I just purchased the Epson and I've been testing papers (Hahnemühle, Harman, Ilford, etc.) and I'm having a problem with the Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta 8.5 X 11. It prints fine until the last half inch, when the paper skews and prints totally out of registration, scratch marks too. This doesn't happen with any other paper, thicker or thinner, matte or glossy. I've tried various paper thickness options and Epson paper driver options, but no luck. The guys at Epson didn't have a clue and suggested I contact Hahnemühle to see if anyone else has had the same problem.
Unfortunately its a design flaw that shows up on certain machines with heavier papers (sometimes lighter ones as well).
The problem stems from the paper guides which move and reset their position during paper feeding. If you'll watch the left guide it can sometimes end up in a different location than it began.
Some tricks to try:
When you put paper in, carefully put the left guide 1/8" from the edge of the paper. If it is too close and the guides squeeze and hold the paper then adjust just a bit.
Make certain the paper is pushed all the way to the right guide.
In extreme cases put light pressure on the paper to the right as the feed cycle begins.
I print a lot of trading cards on my 3880 and 3800 and with tight margins the issue is pronounced.
The platen gap is not really related to the problem you describe. However with heavy papers set it to Wider as a general rule.
I'm printing with at least 1/2" margins on all sides. I've always adjusted the left paper guide so that it barely touches the paper. And I've definitely noticed that the left guide shifts further to the left after the paper is pulled in. However, the paper is definitely pulled in correctly, not skewed at all. It seems to me that the guides are not part of the problem, especially since this skewing only happens on the last half inch of the image.
Just curious, I was looking into this printer as a possible replacement/upgrade for my current Epson.
This to me is a deal breaker. Why would you deal with putting light pressure on the paper when printing or aligning it 1/8th of inch when setting up the paper after spending all that money.
I'll wait and see if this is something the manufacturer addresses before pulling the trigger.
If the paper has a trailing edge curl, even slight, skewing can happen when the bulk of the paper has left the out feed slot and arcs down towards the output tray. This wants to lift the trailing edge of the paper. If there is any curl, an edge can contact one of a 101 possible items on the upper part of the feed path and even the slightest contact can cause a skew.
I had some FAB that had a nasty curl - skewing was the least of it's issues (head strikes). Making sure a paper is flat on the trailing edge and supporting the paper as it outfeeds can help. Some folks use a small piece of foam at the right thickness on the outfeed tray to level it with the outfeed slot.
I have the 3800 and while I love it, it's not without it's warts. Issues with scratches (not just from Pizza Wheels) on larger sheets of PK papers that tend swell/distort under ink load (Harman FB AL, etc) and contact plastic bits in the feed path, finicky rear slot feeding., etc.
On the former issue, NO tricks from platen gap to wetting paper backs (see LuLa printing forum) and everything in between, including removing the PWs, solved the problem completely on 13x19 or larger delicate PK papers. The larger the sheet, the greater the distortion and the higher the prob on paper/ink -> plastic bit contact.
If you print say a 13x19 sheet of FB AL, especially a B&W with heavy blacks, you can actually see the paper take on an "M" shape as you get to the heavier inked areas as if you watch it from the out feed slot. Remember standing there with a coffee watching the leading edge of many a sheet as the paper distorted and the crests of the "M'" slowly rose towards the various bits on the top of the feed path. IIRC some swearing took place. It's JUST a kissing contact(s), but it can be enough.
That said, it does vary by 38xx copy due to manufacturing tolerances -- IIRC speculation Eric Chan of LULA fame (great 38xx custom profiles BTW) had confirmed to him by an Epson staffer somewhere. Some 38xx have no issues, some have nothing but (with darkroom grade PK papers) and some only in certain papers and sizes. No issues with smaller sheets or MK papers (at least any I've heard of. I eventually gave up and stuck to Epson VFA - my fave paper in most cases anyway.
However, the experience has convinced of the merits of vacuum hold-down - despite the fact that no printer, regardless of make/model, is seemingly without it's issues sadly.
I'm bumping this very old thread because I'm having this same issue. I bought some Epson Exhibition Fine Art paper and it prints fine until the last inch or so, then I can see it get kicked askew and the prints are ruined. I've tried every platen setting and it does this on every one. I'm very disappointed as I was excited to use "better" paper but now that paper is basically worthless to me.
CRFTony, that looks like your printer was moving during printing. what type of surface do you have your printer on? if you weren't on something solid (fold up tables don't count as solid) you will experience this.
