Printer rock and roll

[B-Ark]

I recently purchased an Epson 3880, and after a few teething pains am now getting results that are closely matching what I see on the monitor.

My question however, is in a different direction. I purchased a small computer desk from a nameless Swedish furniture company to hold the printer. The desk is quite solid, and I can sit on it with no problem. However, when the printer is operating, it seems to set up a resonance, and the printer wobbles back and forth a fraction of an inch. Should I worry that this might cause some loss in print quality or even printer damage, or should I just find some appropriate music to accompany this action?

[Paul Sumi]

How much does the printer table rock, and how securely are the legs attached?  If the printer can rock the table back and forth, I'd be concerned that a leg may, over time, break at the join to the table top.

Tables are generally designed to support stationary loads, so just sitting on it may not be the best way to test its suitability for its proposed use.  Sitting on it and rocking back and forth, may give you more insight.

Paul

[Alan Goldhammer]

I don't know about the table from the Swedish supplier that you have, but this unit from a Scandanavian company works great with the 3880:  http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50167158  It has drawers for 13x19 paper and is perfectly stable with my Epson 3880.

Alan

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I have the very same unit that Alan describes under my 3800. It does shake ever so slightly when printing, but I think that is because I have chosen to attach the casters so I can move it easily when needed. The casters sit on a carpet, which may also contribute a little to the vibration, but I have never seen the slightest hint of problem with any print from it.

Eric

[Alan Goldhammer]

I have the very same unit that Alan describes under my 3800. It does shake ever so slightly when printing, but I think that is because I have chosen to attach the casters so I can move it easily when needed. The casters sit on a carpet, which may also contribute a little to the vibration, but I have never seen the slightest hint of problem with any print from it.

Eric

That is my exact setup as well; I should have made this clear in my post.  Again, like Eric I've seen no issues with any print that has come out of this printer and it's predecessor the 2880 that sat atop the same table.

[Dano Steinhardt]

Its Dano from Epson America:

A slight amount of left to right rocking will not affect print quality on the 3800/3880, nor will it be a problem over time.

The key is to not touch or try to hold the printer during printing in an effort to minimize the movement.  That could degrade print quality.

Provided the table can support the weight of the 3880, just let it print.

Dan (Dano) Steinhardt
Marketing Manager Professional Imaging
Epson America, Inc.

[abiggs]

I have been a huge fan of the Ikea Varde line of kitchen furniture for quite some time, and it works like a charm. Here is an article back from something like 2004 that I wrote for Michael:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/ultimate-stand.shtml

I have tons of printers around for my profiling work that I do for Moab Paper, and this means that I have many of these Varde units around as well. I have the Epson 3800, 3880, 4000, 4800, 4880 and hopefully the 4900 sometime soon (Dano, I would love to get some sort of formal relationship in place between Epson and Moab Paper / Legion Paper, if you are interested. Please PM me if you are).

[B-Ark]

Thank you everyone for your responses. The amount of motion is probably less than 1/8", but it looks a lot more. Thanks Dano - good to know that I don't need to lose sleep over this. In the short term, I think I'll add some X-bracing across the rear legs to stabilize it some. In the long term, I'll visit my friendly neighbourhood Swedish furniture store and have a look at he two units there were mentioned. I do like the idea of the drawers for holding paper, ink, etc.

[Doombrain]

you should see the Epson Stylus Pro9000 print....

[B-Ark]

Are you saying that if I upgrade, I'll have to reinforce the foundation on the house ?  ;-)