[gagtusa1]

I want to start in this business but i dont have an idea of what i need or what is best for me, i got to offers one is a Mimaki GP-604D ($8500 used) and the other is a FlexiJet S ($8000 used) please let me know wich one is better an more economic to print and maintenance. thank you guys i really aprecciate your help

 

[DAGuide]

Gus,

So much about buying a used dtg printer has to do with the way the printer was used/maintained and what level of support you are going to get for being a 2nd owner. I would see what the cost would be for each one to be sent to an official repair facility to get a complete checkup so you will be starting with a good printer. The ink cost on the Mimaki will be slightly higher, but it might be one that comes with discharge capabilities. The FlexiJet will have the ability to print white ink - which the Mimaki will use the discharge solution to remove the color in the fabric and start from a neutral / tan color, but this only works on certain shirts. Both printers have some good qualities to them, but without knowing more about your business... hard to give you a good recommendation.

Here is a paper that you can learn more about these printers in general - www.multirip.com/dtg101.pdf. Good luck with your research and your decision.

Mark

 

[sunnydayz]

I agree with Mark that I think the most important factor is knowing if the seller is willing to stand behind the equipment once it is purchased. Buying used is always a risk as you dont know how the upkeep on that machine has been done. If it were me, I would try to buy a machine from an authorized dealer that sells refurbs that come with a warranty. These machines usually will be in really great condition with newer parts on them. That is what I would look into if I were going to buy used.

 

[gagtusa1]

Well the Mimaki is a Demo unit and the flexijet is guy that wants to sell it because he said dont use it and if in good condition this is his post "FlexiJet S
Purchased new in October 2007.
Over $18,300 invested as listed below (with artwork, FACTUAL)
FLAWLESS / Like new with less than 625 shirts printed.
Always cleaned and well maintained (not a single scratch, always been in the same climate controlled room out of direct sunlight)
Prints a perfect nozzle check.
Running dual CMYK / white ink upgradable if wanted.
Comes with Flexi software and custom scheduled print purge software and scheduled nozzle check printing utility.
Auto reset chip cartridges.
Original and extra OEM cartridges with chip resetter.
Additional Ink / OEM platen
Second set of cartridges
Full set of cleaning materials
Phoenix Phire Auto Release Heat Press (with Digital Pressure)

Asking $9,000 OBO (call and simply make an offer) OR $7,000 without heat press and artwork."





----------------------------------------------------
and the mimaki is on ebay

 

[gagtusa1]

i forgot the flex jet doesnt print on white he says need to upgrade the rip or software

 

[DAGuide]

I personally would want to see all the printers you are looking at in person before making a decision. Take some of your graphics and get them printed to make sure that you like the print quality. I just would not trust what someone puts up on a classified post. You might want to see if there is another Flexi-Jet owner that you can get some training from. Only 625 prints in a year or so might mean that the printer has been idle for a while and if you want to print white ink... it does not sound like this person would be the best trainer for you. If you go witht the Flexi-Jet, there are a lot of Flexi users at www.dtginks.com forum. With buying the Mimaki from a dealer, the training and support should be less of a concern, but still make sure that the dealer really knows the printer and is not just looking to get rid of a demo printer. Seems like you could have the dealer refurbish the printer or provide extra consumables in case something goods bad on the demo printer as well.

Lots of things to think about. Good luck with your decision.

Mark