[Michael Kalisperas]

quote Iain Pearson:

i take an ipad with me to meet clients
Not only can you put down all the info in the “Notes” App, but you can take pictures for survey purposes,
and also, you can have an archive of work in your photos that you can show to your respective
clients when explaining about different effects or materials.
I also use an App called ” Invoice2go” Not only does it do your invoices, if you have the upgraded version, it already
has a quotation template installed – its invaluable, i love it and so does my Accountant :thumbup2:

I actually just downloaded this the other day. It does seem to be just what j needed and it is great. Yet to put it into practice

[Michael Kalisperas]

I only ever been for one day as I live not massively far but are there any benefits for attending additional days?? Is the last day the best for offers?? I always try to go mid event.

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thank you Lorraine. Stuart has offered to send me a print also unlamented thank you.

Just apprehensive because of long time ago headaches I had with third party ink on a old machine. This is a new machine but not sure of losing white ink even though it’s not used lots. Aslo wondering what people’s opinion on 8 cart set up currently 4 CMYK, 1 laugh black, 1 white ink and,1 light C and,1 light M

Not sure if I take the plunge I go all cmyk x2 cheaper to run but is the colour spectrum loss that big?? Or same set up but block the White ink with dummy cart. Or don’t take the plunge as I have a lot of eco sol max 2 ink still 😉
What machine you running Lorraine?

[Michael Kalisperas]

Just bean speaking to Stuart from Colorifc about the lightbar conversion. I think I’m going to take the plunge. I was little disappointed that the uv ink range does not support White ink as my current set up is CMYK with light cmyk, light black and white.
I don’t use white lots but it’s a nice feature to have. I’m after some opinions especially the people that have taken the plunge.
I was told I could go with current set up but block the White cartridge. Seems a shame ?
Go all CMYKx2

Just confused not sure if losing the light CMYK will print nice??
And the lack of White is painful for when it’s needed. Can be rare I must add but a god send when needed.

Any help guys and gals??

[Michael Kalisperas]

Classic!!
Know that feeling 😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

I was asked to do plasticoat but I refused because I know at least 8 people that did this not so long ago including my nephew. They were all proud of themselves only to find it only lasts on average a month circumstances permitting. I point blank refused to do it because I’ve heared nothing but headaches and I know it CAN if done properly work "almost" like a vinyl but the layers needed for this to work like a vinyl actually make it not cost effective. The proper way is to use layering with base coat and atleast 4 layers of the main coat and then as much on the clear coat. Many people doing it are just using the main coat. If it’s done properly it CAN hold up ok but ends up costing a fortune! So in my opinion its a waste of effort. Maybe worth mixing up with normal vinyl on hard to reach areas would be a nice evolution to the business. As a one stop colour change I would never never never use it. The amount of people pissed off with a certain place that has since gone out of business, is unbelievable!!
I can see it will have its uses and the idea of it will evolve and when it does it will aid with wrap speeds etc but there are many many issues at present.

[Michael Kalisperas]

I’m still very interested in this conversion for my new XR640 what are people’s opinions on doing this on a new machine?? Also as it’s been a longer period anyone had any extra issues I’m especially interested in the UV stability side of it all. Yellows are the worse offenders most often how do these respond?

I have not got the luxury of waiting for prints to de gas so this would be massively helpful to me and my business especially with random hospital visits needed for my son. Please any opinions would be great. Anyone compared the ink from the new eco sol max 2 to this??
Kind regards Michael

[Michael Kalisperas]

Grafityp oops not Grafytip

[Michael Kalisperas]

I was going to say that only one company I have never ever had a problem with. Never held an account with them but use them for cash orders. I have been meaning to set an account with them and use them more often and this company I speak of as being the best is the company Nigel above works for. Seriously Grafytip has been really professional every time I’ve used them.
I will make sure I use more as I grow my one man set up as I return to the business.

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thank you Chris also

[Michael Kalisperas]

Cheers Jamie 😉 :thumbup2:

[Michael Kalisperas]

Sorry to hear this but have to admit have also had the same in recent months.

[Michael Kalisperas]

I use Fairprint also. Great professional service so far.

[Michael Kalisperas]

On a similar subject is there a facility somewhere that you can do a photo search with a image of font? Bit like google font which i love combined with its image search drag drop engines. Its probably being made or already been made just wanted to ask . Only time before google do anyway

Mike 🙂

[Michael Kalisperas]

I’ll certainly be there it’s my birthday on the Tuesday so it’s dangerous to go down on that day I may treat myself too much. I’m thinking Wednesday or Thursday. Only live hour away so not a problem getting there. Be nice to say hi to peeps from here. Hoping all being well with my little lad who has been in hospital recently and now out and recovering so should all be good to have a gander by the 25th.

Actually looking forward to it.
😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

Also it’s hard making any business work when we get the hospital visits for my son which tend to be more often than not lately.

Hopefully when he is more settled we will be able to give the business a push but at the moment it is sadly more hobby than business or casual business until things are more stable. I appreciate everyone’s advise.

Thanks guys. mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

You are right but as the workshop is more games room this helps with business rates especially initially as it’s a startup that if it picks up situation allowing with my disabled son then I will move to a unit local to home.
IN regards to the router I purchased it mainly to be able to provide flat cut letters as I have been let down in the past. Also I like being able to cut boards down to size rather than ordering in cut and waiting or delaying a day or two.

The router doubles as table when not in use so it’s useful that way.
Pool table will go soon as it grows.

Fancy a game 😉
M

[Michael Kalisperas]

That’s ok Martin I appreciate your help. I don’t always explain myself properly and never check my spelling or autocorrects so half the time I sound like I can read or write 😉
Slowing getting my unit up to a position where I can earn some money but it’s slow process. I will send photos when done. I have a 10ft pool table taking up a lot of space but I can’t bring myself to get rid. It’s perfect for downtime!! I just upgraded all the electrics in the place to 32amp per unit. So should be up and running properly without heater cutting out as it use too.

Thank you again

[Michael Kalisperas]

I would never use cnc for vinyl cutting either I use my Roland XR640 for that. Just wondered about citing around printer and mounted images on boards (wood,composites etc)
I just wondered if anyone has tried without a optical eye system.

I will try to have a play when full set up I guess it will be tricky. 😉 I may add a laser light to help like those cheap Chinese plotters use for registrating conour cuts.
Thanks guys

[Michael Kalisperas]

Yes agree with reputation and subbing. I could cut by hand I was wondering possibilities with the cnc. In regards the the show I am so glad you mentioned the pressure foot point because I didn’t know this and would love to try find the files used to make this. My point with contour cutting is that without registration markers and optical eye if it was possible to contour cut just my positioning the head accurately in a X OR Y position etc. I’m guessing no and would rather sub out.

Thank you for your replies.
Mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thanks Rob that’s what I wanted to hear I could tell from my research and the videos that the Teflon foot you mention was a better system. Exactly as stated it does lose loads of suction even with adding an extra surround of slit cut rubber. The vac is very powerful but just does not seem to do a good as job as the AXYZ. on the AXYZ The hose is smaller in diameter and located horizontally at the spindle tool end rather than the way it’s set up in mine with a large 4inch suction hole above and about 4 inches away from the spindle end. This together with the brushes make for a crap suction system. But the router is very good and for a 10ft model I snapped it up software vacs and extra bits for 7800 so a bargain and worth every penny. I just want to "hack" and improve it a little.

Without doubt AXYZ will be my next purchase they just seem to do things right!

I wondered on a seperate topic if anyone has tried to contour cut basic shapes without an optical eye and if they have been successful? I have a very small job that I will need to print then laminate then apply to composite then contour cut. I’m wondering if it’s worth my effort ? As a newcomer coming back into the game I guess I need every bit of work, but don’t want to lose more hair and waste more time if it’s a task riddled with issues? At the moment I’m playing rather than working and need to get things on the go as although small scale (very small scale) I will need to make this my living as it is becoming more of a hobbie at the minute with constant issues I have been having personal with hospital visits and then some with hardware headaches.

Any opinions greatly appreciated
Regards Mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

Same here with practicality. The dust collector is 2hp not sure of name will get back to you when I’m back at unit. It’s a big green metal tub thing with yellow top lol if that helps.

the dust collector looks robust but is crap because the it seems to let too much air. Always liked axyz machines but could not afford. They have a sliding shoe that seems to collect every spec of Dust. I will also try on another forum too 😉 cheers for the reply much appreciated just realise I sound like a salesman for axyz and don’t even own one. One day 😉
Martin

[Michael Kalisperas]

Is there such a vinyl that will allow for application without heat press. The flag is 3m high so need a technique. Or is it a matter of ironing on poly flex etc. Just wanted some opinions. Next time it will be ordered in but need to sort this ASAP. Cheers guys

[Michael Kalisperas]

Here another [/img]

---

Attachments:

[Michael Kalisperas]

Won’t let me add other photos

[Michael Kalisperas]

Update. As client required all reflective in the colour yellow they wanted. My first time using reflective on vehicle was a little tricky as a one man band but I’m slowly learning. He was very happy so I guess that was the main thing.
This was a rushed charity job so ended up costing me but out of curiosity how much would something like this would be charged at by you big boys in the business?? I’m starting to think it’s nice doing signage but I’m better off working for someone else less stress. My reason to getting into this field was to enable me to be nearer to my home since my son is severely disabled. I’ve found I’m out quoting fitting. I have to say I can’t quote for s@&£ I have the price it guide but not use it. I guess I’m trying to run before I walk.

Need to get organised. Feeling drained

---

Attachments:

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thank you Stuart. Really appreciated. First job and it took a while to get use to the reflective vinyl it’s so damn fragile. Sorted now I have one panel left and lettering. I honestly under estimated removal of the old vinyl a nightmare!!! I need to find a new tool to help in this seen a few out there but I’m not doing it the old school way I have been doing it’s too time consuming.

😉

And to think I’m doing it all for charity!!!! I have a week spot because my son is disabled or shall I say was made disabled by negligence. I was approached to do this for a charity and feeling a fool now as I have spent way too long on it and time is money. Although my heart feels good it don’t pay the bills 😉

Lesson learned

[Michael Kalisperas]

Wow as a newbie I’m shocked that they don’t put longer guarantees on the yellow reflective. Thank you for your advise and help guys 😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

Normal no reflective on front bonnet etc

[Michael Kalisperas]

Well explained to client and he confirmed he wants all in reflective so I’m going to do what the client wants. I did suggest if he knew guidelines which he apparently checked and said go ahead with it. So I guess it’s a don’t deal. Whoever installed the original graphics (I know but won’t shame) used some yellow vinyl that faded to white within 3 years!!!!

[Michael Kalisperas]

Actually have a question in regard to this topic but it has a different spin on it. Does anyone know if normal Roland ink would cure quicker with the lightbar? Reason why I ask is I opted out of the optional post dryer on the xr640 and now I wish I didn’t. I was wondering if I get this lightbar as it would stand me in good stead if I chose to convert at a later stage ?

I know inks are different and it cites differently but does it generate head is there blowers?? Etc.

[Michael Kalisperas]

This really intrigues me. As one of the very first Guinea pigs for sepiax ink under B&P Lighqbrigade I was impressed back then but annoyed with profiling and curing I even fitted my own bulb on the Printhead to help cure and posted a YouTube video it worked fantastic. I knew it was only a matter of time for the ink to progress to something like this maybe it’s a different product but it’s nice to see ink advance like this . The addition with the UV lightbar is genius I just refuse to install on a new xr640 printer 😉 for now and may look into another printer.

Have all the profiles been sorted yet??

[Michael Kalisperas]

In use, an Exakt Tool it’s cheap does the job is very useful for other jobs you can set the depth from 0 to 14mm so cutting 2mm in a 3mm leaves a nice gap for folding.
Works a treat. 😉

Just need a ruler when doing I got mine for 35£ 😉

---

Attachments:

[Michael Kalisperas]

Kevin you are right. This job was booked in end of the week so I though to get to the client by Wednesday would have been reasonable. The order had to be placed on Monday today because it was too late at the end of last week. I am a very chilled person but I can tell you I like to think that respect and reputation in earned and can be easily lost. In my case in this instance it’s lost.

I just found it unprofessional. At least call back when you say your going to 4 calls later and still nothing was too much for me.
In a perfect world we would have everything in stock and ready in advance but starting out again I’m buying stock in as I need. I think my biggest problem was not the client situation but the unprofessional lack of response i received.
I for one would big up Amari but I am also a man of principle and my mind has started to look elsewhere for suppliers.

Even a call apologising is enough for me to forgive even with my old school mind of principle.
Anyway I’m off going to jump off a bridge I’m so upset lol (hot)

[Michael Kalisperas]

I may add it’s hard starting up again. The only reason I am is because of my disabled son and to be able to work my life around him. My life is changing so massively and starting a new business is scary and hard. It’s annoys me rotten when your trying to swim and keep your head above the water in a situation I have to sort for the greater good and this company didn’t even care to call back. By the way I don’t do account I pay always right away. So can’t understand why the incompetence.

[Michael Kalisperas]

Martin I thought the same because laminate should be good enough for solvent ink so in theory Would be for solvent splashes , coolant , oil etc. If it’s laminated should be done for me 😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

The customer was not sure if it was laminated but he assumed so. He took over from a previous manager and said that he is sure it was laminated but did not hold up that was the reason for the themal choice in the end but was not absolute certain. He was going to find out for me so will see. I will do some samples and give them to try. Never used mx vinyl or laminate anyone suggest a brand ? Also could I use a cheap base vinyl with a mx laminate??
Thanks Martin.
😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thanks Martin. They build and sell machines so quantity would be ongoing it’s a contact through a friend abroad. He’s genuine but need to see if it something I can do. I’m guessing from a meeting the signage is best printed because of imagery on the signs. I could clarify this and if it’s not important cut vinyl is certainly an option but it’s the old balance of time weeding and cost etc.

Thanks again guys.
Mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thank you for that. I was thinking motox vinyl but I would need to check their budget. I may outsource to thermal printers?? 😉
I’m sure their would be a way. Like the idea of graffiti stuff will look into that also.

[Michael Kalisperas]

No problem mate

[Michael Kalisperas]

I think that rogue element has come my way lol
To be fair it’s a first but it was more the "I don’t know why"
It’s damaged response that bugged me.
Oh well just one of those things.

[Michael Kalisperas]

Old post I know but had a similar situation recently and it bothered me so much I thought I would search on here to see if anyone else had the same problem. Again it was the same company Phil. I only wish I seen this post before !!

Who do you use now?? I’m thinking of getting the dumbo to deliver for me. I think it would be safer!!!

---

Attachments:

[Michael Kalisperas]

Let me know if you need service manual.
Appologies for spelling mistakes my predictive text is crap 😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

Think Kevin maybe onto something because I change my inks at the same time so maybe it was this that solved my problem. I went from
Colorific back to Roland inks at the time because purebred was terrible with colorific. When the error came on I tool the opportunity etc

Good luck mate i would try this first not my suggestion as it’s quicker.

[Michael Kalisperas]

I can’t email you a service manual in the morning if you have not got one.
What i had to do was remind the printer what type of ink it uses in the service manual it’s weird but it worked for me.

Maybe you wake up in morning and it will suddenly work. These things can happen.

[Michael Kalisperas]

No as in go into service manual mode and scroll to ink type and re select eco max

Do you know how to go into service menu?

[Michael Kalisperas]

quote Gary Birch:

quote John Harding:

Ive used old stock and had no issues whatsoever, mainly I buy better product to begin with mactac 9800 or similar – cheaper brands I would throw.

john 😀

I’m with John, we have old stock of 9800 which I haven’t bought in over 8 years which we have used with no issues. I suppose the problem is you don’t know how long the supplier has had it before you buy it.

Good point Gary. I’m not aware of a manufacturers made date. Be nice if they did.

[Michael Kalisperas]

Hugh to be fair we all shrink a few mm after a few years lol

Thanks guys !

It’s actually not bad vinyl so may use for labels it’s feels (solvent adhesive) and looks like new in a clear sealed bag in the box so may just use as it’s money even if it is labels etc.
Just found 15more boxes in shed lol shit that 35x 50m hahaha lots of labels stickers coming. Lol

[Michael Kalisperas]

Had some old stock from a couple years back and thought maybe save some money.
I won’t bother now. It will be good for arts and crafts of to poobay it is.

Have 10 rolls of 50m digital print gloss ritrama what a shame Cheers mate

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thanks Mike. Yes that’s how I use to do them. Reason for buying IVO was basically to show customers that may call in a job so on site visit I can show a sample. I would alternately take a photo etc as you said.

Cool first name by the way Mike

Cheers Mike 😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

Hahaha I agree that’s a fantastic deal!!!
Plus the lemon fresh is a bonus for sure a hit with ladies!! Ask if they can do designer Michael Kors perfume odour lol.

[Michael Kalisperas]

The company above quoted the bellow
Te 500 free for your company is excellent.

They quoted

"Micheal minimum order of 1000 pcs £250 + vat . We have tried calling you

Frankie"

[Michael Kalisperas]

Google came up with this company. Just ask for a trade price as because of the nature of the product you are more likely to order repeat products

Check them out. I’m guessing this is the same company you have anyhow??

http://www.ukairfreshener.co.uk

[Michael Kalisperas]

That’s good at least you have a company. Well if your designing the layout etc to go on the air freshener then it is fair to charge for this part of the process.

Good luck with it mate.

Mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

Thanks lee. That explains it then. Obviously the larger the carts hopefully the bigger the saving?? Maybe they won’t be tho?

Mike

I’m looking for a post dryer also but was thinking of making one I am on a budget and I can’t spend 2k on the one that comes as a option.

Truth is I may not need it as I’m guessing as a startup things will be slow but either way it’s worth looking into post dryers

Mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

Looking at getting this machine but was wondering after reading the previous comments, do you guys know if the 1 litre carts came out for sale as I can’t seem to find them on quick search??
Cheers in advance Mike

[Michael Kalisperas]

I think the only real use is for a bank Robbery as I have first had testimonials of people that have wanted me to remove and make vinyl as it’s bubbles, chips and peel back with a week literally!!! I would never touch this stuff no way.

[Michael Kalisperas]

Maybe there is something in the fact the lightly warmed up laminator helps push and dissipate the gas and the movement helps push this away from the vinyl. I’m going to his unit next week so will witness If this actually works. If it does then great more time for coffee and biscuits!!!

😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

A sign that big should be quoted between anything from 3k to 6k I doubt it will be less than 3k to the client. As Rob says clear up variables because that affects costs. Is there a sign already in situe? If so can you use existing structure?? Either way quote them with the allowance of unforeseen costs to a certain degree but cover yourself in the event of inflating costs.

I personally would sub it out 😉 plenty of good companies on the signfourm tool bar. If your able to produce by yourself then great more profit. 😉
Good luck

[Michael Kalisperas]

oh domestics that what this business does to you 🙂 STRESSFUL

All good though in the end unlike some clients 🙂

[Michael Kalisperas]

Just search the net for a used roland Sp300 print and cut all in one machine seen them go under £4k 😉

[Michael Kalisperas]

Hi Simon welcome 🙂

[Michael Kalisperas]

Hahaha just tell me to my face babe yiur only meters away!! Sorry guys domestic!!!

[Michael Kalisperas]

I use to use 3d studio max when I worked at the BBC but these days I use cinema 4d on a mac it’s fantastic for the odd design but most times it’s quicker for me to simulate 3d in illustrator. I would recommend cinema 4d though to anyone. 3G studio is a bit expensive 😉