is this a good deal for an offset press? help!

[jazzib]

i know absolutely nothing about the printing press, but would like to get into it.

here's the offer.. my question is: is it a good deal for $1000?
He said he'd sell me just the AB Dick press for $300. Would that be a good deal?
I don't know if I can house the Multilith right now, but don't know if $300 is worth it for the AB Dick press. HELP ME

I have several pieces of printing equipment included in this price, I would like to sell them as a unit but would be willing to sell separately, Included is a 1250 Multilith, usabale and a 1250 Multilith that needs minor repair, also I have a Sandmar Vertical Process Camera and a arc light and vacuum frame, I have some supplies that will go with the sale, I also have a desk model 310 AB Dick offset press I will throw in with supplies, It would be a good deal for someone that knows how to use the equipment and about all you would need to start your own Hobby Shop.

 

[Jeff]

I have no experience with the 1250 or the small 310 Dick so hopefully someone else will jump in and give a good answer.

I like the fact that you get a pair of 1250s -- in general I find it extremely beneficial to have a matched pair of machines for troubleshooting so if one causes a problem you have a benchmark in the other for how it should operate, and so you can swap parts between to rule things out without spending a fortune on unnecessary parts. Very very helpful to have a matched pair.

These duplicator presses are somewhat limited: a few years ago I would have wanted them for many more jobs than today since 1.) now that everyone and their brother has a camera, more and more brochures, cards, etc. contain process color photos, 2.) the gang print pricing for brochures, postcards, etc. is hard to beat for a small startup, and 3.) laser quality can match and exceed these for newsletters and similar print items containing photos, with no setup time and minimal waste, and 4.) the format isn't large to do jobs that can't be run on a copier.

At the same time, a few years ago 4c brochures and rack cards really stood out. Now it seems the racks are full of all process color work, so I think spot color work can really stand out against the crowd. So I could see doing some spot color brochures and making some money with these -- but then you need a folder too.

Can these run envelopes without driving you crazy?

What would it cost to get the equipment to bake raised ink printing for raised ink cards printed on one of these?

I'd look at what kind of competition is right around you doing jobs that these older duplicators are particularly well suited to do that copy shops and gang printers can't undercut you on and that you would enjoy printing.

 

[FFR428]

Zero knowledge and a $300 AB dick can be a nightmare and a costly venture at best. If you had a good working knowledge of the press and some printing background it would be a plus. Chances are it needs some parts and TLC to be operational. Some high schools and vocational schools offer printing and design classes. I'd try to get some hands on experience to see how you like it before investing your time and money into something that might not be for you. Maybe try to work a deal with the seller for some training. Overall the deal does not sound all that bad. But you'll need to invest some time and/or money into them to get them up and running. Not trying to discourage you but just trying to be honest on what path lies ahead if you proceed.

Jeff any duplicator can run envelopes well with a good operator. The Multilith, AB dick and Hamada's for years have been workhorses. But each has it's quirks and limitations.

 

[swifty]

most likely the presses need gears replaced and you will not be able to print solids or large coverage without lines or streaks,envolopes are probaly about all you will be able to run

 

[mrbill321]

I really wouldn't waste my time with a AB Dick for 300 clams! I'm guessing it's a 360. Hamada has some pretty good used offerings for a few bucks more. If you print smaller than 11 x 17 then go with a 665 or to get the tabloid size I'd go with a 880dx. You can get them both as a two colour duplicator press. I've personally ran both and to be honest. For simplicity, I would run a 880 for say two and four colour work over the Ryobi 3302 which I'm running now. Hamadas are a great press for down and dirty printing as well as decent quality work. For 300 bucks you'll be lucky to get a decent anything.

 

[FastColorInColumbia]

Just depends on where you are as far as the strength of support you can get. Theres a load of old Multi and ABDick techs floating around. Where Im at i can get a dozen different guys to work on either for $20 an hour on the side.Of course I use to work for Freeman Graphics.

 

[tonygreg]

I do not think so that it is a good deal for you. But you should rely upon yourself not on others.