Forum Replies Created
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John Hughes
MemberJune 12, 2020 at 3:57 pm in reply to: Social Distance Signs for reopening businessOpen an online shop. Get some stock in from Drytac :smiles:
You need to be quick though. We’ve been non stop printing for about 6 weeks now.
John
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John Hughes
MemberJune 11, 2020 at 6:35 pm in reply to: Summa F-Series cutter, advice needed please?Same reply as David but we have a Tekcel.
The only problem is it will create more work and not just signage so will end up employing someone else :smiles:
Go for it. Get router head as well tho.
John
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Hi Martyn
Which Zinsser product do you use to prime the wall?Thanks
John -
She just wants you out the way :smiles:
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John Hughes
MemberMarch 28, 2020 at 1:23 pm in reply to: Help with a Miller Weldmaster T3, Banner hemming machine.We had a demo of the Leister welder a few months ago. Unfortunately, the leister sales guy doing the demo couldn’t use it!
This didn’t give us any confidence at all haha so we didn’t buy.
We did purchase a pneumatic eyeleter however which is good.John
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John Hughes
MemberMarch 5, 2020 at 7:59 pm in reply to: My favourite thing we’ve made this year – wheel of fortuneLooks good. Well done.
What’s the little white ‘wheel’ at top for?John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 16, 2020 at 6:18 pm in reply to: Vinyl for applying to Vinyl flooring, is there such a product?Just get the vinyl in slit down to 100mm ? width x 10 metre rolls. And then a roll of standard masking tape to stiffen up while applying.
John
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Or print directly to mirror dibond and then CNC cut instead of using foamex.
John
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Hi Cheryl.
We make these also. Print and cut to your design.Drop us a line and would be happy to cost.
studio@signslabelshereford.co.uk
Thanks
John -
John Hughes
MemberDecember 19, 2019 at 6:47 pm in reply to: I would like to buy a CNC Router, your thoughts on this please?Hi. We went down this route 12 months ago and invested 80+k. Plus you have labour costs, rent, rates, tooling etc etc so although £450 does sound a tad high you need to bear in mind what that company has invested to provide that service. Give us a call if you need help.
John
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Hi Dave. We have a Tekcel from Complete CNC Solutions. It has a 10 x 5 bed but no conveyor belt. Well worth looking at with good customer support although it probably more of a router than cutter but we do cut vinyl on it and has a camera.
Cheers
John -
Also just to say we are happy with the Bristol branch. Never any problems.
John
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John Hughes
MemberJanuary 31, 2019 at 9:34 pm in reply to: Recommendations for a low cost flatbed cutter 600mm x 900mm -
Thanks David. Will take a look.
John
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Hi. Before you back in white… put some masking tape over the reg marks then after backing…. cut away the white then peel away the masking tape to reveal the reg marks. Cut as normal.
Hope that helps.
John -
John Hughes
MemberDecember 12, 2018 at 6:29 pm in reply to: Trade supplier for accurate shaped plastic / cardsHi David. Give us a call. We can quote you for these & send some samples if you have the art work ready….. any shape.
Cheers
John -
John Hughes
MemberSeptember 29, 2018 at 1:58 pm in reply to: Mimaki Flatbed UV, help sourcing a service engineer please?Hi Stafford.
Yes this was the post and not sure how I missed yours and Rob’s reply. :blushing:
We currently have a service contract with Hybrid which expires soon so looking at other options.
Thanks
John
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Hi Stafford.
I posted a request a few weeks ago but no replies. Can yo PM me?
Thanks
John -
Hi. Sorry to butt in.
Stafford, do you service Mimaki flatbeds JFX 200?Thanks
John -
Hi Shawn
No nothing. Took the back plate off but can’t see anything obvious.
John
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Antallis have what you need Dave.
John
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quote :wrapping formula race cars?
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Only on Red Bull cars cus doesn’t need to last long !!
John
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Hi Dan. I would defiantly say the heads need cleaning with a swab to clear any fluff or build up of ink. We get this occasionally and always solves the problem.
John
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John Hughes
MemberMarch 23, 2018 at 7:28 pm in reply to: Tekcel VSR 3m x 2m – CNC router – For SaleHi James.
Just read this and very interested. I know Complete CNC solutions and the cutter.
Will come back to you tomorrow or if not definitely Monday.Thanks
John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 13, 2018 at 7:27 pm in reply to: It has been a while, some new ‘it’s a wrap’All brilliant.. well done.
John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 9, 2018 at 8:34 pm in reply to: Looking for a recommendation for anodised aluminiumTry Blackburns Steff.
John
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Hi Russell.
We’ve got a JFX 200 Mimaki and happy with. Perhaps not a true production printer but good for us.John
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Hi Gaz. Thanks for the reply but sorted it now.
Cheers
John
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Thanks Shawn but was looking to buy the graphics file ready to cut but thanks for posting.
John
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John Hughes
MemberJanuary 15, 2018 at 5:51 pm in reply to: What is cheaper in your workshop per m2, cut vinyl or digital print?Printed vinyl should always be more expensive that pre cut. Why? because your printer & laminator cost in the region of 30k, for decent kit, whereas a plotter costs 8k ish. You’ve got to factor that in to the final cost.
John
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John Hughes
MemberDecember 18, 2017 at 8:47 pm in reply to: Needing a Chlorine Free print Vinyl any help apreciated -
John Hughes
MemberDecember 6, 2017 at 5:55 pm in reply to: Looking for a hardwearing mirror copper vinylPrint a copper colour on to a outdoor durable chrome and over lam.
John
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John Hughes
MemberDecember 4, 2017 at 1:16 pm in reply to: How many others looking forward to Christmas?Don’t come back Phil…. you won’t have to pay your tax then 😆
John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 20, 2017 at 2:22 pm in reply to: Post Router, vinyl colouring flatcut letters.Hi Mike.
Direct print the letters. Saves printing vinyl/applying/trimming.
john
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 18, 2017 at 1:05 pm in reply to: Need to match a frosted film with a pattern -
John Hughes
MemberNovember 4, 2017 at 5:01 pm in reply to: Recommendations on reliable entry level 8×4 CNC MachineHi David.
We do the same but print the ‘wire frame’ templates directly on to the bed of the printer. Works perfect although have to scrape off the ink when done but no big hassle.
John
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Try Vi print from Stephen Webster Plastics / Amari
UV prints really well and nice texture finish to.John
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John Hughes
MemberSeptember 29, 2017 at 3:45 pm in reply to: Davey: A few Hand painted sign projectsVery impressive Neil.
John
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What machine are you after Steff ?
John
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Hi Kay.
Thanks for the reply. We are looking for some bespoke sizes but worth knowing.Thanks
John -
John Hughes
MemberApril 1, 2017 at 10:05 pm in reply to: International Sign Shows – which to attend?Went to Fespa Amsterdam last year.
If your interested in purchasing a serious sized printer etc for your business then it’s worth it. But it’s not like sign uk which is more geared to the smaller business market.John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 17, 2017 at 6:50 pm in reply to: PPL (Standing up for Music Rights) raises it’s ugly head againHi. We just received an invoice for £158 🙁
Had a rather heated phone conversation saying we’re not a business open to the public and we only play Apple Music from our phones. He was having not any of it and saying they would impose a further 50% surcharge if don’t pay within a week!
Do I pay ????
Thanks
John -
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Hi Dave.
When we first started direct printing we tried loads of different materials from slate through to wood and whilst we still do print on various materials for bespoke jobs most of our printing is on correx & foamex without the need to prime. It just adds another process which involves time money and hassle so if you can remove the requirement to prime by sourcing the right/suitable material would be a better option.John
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Hi Dave
Mimaki do one … very small tin for £50.
We’ve had very little need in last couple of years to use it though.John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 11, 2016 at 6:43 pm in reply to: Clear cast vinyl with air escape adhesiveThanks Simon, Jon for replying.
Will keep looking.John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 7, 2016 at 2:57 pm in reply to: Winner of "Wrap Like a King" 2016, Exotic Graphix +VIDEOThat’s got to be the best wrap EVER !
Well done to you all.
John
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Thanks Rob.
John
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Hi Rob.
Thanks for reply but it’s a flat bed cutter we are looking for although Summa do manufacture one.John
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John Hughes
MemberSeptember 18, 2016 at 9:44 am in reply to: Printed Greaseproof paper, advice please?Hi Nigel.
We had a similar request a few months ago for a food company.
They supplied the grease proof paper, which was standard stuff and we printed on our uv flatbed. Work well.Hope that helps
John
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John Hughes
MemberAugust 19, 2016 at 4:20 pm in reply to: Minimise dirt / dust / outgassing issues in printHi Daniel
1) invest in some racking from Signgeer etc
2) get rid of the carpet
3) load vinyl using cotton gloves
4) make sure to use take-up roller…if your printer doesn’t have then again invest.
Do not let print go on the floor!
5) no need to take print off tube to loosen. Stand roll on end, put hand inside core and rotate to loosen vinyl. Small bit of tape to hold end.
6) clean laminator rollers and surrounding area with clean cloth damp clothHope that helps
John
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I don’t think Cherwell supply printed graphics but I would give them 100% for product supply and customer service.
John
Not affiliated to them in anyway just a trade customer.
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John Hughes
MemberAugust 5, 2016 at 4:19 pm in reply to: cutting very small graphic poor results help pleaseMartin……….your a genius !!
Just tried this on some small text and works a dream….. saved a load of time and hassle !
So……….thank you very much :smiles:
John
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John Hughes
MemberJuly 6, 2016 at 5:23 pm in reply to: Looking for a tilting/rotating lifting machine for doorwaysis this for your new printer Warren ?
John
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John Hughes
MemberJune 28, 2016 at 9:51 pm in reply to: HELP! Need Shiny Non Metal Printing MaterialTry Amari Plastics. They do an engraving laminate with metalic finishes which you can print directly to also.
John
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John Hughes
MemberJune 11, 2016 at 10:47 am in reply to: Applying vinyl to corrugated shipping containers.We did one a few years ago. 30 foot x 7 foot and filled the whole area with one image. Used Metamark Md5 & lam. Treated as a wall paper job. Started on the right and folded the vinyl in to the corrugated sections and overlapped each section. Need to take your time to ensure vinyl goes in down the length otherwise it will run out.
Hope that helps.
John
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Are you going for a new flatbed Warren?
We are in exactly same position…had flatbed a while now (give me a call if your going down route) but looking to get more kit but vehicle fitting takes up space.
An option for us was to stop doing vehicles but I was out voted on that.
We are now looking at getting an extension but planning & landlord not keen.
Don’t want to move as in perfect spot.John
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High class work Tim….impressive.
John
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John Hughes
MemberMay 3, 2016 at 8:41 pm in reply to: Tim de Beir – Dodge RAM Hemi Wrap – [Featured Post]Love the trunk cover !!
Rest of it not bad either hahaJohn
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John Hughes
MemberApril 26, 2016 at 7:45 am in reply to: 1070mm, 1370mm or 1620mm digital printer. Your opinion pls?We have a 1620 printer and while the extra width is very useful at times, 90% of the material we buy in & use is 1370.
John
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Thanks Kev, that looks perfect if we decide to go ahead.
Steve, some very impressive stuff on there and will ask for a price next week.
Thanks both.
John
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Sorry to hear this Colin. Hope all goes ok in the coming weeks and you get back up and running a sap.
John
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Hi Craig. …
ha ha totally agree…perhaps that’s why I didn’t stop and ask the price !! If fact, the only thing I bought were a few squeezes from Yello! !John
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I went for a 3 days…well one at show..spent all day walking around as show was huge !
Didn’t see anything especially new but as Craig said ‘soft signage’ was a big part along with some very big printers to match. There was also a large robotic arm for sculpting and a few 3D printers. Best part was watching the World Wrap Masters.John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 13, 2016 at 5:49 pm in reply to: any alternatives to photoshop for CMYK?The software, be it PS or corel etc is one of the most important pieces of kit you need so get trial versions of each, see which one you prefer and buy it.
John -
Try Ashby Trade signs
John
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John Hughes
MemberDecember 28, 2015 at 6:57 pm in reply to: premises, other half problems, and growth adviceHi Mark
I think Jason, in Australia, a member on here started by selling small stickers online from his bedroom. He’s gone on to do extremely well I believe. Not sure how he achieved that transition.
I was in your position a number of years ago and went for it….rented a unit.
My house & my life was being taken over by signs so needed that split but also wanted to grow the business. Although I did move, I didn’t employ anyone for 6 months and then only part time. So, if you can afford the rent, rates etc ??
You’ll definitely be more productive to help cover some of those costs.John
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Hi Denise
What ever you decide doesn’t have to be set in stone..be flexible ..go with your gut decision but be prepared to change if not working. I’m 56 and also looking to retire sooner than later but I’m lucky that my two children own part of the business. Not sure If they’ll pay me a pension tho’ or put me straight in a home !!
I suggest that you stay on…bump your prices up. ..and be strong bout saying no to jobs you don’t want. Build your net profit up over the next few years and sell.John
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Try turning the heat down on the bed. We been having the same problem with greys and that helped.
John
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Two materials bonded together with double sided tape. ..engraved with a small v cutter and the ‘waste’ removed.
Don’t really know but my guess.John
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John Hughes
MemberMay 4, 2015 at 3:17 pm in reply to: Double sided window graphics question – help needed, please?Using suitable clear s/a vinyl or clear static cling… and the capability of printing white.
First print text or image in reverse
then print white
then text/image on top ie third layer.Just using one piece of material with no registration needed.
John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 3, 2015 at 3:51 pm in reply to: Anyone know you supplies this product? Help please?Thanks for the reply Robert.
The steel part is bolted to the desk and allows you to turn the page(s) over. Something you would see in an exhibition or museum etc. It is not lit.
Thanks
John
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John Hughes
MemberOctober 17, 2014 at 6:33 pm in reply to: Labels on a roll – sourcing a supplier, advice please?Everybody ….Thank you very much for replying and will make contact with those recommended.
Did try Google search etc but much prefer a personal recommendation.
Cheers
John -
Well done Jamie. We are going down exactly the same route including building new room etc !!
Ours won’t be delivered till end of October so have a bit of time to finish before it arrives. -
Well done Julius……impressive !!
John
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Very well done Robert.
John
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John Hughes
MemberMay 29, 2014 at 9:04 pm in reply to: Corel draw x7 print to roland versacamm vs-640iHow Leon ?
John
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John Hughes
MemberMay 27, 2014 at 5:45 pm in reply to: Corel draw x7 print to roland versacamm vs-640iHi Leon
it’s a profile problem. Try different profile.
John
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Hi Bronwen…
from a Herefordian and a fellow Hughes !
John
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We always export Corel files as an EPS regardless if vector or image.
Maybe worth a try.
John
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John Hughes
MemberMarch 27, 2014 at 6:29 pm in reply to: Overlapping sections of print (from a single image)Well done, Looks good.
John
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John Hughes
MemberMarch 25, 2014 at 5:00 pm in reply to: Overlapping sections of print (from a single image)Import image directly in to versa works and tile image from there. You can specify how much overlap you want. When you’ve applied the print you can trim the overlap to achieve a butt joint.
Recommend you use polymeric vinyl and laminate.John
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Blackburns or Amari
John
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Thanks for the replies 😀
Denise & Iain…. We have a set up at the mo with a laminator and a bench either side which is good the mounting vinyl on boards etc but probably not as efficient as a rolls roller but will look at one at Sign Show,
Also, considering purchasing a flatbed printer so will mean less laying up.Phil & Jason.. Considering the option to get a flat bed cutter although don’t think we can afford a Zund Jason… have been looking at the Suma version.
Martin.. we are general sign makers so do a bit of everything so vehicles etc take no major percentage of our work. Not looking to move in to new markets but always thinking….."can we do this better, quicker etc"
Gary & Colin…. agree, printer is where the money is 😀
Martin G… we don’t do a lot of weeding.. if job has more than one colour we tend to print it !
John M…. ha ha sounds good
Thanks very much
John
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John Hughes
MemberFebruary 15, 2014 at 4:20 pm in reply to: Wallpaper: Textile, s/a, pre paste or paste and best joins?We’ve done quite a lot of wall papering recently using wall paper from Paper Graphics.
We paste the walls first. As with Denise we can’t cut straight enough to butt join so print with overlap. When trimming, put a strip of thin plaatic 50mm wide behind the joint enabling to cut through both layers without damaging the wall. Remove the waste after trimming.Hope that helps.
John
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Thanks Lee.
Will give them a try.
John
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John Hughes
MemberDecember 4, 2013 at 7:42 pm in reply to: How to make a curved panel to fix to a single post? -
Probs not the most professional method but….. put a piece of masking tape over the registration marks prior to laminating with the white. Then cut the white after laminating to reveal the marks. Put back in printer and cut as normal.
John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 25, 2013 at 11:40 pm in reply to: Alternate RIP package for Roland Printerquote :Hope that helpsYes it does. Thanks Alex.
John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 25, 2013 at 10:13 pm in reply to: Alternate RIP package for Roland Printerquote :You’ll need to open the PDF in illustrator and then print it, printing from Acrobat gets the same issues as you’ve found!Hi Alex. Why would you need to open in illustrator or any programme.
We put the customers PDF straight in the rip and 99% of the time all is good and only recently has text started dropping out as per Andy’s problem.
John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 25, 2013 at 6:33 pm in reply to: Alternate RIP package for Roland PrinterAndy, we’ve been having the same issue recently !!
As with you, we prefer not to mess with the customers PDF sent and put it straight in the RIP (versaworks).
We also use X6 but opening/re saving can cause loads of problems.
Recently we’ve also had text dropping out. I wonder if this is a new problem with versaworks because it’s never happened before.
John
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quote :Interested to know what you thought made them exceptional mate?
They were mainly large wall graphics fitted direct to walls. Couldn’t see if pasted or self adhesive but seemed a quite a hard wearing material, definitely not standard ‘wall paper’ material.
The quality of the images were excellent even though each wall measured approx. 4m x 3m and the application was spot on too.
Been in the sign trade for 13 years now and the best I’ve seen.
quote :Quite often I forget what I went in the shop for by the time I have finished examining the POSHa ha, know what you mean Martin !
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 20, 2013 at 9:03 pm in reply to: Can anyone help with wrapping round fiberglass bees?What about painting them ?
John
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John Hughes
MemberNovember 7, 2013 at 5:44 pm in reply to: McDonald, Assortment of vehicles and shopsTop quality work David.
John
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John Hughes
MemberOctober 30, 2013 at 5:14 pm in reply to: The New Roland VersaCAMM VS-i Print & Cut seriesYou won’t be disappointed I’m sure Warren.
John
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John Hughes
MemberOctober 29, 2013 at 5:13 pm in reply to: can anyone help source paper stickers please?Hexis also do one, sorry don’t know the code.
John
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Graeme….. you may be right there…. 🙂
John