Need Help Startup printer recommendation: IPF680, Mutoh ValueJet 628 or other?

The 628 is a great little machine

 

When I bought this company we had a Roland vs300, 30" It is soo much easier to get a 54" there are dealers selling off lease items in your budget. You can always buy 30" rolls but the 5ft wide capability is needed unless you really don't want much business.

 

We have several Epson solvent printers that print signs/posters/canvas/etc. They are great quality and pretty easy to run, for about 10K you can get an S40 - which would be a good entry level printer that can do signs, posters, and some higher quality work. IF you wanted really high end quality, you can look at Epson's aqueous line and get some smaller printers for less with more inks to get better quality prints, but less durability, you could buy an EPSON SureColor P9000 for about $4000.00 and then look at an entry level laminator like a Royal Sovereign for about $2000.00. Also, NO MATTER WHAT PRINTER YOU BUY YOU SHOULD LAMINATE PRINTS IF YOU WANT THEM TO LAST OUT DOORS!

Remember, the printer is one cost, but the inks is and can be a large additional cost (like up to $2000.00 for a full set on some printers), plus you will have to buy a RIP and computer (unless you want to print out of photoshop/illustrator), and you will have additional costs for media, laminate, work tables, rules, knives, etc. and you will most likely have lots of waste.

My recommendation would be to find a good company in your area to partner with and let a professional continue to do what they do best and make the signs while you could oversee the design/production/delivery to your church/charities. We offer churchs 25% off and I'm sure other companies in your area would also be willing to help if it's for a good cause.

Best of luck!

 

With a solvent printer you will get at least 3 years without laminate. So don't go overboard on this. Laminating a yard sign or banner is just a waste of time and money at the end of the day.

 

The ValueJet 628 is a good little machine. We have sold several units and haven't had any issues with them. As with all equipment just make sure you buy from someone with support. I can't tell you how many people we run into that bought based on price and don't know how to use the machines properly.

 

ValueJet 628 is a good machine. I use a 1204 48" with no problems. I could do 90% of my work with the 628.