getting a little concerned now

[robhil]

I have just spent time reading through some of the posts on the forum.

I am new to this and have not bought anything yet.

I was thinking of getting a Ricoh SG2100n Start up package. but have been reading about problems with Ricoh printers.

Then there is talk of ICC and so many different sorts of paper, ink etc. Don't want to spend out on Sawgrass to start with.

I have an idea where I would be concentrating on glass timepieces, but getting a little concerned with all the problems posted.

I want to do this, but is it worth it.

[Skarekrow]

I am new to sublimation as well and I am at the same stage as you. I intend to get a starter package from a supplier that has a lot of experience with actually printing and not just supplying the equipment. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.

I'm not sure if I am allowed to mention the supplier on here as I am new to the forum

Paul

[socialgiraffe]

The problem "newbie's" have is wanting to start cheap. There maybe a number of reasons for this and my post is not to go into that, but this is what I will say.


Ricoh printers are probably the most reliable and most trouble free printers on the market for Sublimation work. Ask any supplier who sells both machines (www.printerowners.co.uk for example).

Using Sawgrass ink means you get their support and if there is a problem, either your supplier or Sawgrass will sort it out for you.

Buy from a reputable supplier who gives superb support and after sales service. It is very well documented who I favour but there are other suppliers of equal standard. My suggestion would be to visit a supplier and get training from them when you purchase. That way you can see how it is done with the machines you have just purchased.

DO NOT go on ebay and buy the cheapest you can find. You will end up wasting cash on stuff that does not work or is of an inferior quality and you will tend to find that assistance from the forum is quite lacking on those that have gone "cheap"

Buy the best you can afford with regards to a heat press. I personally think the Adkins are the best (other good makes available), but then they are two or three times the price of a cheap one. Incidentally I used an Adkins the other day which was 20 years old and cost £1000 new. I offered over £500 for it and was refused...

You will get lots of conflicting advice on this Forum because we have all found different ways of doing things. Sadly for you, no one is 100% right (except me LOL) and no one is 100% wrong. Its just a different view which comes from experience


In short, find a supplier that you trust and like and who will give you training and get the gear from them. If the cost is over your budget, save up some more, but get it from someone that gives you that reassurance you need when starting out...

Good luck

[UK Printed Mugs]

We second that useful post from socialgiraffe.

[Adrian B]

Don't rush to fail.

[Quinsfan]

I third the advice from the Giraffe.
Justin could the Giraffes post be stuck to the front page somehow?


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[logobear]

i agree too.
as a newbie, you just want stuff to work, and the Richo & sawgrass combo will!
if/when you get up to volume, you can experiment with bulk/alternative solutions, but if you want to survive your first 3 or 6 boxes of mugs, just buy the richo sawgrass package and concentrate on selling

[Twoscoops]

Having lurked here for a while before joining the site just now I think the above could well be the best advice on here for newcomers like us. I think I know where I'm going to look for expertise and will probably spend quite a bit of money and expect some serious guidance/counselling in return.

One thing does concern me - I use a 2009 Mac and am slightly worried that it is too old (feels brand new to me still!) and will have trouble with Corel (or whichever program I use) and getting images printed properly. Does anyone else use an old computer like me? Should I be worried?

[Justin]

OP - Quick trip up the M1 to Castle Donnington and you'll find one of the best demo suites at Xpres.