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dmt387 · May 21st, 2007

I've been trying to get the answer to this by reading several posts and threads related to it but I can't seem to get the answer.

I need to know this because I'm deciding on whether to buy a Kiosk HM-1 or a Fast T-Jet 3

Please cite the reasons why you'd pick one over the other, the pros and cons of each other, etc.

Thanks!

Rodney · May 21st, 2007

Quote:


	I've been trying to get the answer to this by reading several posts and threads related to it but I can't seem to get the answer

It's probably because it's based on opinion and preference

Your best bet if you've read all the pros and cons in the previous posts is to see both machines in action first hand (by going to a tradeshow or showroom). Get sample prints done of the type of graphics you'll be printing on on the type of garments you'll be printing on and make your decision based on your own experience.

It sounds like you've read the experience of others from previous posts, now it's time to factor in your own preferences

It's a big investment, so first hand usage and experience will be very important.

zhenjie · May 21st, 2007

I doubt anyone can give you a fair comparison because I doubt anybody would own a Hm1 and Tjet3 at the same time.

On paper I would be leaning towards the HM1 but then again I've never seen the Tjet3 in action.

fastcatprinting · May 21st, 2007

I have had my TJet3 for a little over a month now and while it is ok and gets the job done it is not what I would expect from a $17,000 printer. There is nothing major that is a turn off but a lot of little things that do add up to something more annoying. It does not seem very rugged to me and while some have said they take their printer regularly to events I do not see how they can keep moving it and not break something. The instructions and manuals that are included with the TJet are also confusing. They have at least two different versions of the bulk ink system included with the TJet3 and it is hard sometimes to figure out what they are talking about when I have one version but the manual included is referring to a different version.

I will say that US Screen's tech support is the best that I have seen. The wait times can get long sometimes but that is because they will stay on the phone with you until the problem is solved.

Since I have not used a Kiosk I can not say if it is any better than a TJet3. From what I have seen and been told they are pretty similar so they both are probably pretty much even, with the TJet3 being better in some areas and the HM-1 better in other areas.

The print bed on mine does not sit level. There are instructions on screenprinters.net on how to adjust the bed but I am affraid that I will mess it up even more so I just use two strips of cardboard on the low end to raise the shirtboard up so that it is level.

I would not get another TJet but at the same time I also would not get a Kiosk. I think I would go with the Brother and forget about the white ink problems all these printers suffer from until the technology is more mature.

-Robert

martinwoods · May 21st, 2007

I would not get another TJet but at the same time I also would not get a Kiosk. I think I would go with the Brother and forget about the white ink problems all these printers suffer from until the technology is more mature.

-Robert[/quote]

I cannot comment on either but I do have a Brother and would highly recommend it.

Have a great evening

dmt387 · May 22nd, 2007

The thing is I don't have easy access to these machines like you guys do because I live in the Philippines where this technology is pretty much non-existent, minor presence at the most.

I don't have access to as many trade shows so I can't watch first-hand the performance of one printer, let alone different printers.

So the only way for me to get real-world info (not what the websites and their brochures say) is to ask people who have better access to this technology, like you guys

Rodney · May 22nd, 2007

Quote:


	The thing is I don't have easy access to these machines like you guys do because I live in the Philippines where this technology is pretty much non-existent, minor presence at the most. I don't have access to as many trade shows so I can't watch first-hand the performance of one printer, let alone different printers.

If you are considering spending $15,000+ on a machine, I would include the price of a round trip plane ticket into that budget and visit a tradeshow to see the machines in person

dmt387 · May 22nd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney


	If you are considering spending $15,000+ on a machine, I would include the price of a round trip plane ticket into that budget and visit a tradeshow to see the machines in person

I just checked the local trade shows, seems like there is going to be one with the DTG Kiosk in it but then no T-Jet3.

I wanted to see both in action since I'm choosing between the two of them. Guess I'm gonna have to add more to my capital haha..

Could you direct me to a website or a resource which contains when and where trade shows will be held in the US?

fastcatprinting · May 22nd, 2007

You can go to U.S. Screen Print & Inkjet Technology for a list of the trade shows where they will be demonstrating the TJet 3.

Rodney · May 23rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastcatprinting


	You can go to U.S. Screen Print & Inkjet Technology for a list of the trade shows where they will be demonstrating the TJet 3.

Most tradeshows have both machines showing. You'll actually see even more than those two "brands" if you visit a tradeshow.

If you visit the ISS tradeshow (Imprinted Sportwear Shows), both vendors are usually exhibiting.

Also check out NBM Shows: Where People and Business Connect! ; the Printwear show usually has several DTG vendors.

Gordz · May 24th, 2007

I like the HM1 with automatic media height check, white ink management system and the media bed is level and strong. The FESPA shown in Berlin starts in a week or two, it is highly likely that you will see all brands of DTG printer there. Like Rodney said, factor in the price of a trip to see these things in action. It's a big investment.

vctradingcubao · June 8th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmt387


	I just checked the local trade shows, seems like there is going to be one with the DTG Kiosk in it but then no T-Jet3.

Dim, have you checked the DTG Kiosk, or the HM1 at the PTTC Graphics Expo? What's your impression?

TahoeTomahawk · June 8th, 2007

We were looking at the T-Jet and the Kiosk. There was a DTG office here in Sacramento where we went to see the Kiosk. Not only did we get to see it in action, the sales rep printed several different images, and walked us through operating the machine and the software.
We also needed some test prints done so he allowed us to come down and use the machine, kind of like a test drive

The best advice is to see for yourslef which one is better. Go down and not only watch them print samples, bring some of your own artwork and see if the sales rep will print them while you are there, and if you are lucky, maybe they will let you print them yourself.

vctradingcubao · June 8th, 2007

Thanks, Adam, So far, only the DTG has a distributor here in Philippines, but I was able to talk to another company which is planning to bring in the Kornit. I'm saving now for the Eclipse or the HM1, just as you advised last time.

TahoeTomahawk · June 8th, 2007

Cool what part of the Philipines are you from? My wife is from Cagayan De Oro. My sister in law who was helping us with printing just went back to Manila to finish her masters degree.

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