Epson 3800: Who prints larger than 17"x22"? Having some problems.

[eleskin]

My Epson 3800 has worked wonders for almost 3 years of extensive use with only one service event (2 weeks ago, the transport motor that moves the paper had to be replaced after multitudes of large prints in over 2 years). I want to get a little more out of my printer before I have the cash to buy bigger and am currently experimenting with Epson Exhibition Fiber in 50 foot Rolls. I am cutting sheets to 17"x25.5" so I can get more size form my Leica M8, 35mm and 6x9 scans. I am having trouble with some ink getting on the first inch of paper (black) and in loading the paper (I suspect the curl from being rolled up is not helping). I have a fresh cut sheet under foamboard and some books overnight hoping this will solve my problems.

So who else cuts roll paper for larger prints and even panoramas with the Epson 3800 or 3880 and how successful have any of you been in printing?

 

[eleskin]

Finally, it worked!!!!

Finally, it worked!!!!

My suspicions regarding paper curl were correct. I placed a cut sheet of Exhibition Fiber 17"x28.5" between sheets of foam board with books on top overnight. This morning, I printed without any problems with my Epson 3800. The only thing you have to watch out for is black ink marks on each end of the paper. I cut the paper 1.5 inches longer on each side to eliminate the problem. I would then just trim the ends off where the black ink left marks resulting in a clean print.

So for anyone who wants to get more value out of their 3800 before taking the plunge on a larger printer, try this first. It works!!!

 

[dcran]

Good to know. I might have to try that method out.