Rural Pressman

I am interested in puchasing a older model 2 color press. I have read some of the comments comparing the Ryobi 3202 and the Heidelburg QM-46-2. I have now found two different Ryobi presses that I might be interested in. The presses ar Ryobi 3200 PFA and a Ryobi 3202. Does anyone have any pros and cons that they can tell me about the 3200 PFA. I am not familiar with this press. Both presses have standard water systems that I will change out.

 

The 3302 is a very robust press, 2 color, single side, easy to operate, fairly easy to service. Depending on where you are, probably service and parts are easily available. The 3200PFA is a duplicator designed for work from a different age. It is single color, 2 sides, it was designed for "book work". Tight registration is quite difficult, making 2 color work sketchy. Mostly non serviceable for the operator, it requires a trained technician with a variety of specialized tools and jigs. Your local Xpedx location will likely not have the PFA specific parts in stock, so when something breaks, you will have longer waits for parts. Also, I don't think you can upgrade the water systems on a PFA, as inserters and ejectors hang in the way.

 

Hi Jimbob:

I agree with the comments in the above post. I would like to add my thoughts. If you decide to resell/trade in the press models that you are considering, the Ryobi 3302 will hold its value better and will be a quicker sale. There is very limited market for the perfecting press model duplicators. If you did not know the Ryobi 3302 was also marketed by Itek as the 3985 and the 3995. There was also an earlier model of Itek, the 985. A B Dick also sold this press as models 9985 and 9995.

Also, if you are considering a Heidelberg QM 46-2, call or email me. I will put you in contact with a friend/printer in rural western Colorado. You can speak with him directly about his experience with QM 46-2. He now runs all Ryobi presses in his shops.
Ken Stein
kstein@graphic-equipment.com
http://www.graphic-equipment.com
1 (865) 951-0918