz as last time. With that said I always enjoy going up to have a nosey at new equipment.

[James Boden]

I swear I must walk by all of you every year 😉

[James Boden]

Thanks James, will give them a call today.

[James Boden]

Looks like it’s new all round then :yikes:

I really want an application table but figure it’s better to walk before I run. In terms of laminators are there any that stand out from the crowd?

[James Boden]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I’m feeling that going new on the printer is probably the best call as I’m in this for the long haul and it should pay for itself over a short period.

I think maybe the laminator would be ok as 2nd hand as there is less to go wrong on them. Am I right or wrong on this? ❓
I’m looking for a heated one 1400mm wide. Are there any that you could recommend or more importantly steer clear from?

[James Boden]

I can’ t recommend these printers enough. I have a 9600 sat here in the office and although it’s currently out of commission I ran so much work through it and had very few problems.

If anyone is good at repairing these/or know them inside out please let me know as I’d love to have it back up and running.

[James Boden]

It’s been a good learning curb this one. Like Rob said I was looking at the bigger picture of all the other work they needed doing.

After the cars were completed I had to apply frosted graphic around the entire perimeter of the windows in the showroom and later this week I’m going back to apply large areas of printed vinyl.

It’s all last minute stuff and a bit of stress but it keeps the bank balance healthy and that’s the bottom line. I think maybe 6+ years ago you could get away with charging £100+ but I’m in an area of high competition and like Iain I’m a lot faster at applying graphics than I used to be. Get in – Bosh them on – Get out!

[James Boden]

Hi James,

Yes, I know. still waiting for your reply..

[James Boden]

Sounds like a loop hole that needs to be closed. Can’t believe these types of cases make it to court, lets hope someone puts a stop to this.

[James Boden]

Can someone please explain why this is even relative in our field. I don’t see the angle :awkward:

[James Boden]

Thanks guys will give these a try!

[James Boden]

quote Iain Pearson:

If it’s straight off the roll cad vinyl, I’d be in around £75-£85 per vehicle mate

Cheers Iain, this is around the figure I had in mind :thumbsup:

[James Boden]

Hi Iian,

I’ll be producing and fitting them. This is the first, the others are along the same lines but for finance deals and probably only one colour.

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[James Boden]

When I prepare vehicle graphics for the next day they used to curl and ripple over night, especially during winter. Now I put them on a clean flat surface and lay sheets of aluminium comp over them. Stops the moisture getting in and they stay nice and flat.

[James Boden]

I wouldn’t expect the pound to recover anytime soon, in fact I would say it will fall further next year if the EU are going to make an example of us (cutting off the nose to spite the face).

Some say the pound has been 10-20% over valued for sometime now so what your seeing is a correction, albeit uncomfortable for people like us who buy imported goods. The price will just have to be passed on to the customer which will squeeze peoples pockets further.

[James Boden]

Is that a Vauxhall Corsa pictured? Have just heard on the news of a number of cases of the dash catching fire in seconds..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38227041

[James Boden]

quote Martin Cole:

Those efforts by the so called designer are very poor…no visual stimulation at all :puppyeyes:

knocked up a couple of ideas that may help you

I’ve got to say these ones that Martin has done pack way more punch. Also Dave’s suggestions are good

[James Boden]

I don’t think static cling would be a good choice for this Ewan. If it was me I’d use ReTac from DryTac.com, you can apply remove and re-apply without leaving any residue although I’m not sure how the harsh weather would effect it long term.

[James Boden]

I’d second that Kev. Hideous

[James Boden]

Well done Dan, great idea!

It’s not the money that bothers me it’s the throwing out of good material that I don’t like. Saying that those three van are almost pure profit :smiles:

[James Boden]

Hi Daniel,

From my experience the IP and Avery colours differ quite a lot. Do you have a Spandex account? You can ring up and they will be able to tell you over the phone.

[James Boden]

I’d second (or third) the 4050RLA. Contacts well with the silicone and lays flat. Just about to roll and install a job today so will see how it fares.

[James Boden]

Hi Jon,

Try exaprint.co.uk or onlineprinters.co.uk

[James Boden]

Great job Simon, I could watch that all day!

[James Boden]

quote Iain Pearson:

I’ve had experience with the vito and its big brother the sprinter, which is why I now have a transporter.

No good Iain?

[James Boden]

I’d be interested if anyone had any opinions/experience with the Mercedes Vito (post rust). All the benefits of the transporters but better value.

[James Boden]

Will be interested to see this at the trade shows next year.

[James Boden]

The REC sign backed with the etched looks great David, I have some jobs coming up I’m going to try this out on. Well done mate.

[James Boden]

Hi Myles,

Im in a very similar situation although i do have a printer, an older Roland.

Like you said the more you look into it the harder the choice is. I’m really tempted by the HP’s because of the instant finish
but space is an issue and I can’t justify having a laminator, plotter & printer. In the end I always come back to the versacamm + you will get free training on the software and won’t be messing around trying to figure the RIP out.

I’d recommend buying new, that way as long as you look after the machine it’s going to last a mighty long time before you need to fork out on any parts.

also go for a machine with more than 4 colours, you’ll get a much better gradient.

[James Boden]

Thank you Cheryl!

[James Boden]

quote Martin Pearson:

Daniel, never actually tried that but you would probably need to use an optically clear double sided mount film, not bought any for years but they were very expensive at one time, plus what do you do about the sticky side that is now facing the inside 😆 😆 😆

I could leave the backing paper on Martin, think they’d be ok with that 😆

Thanks for the replies, looks like they’re ok with the price but it’s useful to have some other options up the sleeve.

I’ve had a quick look for the tutorial Dave but can’t see one, will have a look when I have some more time

[James Boden]

Sorry to hear Michael, hope you get a good offer

[James Boden]

Thank you guy’s

[James Boden]

Not sure if any of you do this but I recycle the felt once it’s split down the middle. They last twice as long and save me a fortune :bigsmile:

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[James Boden]

Thank you boss 😉

[James Boden]

Many thanks Kev,

Is this the hole your talking about and is this the correct position to clamp off the pipes?

When I purchased the machine I don’t think they gave me the tool. Is it possible to purchase a new one?

If you have time could you post a picture of it please?

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[James Boden]

I need to do a head soak on my Grenadier but not sure how to manually lower the capping station? Also when you say clamp off the drainage pipes how do I go about this?

[James Boden]

Thanks for the suggestions the two Daves :smiles: some food for thought.

Wow Mr Rogers, your shifting some serious meterage!!

[James Boden]

I’m pretty sure it’s a wrap Rob, apparently there’s only 15 of them. Great marketing ploy

https://www.biffa.co.uk/wasteater/

[James Boden]

Some great work there Hugh, loving your Dragon Signs van & the mini!

Out of interest how are you getting on with the HP? What printer were you running before?

[James Boden]

Hi Dave,

Sounds to me like they need a rating on mybuilder.com, at least for starters 😉

Thanks for the post, I definitely need to up my speed when doing van’s, this would usually take me 2 and a bit hours to apply.

Also Ewan, great tip with the string. Some of these newer vans are tough to line up, especially close up.

quote DavidRogers:

Fast or not, spelling aside…left the keys with the lad in the office as I had to go out. Customer turned up and said he wanted to show the guy who’d dropped him off an invoice sheet that’d been designed for him…picked up his key (on desk), legged it down the stairs, reversed into the road and wheel spun off at high speed…’forgetting’ to pay.

Been a few years since we had a spate of these…police informed but too busy on a Friday lunchtime to attend… Monday, it’ll be Monday before they send someone round.

At least I didn’t spend a lot of time on it….no chance of getting paid…turns out they are ‘travellers’ that live in houses without the familiar accent…

Win some… Lose some…

Dave

[James Boden]

Hi Neil, Thanks for taking the time to respond 😀

[James Boden]

I’d second Signwaves Jon

[James Boden]

Thanks for the reply David, and nice work btw.

Yes it is the contravision I’m talking about. Would you recommend applying it dry or wet taking into account the extreme curves on the corsa?

[James Boden]

Thanks Emyr, your a star 😀

[James Boden]

Hi Sean,

When I started out I had some business cards printed up and went on foot down the high street door to door. I would say for every 5 shops I entered I would get some kind of business from one. I secured one of my best clients this way and he still uses me on a regular basis.

The second thing I found worked for me was putting a large A-board out on the road side. I was contacted by a councillor who asked me to remove it or it would be removed by the council. I was very slow and vague at getting back to him and 2 years later it’s still there (touch wood). This has been great at getting regular business through the door.

Hope that helps.

Best

James

[James Boden]

quote Steff Davison:

quote Stephen Morriss:

Hi Steff

Are you printing onto vinyl?
Would it be an option to send some artwork to one of us to print onto vinyl?
The colours might not come out right but at least you’d have a reference to work from.

Steve

Thanks for your reply Stephen, I only want to print onto vinyl at the moment. It would be an option to have another member to kindly reproduce a print with their Lightbar set up, its not an option I have considered.

In my opinion it is Colorific’s responsibility to rectify the print problem. Using another member’s lightbar set up would only confirm what I already know, my machine and ink setup isn’t producing consistently scratch resistant prints.

Steff

Hi Steff,

I’d be interested to know if you had your problem resolved by Colorific as well?

[James Boden]

Great Martin, just the type of thing I’m looking for. Thanks 😀

[James Boden]

I can see why big Phill, it looks a very snug fit :tongue:

[James Boden]

Cheers Dave

[James Boden]

Hi James,

Not really. I did mean the type Chris suggested to clear areas quickly from dust and dirt before applying vinyl etc. I can see how the item you’ve listed could be useful though. Thanks for replying 😎

[James Boden]

Thanks for the advice Chris, much appriciated 😛

[James Boden]

Thanks for replying Lee.

The original Jpeg did have an underscore in it so renamed it but that didn’t sort it. In the end I saved it in a different format which did the trick.

Cheers again.

[James Boden]

Hi Mark,

I’d go for it and not let people talk you out of it.

If you base yourself on the outskirts rather than the centre of a town you can usually find smaller trading estates that will accept monthly payments rather than tying you into long leases. Also If the premises isn’t too big you can usually avoid business rates too.

I started off in a converted shipping container and soon out grew it. I moved into a purpose built office around the corner and have almost out grown that too.

You’ve already proved that you can build and run a successful business so adapting to the larger jobs shouldn’t be a problem over time. Good luck 😉

[James Boden]

Hi Denise,

How about buying a laser engraver and personalising small items?

Best

James

[James Boden]

Fair play Tim, place looks great. Onwards and upwards!! :thumbup2:

[James Boden]

quote Emyr Evans:

You’ve confirmed what I thought about profiles and there are more available for the VSi, so we’ve placed a order for the VSi with lightbar. Only decision left is the colours dual CMYK or CMYK, lc, lm. Any suggestions?

I would go for CMKY, lc & lm. You’ll get a much better blend in colours especial gradients. I’ll be upgrading my Grenadier when the time is right for a VSi too!

[James Boden]

Thanks Stafford

[James Boden]

Thanks Gary

[James Boden]

Merci Robert, to the rescue again! 😀

[James Boden]

Thanks guys

[James Boden]

Thanks Robert, much appriciated

[James Boden]

Hey Martin, don’t knock it. That tea was well deserved!! 😛

[James Boden]

Thanks for the advice peoples. The installation went up without a hitch 😉

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[James Boden]

I tend to look for a level line on the van and measure up/down from that line. Sometimes that’s not always possible so I use my eye. I can pretty much do it by eye now, it’s the same with anything I guess, the more you do the easier it gets!

[James Boden]

Just to re-bump this:

I’m after the type of tape the wholesalers use to secure vinyl rolls when bought by the meter. Would the 3m Blue or green be similar to this?

[James Boden]

No problem, hijack away..

I think this is my concern too – getting the letters as straight as possible. The actual process attaching them doesn’t seem too complex.

Thanks for the advice so far 😛

[James Boden]

Thanks Gary,

Ideally I’m after something like this. Do you stock anything similar? If not does anyone know where I can get hold of some?

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[James Boden]

Thanks Gary

[James Boden]

Thanks Robert

[James Boden]

Hi David, thanks for that. The surface is wooden

[James Boden]

Hi Daniel,

I have a different roland machine but the settings I use everyday are:

Cut pass : 1
Speed : 30
Pressure : 130 – 150
Offset 0.250

As your machines a different model I’d do a few test cuts at a much lower pressure until you find the right setting.

[James Boden]

Thanks for your replys David, Chris, Steff & Michael.

Michael the RX640 would be my first choice but this is out of my price range at the moment!

Decided to go with a VS 640/540 with Rolands Trade and Treat offer and as the business grows i’ll upgrade to a faster machine.

Cheers again. 😀