Buying a small offset press for home use

[jkroops]

Hello all

Wasn't sure where to ask this question but you all seem quite knowledgable. We have started a new publication online and are wanting to move to print soon. We know nothing about printing and are looking for some direction. We would be doing short runs at first and growing as the months go on. We are thinking of buying a small press and platemaker as costs of printing through shops are quite high. Are we dreaming? or should we take this route? We would want a small tabloid style publication, black and white only. Should we seek training somewhere? We are based in British Columbia Canada.

Cheers in advance

 

[damfino]

Probably better off with a used digital duplicator - Riso, Standard, or Ricoh. Get one which can print directly from your computer and with a warranty.

 

[MacDaddy]

Yep if you know nothing about printing go with a digital copier. But black and white small job should not cost you much have you priced it out?

 

[Craig]

Great... first everyone want's to be a graphic designer, now a pressman!!

 

[LoneGoose]

Except you'll be kicked in the arse much harder by a little offset press than a little bad graphic design!

Sorry to be so cynical, jkroops... Unless you have some knowledge, experience, or an enduring passion for print, why on earth would you want to saddle yourself with one of our cast-iron beasts?

I have to agree with previous posts - a higher-end digital office machine sounds like the way to go.

 

[inkedup]

Are you dreaming? Very much so my friend. Go with the high end digital machine, you'll be better of in the long run. Also, you just need to get one person in your neibourhood pissed off at you over noise or the smell and you'll have to deal with your friendly neibourhood bylaw inspector. Neather fun nor funny.

 

[inkedup]

Great... first everyone want's to be a graphic designer, now a pressman!!

Can you see this guy trying to talk his wife into letting him put this thing in the family's garage? Honestly dear, it followed me home. Can I keep it please, I'll feed and clean up after it. Please, please? huh, huh, what yah say honey. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ?

 

[ondemandbindery]

Hello all

Wasn't sure where to ask this question but you all seem quite knowledgable. We have started a new publication online and are wanting to move to print soon. We know nothing about printing and are looking for some direction. We would be doing short runs at first and growing as the months go on. We are thinking of buying a small press and platemaker as costs of printing through shops are quite high. Are we dreaming? or should we take this route? We would want a small tabloid style publication, black and white only. Should we seek training somewhere? We are based in British Columbia Canada.

Cheers in advance

Small Tabloid. In my world a Tabloid is 11x17 so if this is the case you would have to rethink the format size meaning small press is. Otherwise go with a digital duplicator. That is if the post on here have not scared you off..........

 

[kbarz]

jkroops i admire a person trying to pursue the yankee dollar.. and i wish you well, but you just might want to check in on how your homeowners insurance takes to having a offset press in the home or garage. i wanted tot start my business in my home but NO,NO,NO. alot of things i neededto cover,,, good luck kbarz

 

[jasonic77]

I have everything you need, $17k OBO

I have everything you need, $17k OBO

Everything you need to start a small or home based print operation. I have been doing exclusively letterhead and envelopes but, am getting out of the printing business.
I have:
-2009 Xante Illumina DEP 4 color digital press, runs most envelopes and other paper stock up to 15pt laser-safe board 18.9"Wx47"L. only 35,000 impressions
-replacement fuser, transfer belt, toner cartridges, and imaging drums.
-Color management software, with job preview, cost analysis, file manipulation, and quality control features.
-2010 Perfect 19" electric guillotine paper cutter.
-5000 sheets of 11x17 #60 Husky offset (enough for 10,000 letterhead)
-5,000 Athens #10 envelopes
-1,000 Western Sulphite #10 envelopes

All you need is a computer and a way to generate templates (I use Adobe CS3), and you are set.
I am willing to negotiate price, but please no low-ballers or scammers.
I am listing photos of the Xante and can send you additional photos if you like.