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  #21  
Old 01-20-2015, 12:36 PM
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jeffyjeep jeffyjeep is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by luke strawwalker
So I have to wonder-- why does NOBODY clone this equipment?? Seems like this German company would do well obtaining the license to manufacture the thing and sell their own new version, or SOMEONE would... I know it's a "niche product" but still... seems like it'd be a better solution...

Heck I'm surprised the Chinese haven't just started selling a knockoff of these things... (whether it's any good or not is another question).

Anyway, just seems that there'd be alternatives...

Wow... Later! OL JR

Exactly!
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  #22  
Old 01-20-2015, 01:05 PM
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As far as the Chinese cloning them, I have no idea. But my take on why they died is that they weren't very good printers (as a typical printer goes), they were expensive and the print cartridges were costly compared to a color laser printer or an inkjet. Sure, the "ink" is waterproof and fade-proof, but that matters only to a small subset of the World of Printer Users. The devices are also fragile and weird, and I really don't think most users cared to put up with that. Hence I think the sales were low and the warranty returns high.

Compared to other printing technologies, I don't think that "niche"even begins to describe the small market these printers have (and had).
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  #23  
Old 01-20-2015, 01:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kurtschachner
As far as the Chinese cloning them, I have no idea. But my take on why they died is that they weren't very good printers (as a typical printer goes), they were expensive and the print cartridges were costly compared to a color laser printer or an inkjet. Sure, the "ink" is waterproof and fade-proof, but that matters only to a small subset of the World of Printer Users. The devices are also fragile and weird, and I really don't think most users cared to put up with that. Hence I think the sales were low and the warranty returns high.

Compared to other printing technologies, I don't think that "niche"even begins to describe the small market these printers have (and had).


Exactly! And these printers as valuable as they are for decal production are NOT production machines!

The good news today is I have sent out one printer to Elephant's Rocket and the shipping to Japan was only $83.00.

I can live with that.

Now I have to wait to see how much the repair and return shipping will be.

If it works out to be "affordable" I have plans to send them two more printers.

I didn't want to send three at once. I wanted to see the final costs first.

In the meantime, I have a few decals already printed. Please, check with me first to see what I have available.

Please, do not just send me an order at this time.

Because I have 800 plus decals file listed on my web site, it would just take me forever to bring all the quantities down to zero showing that item on back order.

Contact me first at gagnello (at) yahoo dot com.
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  #24  
Old 01-20-2015, 01:39 PM
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I'm not sure how close this is to the ALPS printer, but on other model forums they are starting to experiment with it
http://www.powis.com/products/print...ilfast_P21x.php
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  #25  
Old 01-20-2015, 02:33 PM
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I ran across this printer a while back, that's an "Alps" printer all day long and those are "Alps" cartridges. I noted this one only prints the foils that are sold with it, but you can probably do a label swap and get it to print something else.

The price is pretty stunning though. I wonder if these are new production printers? Maybe they are made under license.

Quote:
Originally Posted by turbofireball
I'm not sure how close this is to the ALPS printer, but on other model forums they are starting to experiment with it
http://www.powis.com/products/print...ilfast_P21x.php
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  #26  
Old 01-20-2015, 06:23 PM
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I sure hope you'll be able to get one or more repaired, you're my go-to place for decals, Gordy!
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  #27  
Old 01-20-2015, 06:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulK
I sure hope you'll be able to get one or more repaired, you're my go-to place for decals, Gordy!


I think this will turn out just fine.

Let's just make like this is a vacation.

I've run Excelsior for 6 years. I'm due.
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  #28  
Old 01-20-2015, 08:32 PM
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Definitely agree, Gordy !
Take a well deserved vacation !
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  #29  
Old 01-20-2015, 09:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sandman
I think this will turn out just fine.

Let's just make like this is a vacation.

I've run Excelsior for 6 years. I'm due.

I've got it!!
Go to Hawai'i for a month while your printer is being repaired. When you return you'll have only a little more than a month of winter left!
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  #30  
Old 01-23-2015, 08:54 AM
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Guys, I'm still making nose cones.

I have hundreds of custom nose cone files ready to turn.

A few days before my printer hurt itself I received a large order of balsa and basswood, the weather has been pretty good here (temps in the mid 20's) so I can keep my lathe running.

Just email me at

gagnello (at) yahoo (dot) com

I can send you a quote and turn your cone in balsa or basswood.

Sorry no fiberglass, it's just too cold for the epoxy.
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