All:
I print photo and graphic images with two Epson printers (ET-8550 + P700) and a Canon ip8720. I have a chance to buy an unopened box of Epson semi-matte 250 in 100' x 16" roll form. I'd cut it down to hand-feed. I'm a many-years darkroom printer so I read that this carries what we called "N" surface. I expect the curl from its roll configuration may cause issues. I'll probably relegate this to graphics or snapshot sharing output rather than my good photography.
I can't get a straight answer from Epson about drying and software settings for this exact line. Not surprising. I don't mind testing because the roll is offered at $30 (+$7 gas to get there and back) to purchase. Yes, I know that my feed is 13" max so I'm working against the curl... I have printed on "Ultra Premium Luster" which is also resin-coated. That gives me confidence that the Particular inks in the ET8550 will dry on the resin.
B&H charges $118 for this box and it's a current product -- so I am probably OK with the experiment.
But just checking in with the Fred Miranda hive mind.
As above, I strongly suspect the ink will work fine on this paper.
However- cutting down a 16" roll to 13" sheets individually is a real pain. I tried it once for a rush job.
Maybe if you have a chop saw to cut the entire roll to 13" and you only have to cut the length. Trimming length and width while keeping everything square is not as easy as it sounds.
I have a large 30" rotatrim trimmer- which made it easier. With the large cutter, the cutting was not really difficult- I certainly would not want to even try doing it by hand.
The curl was really really frustrating. In small sheets, they all curled into little balls, that had to be individually carefully rolled in the opposite direction to help straighten them out. After printing they still all curled making presentation difficult unless going in a frame.
If this is the only paper available- like on a desert island or something- go for it.
Otherwise IMHO it is not worth the hassell.
gary
John and Gary,
Thank you for this valuable info and experience. I knew there would be a curl annoyance, but Gary's input elevates that. I recently bought a 24" Rotatrim and knew that would help. You indicate yes, a bit. (Wow I love this Rotatrim! BTW.)
For $35-ish cost/benefit context I should describe the use case for this material: protest signs for the two of us and others. They are better timely -- therefore printed anew on non-fine-art materials. Not a short term need. Yes, hassle can ruin that benefit. I have my fingers crossed. (On Reddit someone mentioned a rig for winding reverse to overcome the worst of the curl.)
The seller turns out to be a someone connected to Kodak Rochester for years ending in the mid nineties so I look forward to interesting visit to what became their private digital production environment after retirement. "The Olden Days" sharing. I did some digital transition consulting with parts of Kodak and other players at that time. (Not at Kodak's higher decision levels to be clear.)
My last comment about the Epson 250 paper is its surface, described as akin to Kodak's "N" resin-coated B&W darkroom paper. There were photos that did not look good on that surface. So we'll see if that is a limitation... but, again, $35-37.
I buy 16" x 100 foot rolls of Epson Luster paper for my 13" printer and cut it down to 13 x 19 (and longer) all the time, you can find deals on ebay. Each sheet is then 1/3 to 1/4 the price of cut sheets. I also have a Rotatrim which I attached a cheap 12" x 24" cutting mat that is aligned with the cutting edge. I pull the paper through the cutter to the 19" mark or whatever you want and cut it, using the Rotatrim to keep it square. I'll cut the whole roll, then turn them and cut the extra 3" off. I store them in a cardboard cut sheet box and they flatten over time, certainly enough to feed through the printer.
As far as the "chop saw:" method, I had a friend that cut a 24" roll into two 10" rolls (needed to print 8x10's) using a band saw, the edges were friction burned a bit but when they were in single sheets you had to really look at the edge to tell.
Sounds like you will be able to do a lot of printing with very little cost for the paper. I am sure the paper will work well. Most RC papers produce decent results with minimal differences between the actual paper brands. The issue will be cutting the sheets. If you have the space and equipment, the savings should be worth it. I would not worry a lot about the curl. You can try reverse rolling. Just cutting and stacking the papers for a while should be all that is needed. Lots of printers use roll paper. In fact even sheet papers were cut from rolls initially.
justashooter and CamperJim, thank you for your ideas. Wish I had access to a highspeed bandsaw for all kinds of reasons! I think the chopsaw idea is going to be a bit too violent... I'll make a simple dowel holder for the rolls I bought today and use my Rotatrimmer 24" make various sizes. Good to know the curl will diminish without a lot of trouble.
When I met with the seller today I *also* came home with an unopened Moab Kayenta 17" x100' roll. So, lots of paper to goof around with to save the fanciest stuff for most valuable output.
justashooter: printing some panos or at least "a bit wider" prints was definitely a goal. The ET-8550 should be good for that. (Might have to get a driver like QImage?) I'll have to see what Epson's output length limit is for rear slot feed.
The Rotatrim is one of the best purchases I ever made, but mine is only 24". So I cut the length I need if longer than 24" (very rarely) and use an aluminum 48" t-square like https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-standard-aluminum-t-square-48/ to trim the longer sheets. I do wish I had a wider printer
justashooter:
Your suggestion about the box as dispenser is very good! I haven't opened it yet and I appreciate the tip. And since I recently bought my 24" Rotatrim I've felt the same as you. Why did I wait so long?
I've been following Keith Cooper for 16 years. He's a great resource and a prolific publisher, right? I knew I was going to find that video, mentioned often by Keith and others, so your link is super handy. Thanks.
ff (No Color Adjustment)