DSF

Parkie;92955 wrote:I am after some guidance with regards to starter packages in particularly for Mug presses.

My wife has a small craft business and wants to expand to sublimation. We would like to start with mugs before we commit and start other items.

I have been looking around the suppliers that are listed on the forum and some companies offer mug starter kits with everything including the printer but the prices can vary significantly.

Is this down to just the suppliers version of a mug press or are some products inferior/superior than others.

I need to get a printer as well hence the starter packages and have been advised more towards Ricoh as they tend to clog less although print cost may be slightly higher. I was originally thinking of an Epson 1500W printer and CIS system. Is this the best way to go?

Sorry for the long winded post.

Thanks in advance.

Hi

One nugget of advice I can offer is that if at all possible buy from a local supplier - well, someone within a couple of hours drive, who will support you in your new venture and be prepared to give you a bit of training on your new purchases. I find that what you really want is a demo and a bit of hands on when you buy and then another session a couple of weeks later when you have loads of questions to ask! There is also something to be said for buying everything from one supplier when you are starting out -when there is a debate over whether a problem lies with the printer, the paper, the press or the mug - you just have the one company to turn to and there is no buck passing.

If you were north of London I would heartily recommend talking to Kris Trewick from Listawoods at Kings Lynn but thats probably a bit too far away. I don't know who your nearest dealer would be - you are a premium member, take a look at the list and see who is giving member discounts within your travelling range. There is always the Trade Only show in Coventry but I don't think thats until January.

As Gary said earlier - don't buy dirt cheap mugs, even if they are just for practising on, they are often inconsistent dimensionally or have an uneven coating and introduce another variable into the process and worse than that is a variable variable!

As far as the printers go, Sawgrass tech support guys are in my opinion saints - they will talk you through installation of drivers and trouble shoot with you to get your system working. I have no experience of the 1500, I use Ricohs and to be honest the only problems I have had have been my own fault. Undoubtedly they are more expensive to run but if you are a small producer a Ricoh will in likelyhood be more than adequate for your needs. There are people here who turn out significant volumes of transfers on Ricoh printers. If business takes off in the future you may want to look at a wide format printer and bulk inks and there are people here who can give you loads of expert advice on costings and printer recommendations.


regards

Arthur

Arthur,

Thanks for your input. I looked around and did like the look of the Listawood package but it was almost 3.5 hour drive for training etc. I have bought the items all from one supplier (BMS) and they are within a 2 hour drive. They have been more than helpful in assisting me and have said to call should I have any issues and also have given me links to some useful information. I am sure I will have problems along the way and am glad there are forums like this and the suppliers have been really helpful so far.

I decided to go for the Ricoh option as we will be very small to start off with and was worried about the ink clogging etc but in time I hope to grow the business and will then venture into bigger printers and presses. I have a wide format plotter (for my day job) but it is a pity that it doesn't have similar technology to these small format printers as would be handy to convert to sublimation.

Regards,

Ian

Which wide format machine do you have?

I have a HP Designjet 500 42". I am a 3D draughtsman by day.

Parkie;93077 wrote:I have a HP Designjet 500 42". I am a 3D draughtsman by day.

PLEASE be a crime-fighter by night.... *crosses fingers*

Unfortunately not. Commercial Christmas decoration Installer!

Ha ha his cover is blown, Christmas isn't in October!