E Size Plotter Suggestions

[Teeds]

Does anyone have any specific plotters I should consider, or for that matter stay away from?

I am currently running 2005 and primarily will be producing B&W Construction Documents. I have a D size HP110 that I can do color on. Color would be nice, but it is not that important.

A copy that repairs all my copies and printers told me to check out the Epson 9600 and even gave me a lead about where one might be available used.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[rkmcswain]

What is your budget, and how many sq. ft. per month do you plan to print?

[Teeds]

I don't really have a firm budget at the moment. A guy I know that works on printers and copiers told me to get a Epson 9660. They go for around $5000 according to Epson's web site. That would work, but I don't really need the color printing. I'm sure I could find a use for it but I would have to upgrade a bunch of software as well.

All I am plotting is Architectural Construction Documents. I am wrapping up a project now that is on 36x48 and have another in the pipeline that will use that size paper as well. Past those two jobs, I don't know. I have been able to keep all my work on 24x36 or 22x34 up until now. I assume that whatever I buy will take over for my HP110 that I have now. I will load it up with cut sheets for half size sets and leave the full size work to the new plotter.

The irony is that I have spent almost $4000 on plotting and printing in the last month and a half. That would have almost paid for the plotter.

[rkmcswain]

All I can offer is that we have had or still have several HP plotters (650C, 750C, 1050C, 5000PS) and each have performed for years without the slightest bit of service.

[Teeds]

My HP has as well. The fact that the tech is so in favor of Epson is one of the reasons I posted the thread.

As long as no one comes up with some bad info about the Epson I will probably get it (assuming I can work out a fair price) as I have had two Epson 1520 machines that I have used for years.

One rode around Texas in my truck with me so I could print drawings when I was at jobsites. IT got tons of abuse and never let me down. They were workhorses and the tech told me that he can fix them up like new. Although I don't travel as much or stay gone as long, it would be nice to be able to print half size drawings while on the road again.

As I build printing costs into each project, the purchase of a new plotter is a no brainer at some levels. All it costs me is my time to operate it and I get a plotter. Yes, the supplies cost money, but not that much. I know several architectural firms here in Dallas that run their back of house reprographics as a profit center.

Thanks for all you input and insight. It is appreciated.

[David Bethel]

The irony is that I have spent almost $4000 on plotting and printing in the last month and a half. That would have almost paid for the plotter.

If your are spending that much, I'd look into KIP. Their cost per page is very low. It would have a good ROI even at a $20K price tag. -David

[Teeds]

KIP? Is that a brand? We had an electrostatic that was the berries when I worked for a large firm here, but my work comes in spurts. Most of the people I know around Dallas use Oce'.

The $4,000 is a bit unusual actually. As I have been able to format my jobs to fit on 22x34, I could handle the volume on my HP. Going to 36x48 kinda screwed the pooch, but the job I am currently working on and the most recent one I completed both required 36x48. There was no logical way to break them down to fit on 22x34 and keep 1/8 inch scale minimum.

[good_m]

The only thing that I would suggest for you is that if HP has been working that well for you then stick with it. I use an HP Design Jet 500 and it works great. Not an ounce of problems. Hope that you find what you're looking for!
Mike

[David Bethel]

http://www.kipamerica.com/

KIP makes high volume large format plotters. They now offer a smaller version geared towards smaller offices. -David