[Martin Cole]

Jeez… what a nightmare, good luck with getting things back up and running Colin.

[Martin Cole]

cant see much wrong with them Hugh, why all the fuss

😉 😉

[Martin Cole]

This is interesting, I’m just looking at revising my packing costs.
Packing properly is almost an art and can be very time consuming.

I send a fair few signs out all over the country mostly foamex and ACM and usually charge a standard courier rate.
But the time it takes to wrap the signs along with consumables used if often ridiculous.

Often a catch 22 situation, if you charge too much for postage or add the cost on the sign you may loose the business. But time is money and lately have spent to much time wrapping which just eats into the profit made on the signs.

I am going to introduce a minimum post and packing that I feel happy with and will compensate some of the time spent wrapping I will explain this to the customer if queried.

Tricky one with you Simon where your signs might not be high margin and competitors send carriage free.

Companies like Ashby obviously have all packing materials hidden in the price of the signs, would hate to think what they spend on polystyrene and shrink wrap.

Good topic for people who do send out signage

[Martin Cole]

But John, your only 35..lazy git..get back to work til your 70.

On a serious note, good on you and great to see you the other day, I need to call you later.

[Martin Cole]

One quiet day I’m going to get some glue and make a blade sculpture… sell it! and retire like everyone seems to be doing 😉

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[Martin Cole]

quote Simon Worrall:

I came to New Zealand in 2003.
I used to have a sign shop not far from Waterloo station, which was always pretty busy.

Wow, that was right in the mix a central London sign shop. A world away from where you are now Simon.
A good move and no regrets hopefully 😕

Good luck sifting through those cv’s

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Looks a nice place to work Simon, good luck getting that right person.

How long have you been in NZ out of interest, was it London way you moved from?

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Al the best to you Steve,

I never did get the chance to pop in 🙁

I know you have been winding down and must be very strange giving it up completely.
You cant skip old letraset books, I value my old green cover version.

If your ever over my way, give me a shout.

Martin

[Martin Cole]

A MASSIVE thank you to Kev Flowers who came over to me first thing Saturday morning and sorted my printer out.

He is one knowledgeable guy when it comes to printers..

He replaced the Cyan dampers and a new capping station, this seemed to be the problem and now all up and running.

Kev I owe you one :praise1:

[Martin Cole]

quote Kevin Flowers:

Martin
if you get stuck give me a shout i’ll pop down show you how to change them, does look like a damper problem or air as versacamm shares 1 cart between booth sides of the head if I remember rightly

Kev

David,

Thanks for the info, very informative as always.

However I may take you up on your offer Kev. I cant see a pm button and don’t have your contact details.
Are you able to get in contact with me to discuss?

[Martin Cole]

ACM on locators is fine and would look better Stuart.

[Martin Cole]

If acrylic, it will be very delicate, if ACM not so bad.

You could place spacers in the circles but the template and drilled holes would have to be bang on,

otherwise I would put spacers in the main body close to the top and leave the points with no fixings. Should be fine if not in reach.

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[Martin Cole]

Hi John,

The cyan cart is almost full.

It does sound like ink starvation, I’ll shoot out and get a syringe later.

I’ve never worked on the printer myself as useless at that kind of thing, haven’t got a service contract so will give it a go. 😕

[Martin Cole]

John and Phil, thanks for reply’s,

This is the test print just after a clean…

Doesn’t look like the heads at fault..phew

Ill take a look at the damper, had them replaced a couple of years ago, but never done one myself.

I have put an old cart back in John, see if makes a difference

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Attachments:

[Martin Cole]

quote James Sahota:

One of the things that makes us different from the rest is our friendly and supportive nature, some of our local partners who collect from us will vouch that we will often stop have a long old chat and even share a coffee talking about all things signage. One thing we like at 101 is a good old chin wag!

I can vouch for that, I was was at 101 last week and Matt was showing me the new fabric printer and its capabilities..its a beast,

[Martin Cole]

Top man Chris ! If you could pick me up around 8.00, that would be great.

[Martin Cole]

My advice is to write it off and move on.

Use it as a learning curb to always take a deposit.

He may well yet come back..

[Martin Cole]

See link James,

A few variations on here

http://www.signgeer.com/categories/stoo … storage-59

[Martin Cole]

quote Hugh Potter:

quote Phill Fenton:

Yeah – I’m devastated too. The final straw would be to hear that Shaking Stevens had also kicked the bucket 😕

You struck me more as a Cliff Richard fan Phill!!

Phill’s a Bucks Fizz boy …. 😛 If Cheryl Baker had left us he would have booked a week off.. 😕

[Martin Cole]

Have you tried this Phill, Holes might be a bit bigger than you want, but works a treat.

Seriously thoughI had the same problem years ago on some old building it was a nightmare.. could be time to walk away …

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[Martin Cole]

To stand any chance of arriving safely it would have to go on a double pallet.
Have you tried someone like P4D see link. I have used these before often great prices

http://www.p4d.co.uk/palletdelivery-ser … wgod0yoLwQ

Otherwise buyer would have to set aside a day to collect, probably a good time in the xmas period.

I bought the same laminator some years back and drove from Essex to Warrington to collect.

[Martin Cole]

Hi Beej,

Good to see you back. Again another big fan of yours.
Its been a few years since we met at signuk.

Loving the purple flames etc on your website.

Glad you have things sorted and you are back on track.

All the best Martin

[Martin Cole]

quote Phill Fenton:

If you have to work 12 hour days your probably doing something wrong and should be employing others to help out. If you can’t afford to employ someone to ease your workload you’re probably not charging enough for your time.

I work to make a living – I don’t live to work

My thoughts entirely Phill, couldn’t agree more. I was going to say what Steve said and he beat me to it.

I start at 8.00 and try to knock off at 5. Occasionally If the work load is very heavy then I put the hours in.
I very rarely work weekends.
I’m an old man now so have settled down to a comfortable routine like Steve. 😉

[Martin Cole]

quote Iain George:

Right. I had to get up in the morning at ten o’clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, (pause for laughter), eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill, and pay mill owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our Dad would kill us, and dance about on our graves singing “Hallelujah.”

Courtesy of Monty Python.

Luxury !!

$this->BBvideo_pass(‘$8’, ‘$4’, ‘$7’)

😀

[Martin Cole]

81mtrs that’s a beast 😮

Got to try James at Group 101 David.

I popped down to his today to pick some bits up, the kit he has now in his new place is unbelievable.

I’m sure he would be competitive on what you want.

He’s a top man and would highly recommend him :thumbup2:

[Martin Cole]

Classy, quality work Colin. Love the Bombay lettering.

Are you still my old home town of Romford?

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Try turning the feet inwards about 30degrees. Have had same problem and I’m sure that helped.

Obviously not the root problem but may help on this occassion

[Martin Cole]

I agree with David R.

Make sure the vehicle is on a flat surface and do by eye..if it looks right to you when offered up then 99% of the time it is right.

The Ford Transit Custom below the main panel is a bit of a f……. though, but done a few now and all looked good.

[Martin Cole]

I have an easy solution.

Don’t work Weekends…..

😉

[Martin Cole]

quote Steve Maple:

the most important this is to mark similar letters on the back 1-2-3 and on the template to correspond.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.47202 … 312!8i6656

I didn’t do this but I laugh my (oh i swore !) off every time I pass……..

That’s a shocker 😮 it’s normally the S’s

[Martin Cole]

Daniel,

In Versaworks Go to Help > then Versaworks Online. You will be able to access suppliers profiles from here which should help you.

[Martin Cole]

Here you go Hugh,

Call our sales team now on 01604 494115 or email Esalesnorthampton@europoint-eu.com for full details

[Martin Cole]

What a great story ! and what a talented guy he is.

I wonder if the artist Roger Dean ( one of my heroes ) ever had an influence on David, I know this is more lettering but has that feel about his work 🙁

[Martin Cole]

Good Stuff, Daniel glad you got all sorted.

You won’t look back now you have got your own printer, its like having another member of staff.

[Martin Cole]

I was just going to say the Hollywood sign 🙁

Actually I’m kidding, well done Paul and I never knew they had a corrugated surface…. great pic 😎

[Martin Cole]

Try this Ewan, not great but not bad

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Sofa Men.eps

[Martin Cole]

Your still the man Jamie…… :praise1:

One day I ‘ll find one you don’t know……. 😉

Hope things are good with you G?

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[Martin Cole]

Jeezz, I bet he forgot he posted those 😳

Congratulations mate..to you and your good lady.

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[Martin Cole]

Both jobs…fantastic… that’s what you call a proper sign.

Love the side profile picture of the Rock n roll sign and agree with all the comments.

Strange how the fairground letters are all in vogue at the moment.

[Martin Cole]

Can’t you just lick the back of it and hold it firm for 5 mins…..get the cheque then leg it…

that’s 3mm foamex of course, ACM may need two people to lick it.

Hope its of some help.. 😉

[Martin Cole]

I think it’s just a nothing logo..basic & amateurish but I don’t think it matters as the brand is so big. The original with the shadows as Rob said was terrible

I have however had a play and come up with this.. a vast improvement , just a bit of re-jigging required….. 😀

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Attachments:

[Martin Cole]

These are my favourite squeegees and are no where what they used to be…. mind you what is these days.
I cant suggest a repalcement

3m gold squeegees dont last as long, scalpel blades dont stay as sharp for as long as they used to.

while we are at it have you seen the size of Milkyways now, I think a finger of fudge is bigger…..

it seems the price goes up and size and quality goes down. :shake:

[Martin Cole]

Right dodgy bloke did your last logo..I remember him, tall good looking guy.

logo was top draw though.

hope all is good with you sir. 😀

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[Martin Cole]

John , how dare you abuse one of my favorite and most used fonts.

I’ve re-branded you using it 😉

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[Martin Cole]

Excellent Macky !! top draw as always.

Would still love to see some pics of your new place, hope its all going well.

cheers
Martin

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

Lol.. 😀 😀 that pictures very good Rob….

[Martin Cole]

quote Phill Fenton:

Well – I’ll see your 10 years and raise it 3 :tongue:

Your the Daddy Phil…. we’re just mere babes… 😀

I’d love to know John’s thoughts on ‘Apple’ taking over the world

[Martin Cole]

I have a swatch for

http://www.holographicvinyl.co.uk/

haven’t bought from them in a few years but my be of some help to you.

[Martin Cole]

I’m on my way down to see the young man today to pick up some boards.

He printed 40 x 8 x 4’s for me the other week in a couple of days….Top Man! :thumbup2:

Highly recommended

[Martin Cole]

M7-151 OLympic is the nearest to 505 Olympic, M7 is still a tad darker though

M7-153 Marina is the nearest to 508 Signal blue again just a shade out

[Martin Cole]

Curves look good Martin. good method… I think your way using the vinyl would work Ewan.

Good luck and look forward to seeing finished product.

[Martin Cole]

hmmm.. 610 plotter is no good for this,

I would either lay the vinyl out on the bench if you have the room and hand cut the curve.
Or as Dave says knifelees tape on the van.. but the curve has to be smack on which is tricky.

We did a van on Monday and cut the curve in 2 horizontal sections with the versacamm and used knifeless tape for lower part of the curve under the trim

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Attachments:

[Martin Cole]

David,

I was kidding with George, I couldn’t AGAIN make it this year, they will have to switch to another time of year.

I have just spoken to John Harding so I know he is there now with a couple of others…

[Martin Cole]

quote George Elsmore:

quote Martin Cole:

Love it when a plan comes together… I need some bits off the Signwaves Stand so glad we are meeting there….1pm ..dont be late.

😉

waited for ages and you never showed 🙁

I wont be long G. go and have a wee and grab yourself a sandwich….I’m on my way.

😉

[Martin Cole]

Love it when a plan comes together… I need some bits off the Signwaves Stand so glad we are meeting there….1pm ..dont be late.

😉

[Martin Cole]

I will make a concerted effort to go this year as George has promised me a pint.
Haven’t been for a few years now

Paperlinx stand at 1pm…that’s where well meet…sorted

then off to the bar if you want to go.

All in agreement raise your right hand.

looking forward to it already 😉

[Martin Cole]

quote Ewan Chrystal:

Would you recommend cutting the logo out or applying cut vinyl to the wrap?

100% cut vinyl applied on top of the wrap.

[Martin Cole]

That’s a shame Hugh, I don’t know if to be pleased 😀 or sad 🙁 for you.

The signage business if a tough game for sure

But your not stupid so hopefully the right decision and hope the new employment and side business works out well for you.

Nice looking unit and best of luck with the sale.

Martin

[Martin Cole]

A solid colour change wrap vinyl, Avery, Hexis etc

Wouldn’t advise 751, you would struggle,

[Martin Cole]

Great selection of work as usual Dave. Always so varied which I like.

[Martin Cole]

Good luck with the exhibition Wayne. Your a very talented guy.

I checked outside your website the other day while listening to your oldies on Steve Wright in the Afternoon. ( Have you got your badge yet?) 😀

[Martin Cole]

You’ll have to wait for Mr Alan D,
meanwhile you could download colourpix, great thing to have on your desktop.

http://www.colorschemer.com/colorpix_info.php

I hope you keeping well btw.

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Welcome to the boards Sharon,

Sounds like you’v’e cracked it, Id be happy just to supply stickers, I do quite a few..no getting up ladders..being out in the cold..etc, etc 😀

[Martin Cole]

Applelec highly recommended from me aswell.

got a delivery of some yesterday, I do a fair few of these and the quality is always good.

[Martin Cole]

Here you go sexy!

Just a method statement though, which I downloaded from the site some time ago as need one before xmas.

Hope things are good with you G

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Attachments:

Method StatementTemplate.doc

[Martin Cole]

Don’t understand a word of it Tim…. 😀

But all top draw work, just superb love the decorator van also.

Martin

[Martin Cole]

quote Hugh Potter:

I’m in the process of moving into the new unit, the office / clean production area is still under construction so there’s little work going on but, 2015 should be good for us, we can now get vehicles inside so no more ‘weather dependent’ time schedules etc.

Sounds good Hugh, I’m sure you’ll see production and turn over increase with not too much time wasting going on as you have described with the shop.

Me.. its been a very busy year but has sloped off gradually over the last couple of months so will take a fresh look at the business pre 2015.

[Martin Cole]

I used to make my own but have now used Cherwells for the past few years, great service.

http://www.cherwellsigns.co.uk/products/Sign_Systems/

[Martin Cole]

Dammm!… 25 years of using 4mm when I could have got away with 3mm….

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

illuminated lighboxes using 4mm correx for the face.

😮

What should I be using instead then…………. 😉

[Martin Cole]

Interesting read. and agree you cant beet a descent sign.

On a side note, i take it that photo Craig was taken when you found out you won the sweep stake.

😀

[Martin Cole]

£30k for a Mini.. 😮

Is it just me that thinks when the sun shines on these chrome wraps its a bit hazardous to other drivers or is this not the case.

Insurance saying its too fragile and very nickable but no mention of it being a mobile mirror… 😎

All that said it does look the part.

[Martin Cole]

quote Ewan Chrystal:

Open to offers. No point in it gathering dust in a cupboard

You’ll build up a collection Ewan, I think I have nearly every disc from 1995…that’s a lot of dust

😀

[Martin Cole]

quote John Singh:

Anybody any idea when it starts?

According to Rob, its starts again next year, so not long to wait John

😀

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

Maybe next year! 😛

That proves to me you know nought about football Rob 😀

Well its all over 🙁 🙁 🙁

Well done Craig, nice touch! almost there with your prediction

Nigel is the man.. got the semis.. final and the winner correct.. a packet of wine gums on its way up to you Sir 😀

Well done Germany, for a nill, niller that was a pretty good game especially the first half. The goal was superb and much better than being decided on penalties.

Great tournament, great goals. Goalkeeping was outstanding.

Roll on Euro 2016.

[Martin Cole]

quote John Harding:

quote :

On one hand I think the Germans are pretty unbeatable…but on the other I have a feeling it could be the Argies world cup but only if Messi gets his act together

Well that was decisive Martin :lol1:

😀 That,s what you call sitting on the fence John.

Its got to be Germany!!

Could the Dutch destroy Brazil tomorrow…….

[Martin Cole]

my prediction blown out the window 🙁

If the Dutch and Argies were still playing there still wouldn’t be any goals.
In the end I didn’t care who won.

Great Prediction from Nigel with semis and final and Craig, although blown your sweepstake 🙁

On one hand I think the Germans are pretty unbeatable…but on the other I have a feeling it could be the Argies world cup but only if Messi gets his act together

Rob, Scotland come in at the later stages as a seeded team. I think their first game is Monday morning, when everyone is on the plane home 😀 :plane:

[Martin Cole]

😮 😮 😮

Blimey…I would have liked a tenner on that result prior to the game!

Cant see the Dutch putting 3 past the German Goalkeeper on Sunday night 😕

[Martin Cole]

quote George Elsmore:

[quote probably something really simple (?)

owner maybe :lol1:[/quote]

not that simple G. 😕

[Martin Cole]

quote Harry Cleary:

Agree, best world cup ever!*

I’m gonna call it…Columbia for me.

*Including ’66, which I didn’t see but I’ve heard about it, over and over and over….. :lol1:

Good game Harry, but wasn’t to be.
Brazil will go out tonight I reckon.

Argies have picked up their game so a tight one tomoz,

Nigel you are the man, Semis prediction on the nose 😀 and Craig’s still in there

Im still sticking with my Dutch 3 Germay 2 Final 😛

All this lack of football lately I’m having to start speaking to the wife and kids again 😉

[Martin Cole]

Belgium v USA last night, possibly the game of the Tournament 😮 the extra time was nail biting stuff.

Still don’t rate Argies or Brazil, probably the two worst teams in the last 8…famous last words.

Without doubt the best World Cup I have seen…not many footie fans on here…you dont know what your missing… 😉

[Martin Cole]

quote Gordon Forbes:

Is it accepable when flood coating if the vinyl isn’t wide enough to use an overlap

I guess that’s up to your client Gordon. if its a correx or cheap sign then may be acceptable otherwise I would use 1 piece.

[Martin Cole]

Germany v Netherlands final…. 3-2 to the Dutch 😀

My prediction above is still on……..just 🙁

Could be the best world cup ever, this one..great games lots of drama.. Columbian goal by James was something else 😮

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

open with caution, maybe people inside claiming to be technicians. 😉

LOL 😀 😀

Look forward to your comments too John, I was talking about getting a new one this morning.

[Martin Cole]

quote Craig Brown:

They will need to get past the Germans first Martin…and history doesn’t bode well on that front 😉

I think they could beat Germany this time round Craig if they meet……

Germany v Netherlands final…. 3-2 to the Dutch 😀

But the final is normally the dullest game in the tournament, where teams seem to play not to loose rather than to win…… could see an exception though its been a great tournament with plenty of goals.

[Martin Cole]

3 GAMES 2 GOALS 1 POINT……not great statistics.

But I think we were better and outplayed all the teams we played… just lack that killer finishing instinct:(

Brazil, will be lucky to get through to the final and wouldn’t surprise me if Chile beat them, even with the home crowd.

It seems the teams that are used to the heat are doing well…….but my Money is on the Dutch..would love to see them win.

[Martin Cole]

I would do it as Martin has suggested, depends how big the window is though.

Good idea from Paul also never thought of doing it that way

[Martin Cole]

Fine job young Georgio! Unusual coloured tray, always effective looking signs using this method, I did a similar one last week.

you could have wrapped that electic box in a matching green though… 😉

[Martin Cole]

When I said it was just a blip and a minor set back, what I meant is that it was a total F..ck up! what the hell were Italy doing 🙁

So that could be: SPAIN, ENGLAND, ITALY & PORTUGAL all out in the group stages..potentialy I would have liked a tenner on that.

USA AND PORTUGAL last night was worth staying up for, USA must be kicking themselves..Portugal drawing with virtually the last kick of the game.

[Martin Cole]

Just a Blip folks, just a blip! 😕 A minor set back, no more than that, still 150 -1 to win, I’ll slap a tenner on that

[Martin Cole]

quote josh morris:

and hes asking me to go lower

Tell him to f..k off and move on….. find more profitable work it is out there.
If you end up doing it something normally goes wrong and it will come back and bite you in the ars.e.

I know your new and want the business but don’t be a busyfool, and if anyone mentions I saw it on Ebay, tell them to F..k Off and then shoot them.

I hope this helps

😉 😀

[Martin Cole]

😀 😀 😀

nothing wrong with a bit of optimism on a Thursday morning Harry 😉

[Martin Cole]

quote Colin Crabb:

Hmmm… I have Iran in my sweepstake, not convinced of my chances…

I have lran in a sweepstake, not the kind of team you want when a 0-0 draw with Nigeria is a great result and almost the equivalent of reaching the final.. 🙁

What a shocker last night 😮 goodbye Spain and the Dutch weren’t as convincing as against Spain so I agree with you Harry still wide open and Chile a good outside bet G.

COME ON ENGLAND

I reckon we will do it tonight with a 2-1 or 3-2 or it might be a 1-1 draw 😕

I’m going for England win 3 -2 Rooney to score 2 or a poss hat trick…….. 😛

[Martin Cole]

I agree G,

German Dutch final based on the games seen so far.

(not sure if they can meet in the final without checking my wall chart, perhaps Harry could let us know…Oh I forgot he didnt get a wall chart…. 😉 😀

[Martin Cole]

Brazil were pants last night, nothing like the Brazilian teams of old.

Nigeria… were worse than a Sunday team over my local park.

Although a couple of Dull 0-0 ers its a good tournament with plenty of goals.

COME ON ENGLAND !

[Martin Cole]

Good theory Martin and could be correct 😀

I will be predicting Thursdays game result soon, bit more thought needed on this one.

I must say England were pretty damm good but just lacked that finishing touch……ROONEY !!

[Martin Cole]

quote Harry Cleary:

🙁

is it coz I’m Irish? (and we aren’t there)

Dont be so silly Harry…course its not!

:yes1: (cheesy)

[Martin Cole]

Spain v Dutch…what a game !! one of the best World Cup matches I have ever seen,,,,,

England tonight..2-1 to Italy I fear 🙁 hopefully wrong

COME ON ENGLAND

[Martin Cole]

😛 😛

That’s exactly why I like Brazil…nothing to do with the football 😉

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

I recon Scotlands in with a good chance!

:peek:

I know your an avid Foottie fan Rob :shake: , I’ll put a tenner on Scotland doing aswell in this world cup as they did in the one 4 years ago…and the one 4 years before that…and ……..

😀

I love Brazil and the flag will stay :yeeha: