Does anyone know anything about plotters?

[mplogic]

I'm trying to find a black and white plotter for my Dad who needs to print out building plans. I've never really dealt with plotters before so really have no idea what to look for. Was hoping to find something in the $500-600 range, used is ok as long as it's a quality model that can handle a heavy print load and ink is somewhat affordable. Looking for recommendations or if anyone knows of any good sources.

Thanks!

 

[hausdave]

What program is he using to output? AutoDesk?

Linky

 

[mplogic]

I believe they're just pdf files. Thanks for the link but I'm warry of buying off of ebay unless they offer a warranty of some kind. This thing has to work, I have no time to mess with repairing a bad plotter.

 

[kranky]

First thing to determine is the largest size drawing he needs to print. When doing google searches, use these terms:

b-size plotter (or printer) = handles 11x17 max size
c-size plotter (or printer) = handles 17x22 max size
d-size plotter (or printer) = handles 22x34 max size

I know Epson made some c-size inkjet printers which might be available used in your price range.

"plotter" is a generic term that usually means a printer of some type that handles large paper sizes. HP makes DesignJet printers which are often called plotters and they are giant inkjets. There are plotters that use laser (or LED) printing technology but they'll be more expensive than an inkjet.

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, there was such a thing as pen plotters which were very cool and built like tanks, but they couldn't handle raster data, only lines.

 

[JonnyBlaze]

id go with a deskjet also, should be able to fine one to suit your needs.

JB

 

[TStep]

Originally posted by: kranky
Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, there was such a thing as pen plotters which were very cool and built like tanks, but they couldn't handle raster data, only lines.

Thanks for making me feel old These things were great for the time, but they were a PITA. You had to store ink correctly, use it often or it'd dry up, paper wizzed back and forth at about 100mph, paper had to be at the right humidity, etc. I don't know what to buy today, but i do know you don't want one of these.

 

[JonnyBlaze]

pen plotters were great! dont know what you guys are talkin about i used to circular array a circle on top of its self 100's of times to people in drafting class and the plotter would end up wearing a hole in the paper. was lots of fun

JB

 

[TStep]

I used to be a design draftsman/engineer. Nothing like having a drawing that was going to take 30 minutes to plot, leave, and come back only to find out you put the wrong color pen in the wrong slot of an 8 pen plotter. Or better yet when you mess up the line weight. Or when the g**damn paper would slowly walk out of alignment 20 minutes into a plot, reload it, and have it do the same thing because of humidity. I find construction alot less frustrating....close enough is good enough