DSF

Hello

I'm looking at adding a range of mugs to my website (I run a website that sells science toys and geeky gifts!) I've visited the forum a few times to get some information on the practicalities of printing at home and I'm almost at the stage of buying a starter kit. I'm based in the North of Scotland so I'm too far from the suppliers to visit.

This forum has been so useful but I still have a few questions I would appreciate some feedback on:

I've looked at the starter packages at Listawood and BSM and both look good (and I will probably go with one of those as their consumables get such good reviews and I'd appreciate the support of setting up print profiles etc.) but I've also found this package on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mug-Sublimati ... 3a9fb8cb9d and I wondered on what folk thought about that as a starter pack? I can't tell the model number of the Epson printer, does anyone recognise this model?

Would you buy an Epson or a Ricoh? Is it possible to buy sublimation inks for others printers? I have a Canon photo printer, which prints lovely - is there a way I could use that?

Many thanks, Melanie

You can't use the Canon so Ricoh and Epson are the main (but not only) choices. You'll find many discussions on here, Ricoh tends to win the vote for a new start up due to ease of use.

I don't think the inks advertised in that auction are Sawgrass approved so we can't go into details here but again, in short, you're better off going down the supported route if you're just starting out. I'd stick with one of the mainstream companies you mentioned. The Genie mug press with Listawood is getting some great reviews right now.

Hope that gets you started in the right direction, others will no doubt be along to add their thoughts shortly Do you have a budget for everything? I hope you're surviving the storms right now in the North.

We run a £10 per year membership scheme, as a member you'd immediately get 10% off everything with Listawood along with other supplier discounts.

Thanks Justin - I'd like to keep my costs at around the £500 - 600 mark. As I'm testing the water with new products I don't want to spend more than I need to but want to spend enough that I don't tear my hair out making it all print out nicely! I think the Ricoh will suit my needs better as I can't see it being used every day and from what I've read the Epsons are less tolerant of this.

Inverness has had a fair bit of storm damage the last few days (we were lucky and only have a few broken fence panels) The photos of Shetland looked pretty wild too. I'm flying up to Shetland mid-February, so hopefully it will all be lovely and calm by then...

I will certainly be signing up for the membership scheme, as this forum is one of the most supportive I've come across working online

Well the starter pack from Listawood here http://www.listawoodtradesupplies.com/i ... TAR&pgnum= is £499+vat so bang on the money. This has the best paper and also some decent mugs to get you started, You'd get 10% off this remember That would give you a really good start, minimum fuss and great support/backup from Listawood.

Good to hear you've not blown away We got away with it until last night/this morning when it hit hard. Couple of trucks and buses went over, roofs off etc. I can't guarantee weather for February all I can do is to remind you to pack warm clothes! Is this your first visit?

Thanks for the kind words, we really are a great bunch don't you know