Small Project Design

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

I am on my second HP DesignJet T120. The first lasted about ten years. Does both large format and 11X17 for around $600.​

------------------------------
Robert Emert AIA
Component past president
Robert G. Emert Architect, Inc.
Livingston NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

My small firm purchased a 11x17 Xerox Phaser about 8 years.  And it has been a workhorse in our office.  About once a year there will be a paper jam that usually can be cleared by staff.  The toner cartridges are expensive but depending on the amount of 11x17 color being printed. the cartidge can last well over 18 months before replacing.  Worth the investment, our proposals and design presentations look professional.  No more last minute runs to FedEx/Kinkos before a big interview.  And it's nice not having to replace those inkjet cartridges every month. 
You do have to train staff to select BW print as offend as they can.  We have a maintenance annual contract that keeps the machine running.

------------------------------
Pamela Gillen AIA
Principal
Esoarc Studio, P.L.C.
Falls Church VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

I have been using an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Ink Jet All in one for about 6 months now.  Easy setup with wireless and scans 11 X 17 size also. Retails about $300 at Staples.  Seems to do everything well so far and I am a sole proprietor firm...so the usage is on the light side.  I do most preliminary presentations on 11 x 17.  Prior to this I had an inkjet HP 7310 all in one for 12 years and it worked fine with minimal maintenance.  It was still working when I traded it in but I needed the 11 X 17 format hence the upgrade.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mike Dolce, Architect

------------------------------
Michael Dolce AIA
Owner / Architect
Michael P. Dolce, AIA Architect
Forest Hill MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

I also have an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740, same sole practitioner situation as Mike Dolce. I've used HP printers and scanners for a long time and find them easy to operate and reliable. No maintenance agreements. No problems. I upgraded to the 7740 to get the 11 x 17 format for both printing and scanning. I still have my HP CP5225 printer that must be a dozen years old and is still dependable. It doesn't do 11 x 17 and photos print dark so I just use it for B&W. It's faster than the 7740, a real workhorse.

BTW, I buy 11 x 17 envelopes, binders, file folders, and more from the website 11x17.com - Binders, Dividers, Clipboards, Filing & more.

It's a great resource. 

.

------------------------------
Carol De Tine AIA
Carriage House Studio architects LLC
Portland ME
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2018 08:10
From: Michael Dolce
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

I have been using an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Ink Jet All in one for about 6 months now.  Easy setup with wireless and scans 11 X 17 size also. Retails about $300 at Staples.  Seems to do everything well so far and I am a sole proprietor firm...so the usage is on the light side.  I do most preliminary presentations on 11 x 17.  Prior to this I had an inkjet HP 7310 all in one for 12 years and it worked fine with minimal maintenance.  It was still working when I traded it in but I needed the 11 X 17 format hence the upgrade.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mike Dolce, Architect

------------------------------
Michael Dolce AIA
Owner / Architect
Michael P. Dolce, AIA Architect
Forest Hill MD

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

Original Message------

I have been using an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Ink Jet All in one for about 6 months now.  Easy setup with wireless and scans 11 X 17 size also. Retails about $300 at Staples.  Seems to do everything well so far and I am a sole proprietor firm...so the usage is on the light side.  I do most preliminary presentations on 11 x 17.  Prior to this I had an inkjet HP 7310 all in one for 12 years and it worked fine with minimal maintenance.  It was still working when I traded it in but I needed the 11 X 17 format hence the upgrade.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mike Dolce, Architect

------------------------------
Michael Dolce AIA
Owner / Architect
Michael P. Dolce, AIA Architect
Forest Hill MD
------------------------------

Original Message------

I have been using an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Ink Jet All in one for about 6 months now.  Easy setup with wireless and scans 11 X 17 size also. Retails about $300 at Staples.  Seems to do everything well so far and I am a sole proprietor firm...so the usage is on the light side.  I do most preliminary presentations on 11 x 17.  Prior to this I had an inkjet HP 7310 all in one for 12 years and it worked fine with minimal maintenance.  It was still working when I traded it in but I needed the 11 X 17 format hence the upgrade.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Mike Dolce, Architect

------------------------------
Michael Dolce AIA
Owner / Architect
Michael P. Dolce, AIA Architect
Forest Hill MD
------------------------------

I'm a sole practitioner and I also bought a HP 7740.  It works nicely for the preliminary drawings as well as providing 1/2 size sets of drawings (actually 45% of 24"x36") for reference/storage.  A good quality product with very little headache.  It is multi-functional as you mentioned you were looking that type of machine.

------------------------------
Jeffery Dahlquist AIA
JD Architecture & Design
Enumclaw, WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

Original Message------

I'm a sole practitioner and I also bought a HP 7740.  It works nicely for the preliminary drawings as well as providing 1/2 size sets of drawings (actually 45% of 24"x36") for reference/storage.  A good quality product with very little headache.  It is multi-functional as you mentioned you were looking that type of machine.

------------------------------
Jeffery Dahlquist AIA
JD Architecture & Design
Enumclaw, WA
------------------------------

------------------------------
John Wingfelder AIA
John Wingfelder Architect PC
Buffalo NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2018 17:45
From: Jeffery Dahlquist
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

I'm a sole practitioner and I also bought a HP 7740.  It works nicely for the preliminary drawings as well as providing 1/2 size sets of drawings (actually 45% of 24"x36") for reference/storage.  A good quality product with very little headache.  It is multi-functional as you mentioned you were looking that type of machine.

------------------------------
Jeffery Dahlquist AIA
JD Architecture & Design
Enumclaw, WA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

I'm using the hp7610 series 2(copy, scan,fax).
It prints up to 13 x 19. I use 12 x 18 paper to print 1/2 size sets. 
Prints B+W and Color.
Easy setup.

------------------------------
Vincent Oles
Architect/Owner
Vincent Oles Architect, llc.
Atascadero CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2018 17:45
From: Jeffery Dahlquist
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

I'm a sole practitioner and I also bought a HP 7740.  It works nicely for the preliminary drawings as well as providing 1/2 size sets of drawings (actually 45% of 24"x36") for reference/storage.  A good quality product with very little headache.  It is multi-functional as you mentioned you were looking that type of machine.

------------------------------
Jeffery Dahlquist AIA
JD Architecture & Design
Enumclaw, WA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

^{I also use the HP 7740. It's great! I use it to enlarge drawings to whatever percent up to 400. I like that you can digitally input the percentage without scrolling through. And you can scan 11x17 as well.}

------------------------------
Harriet (Chris) Chu, AIA

Chris Chu Architect
West Newton, MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2018 17:45
From: Jeffery Dahlquist
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

I'm a sole practitioner and I also bought a HP 7740.  It works nicely for the preliminary drawings as well as providing 1/2 size sets of drawings (actually 45% of 24"x36") for reference/storage.  A good quality product with very little headache.  It is multi-functional as you mentioned you were looking that type of machine.

------------------------------
Jeffery Dahlquist AIA
JD Architecture & Design
Enumclaw, WA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

I didn't chime in earlier because you had already expressed dissatisfaction with the Epsom WF-7610, but I have a WF-7510 and it has been great.  Very rarely miss-feeds and the printer heads never clog.  If you are having miss-feed problems, you might 1. fan the paper before you load the machine to break apart any sheets that are stuck together, and 2. clean the rollers with rubbing alcohol to remove any gunk or lint that might affect their traction.  My printer is over 5 years old.I love the large capacity black cartridge and the 12 x 18 sheet capability.

best of luck,
patrick

------------------------------
Patrick Marr AIA
Patrick Marr, PE, AIA
Santa Barbara CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

Thanks for all the feedback (as well as some replies I got that do not show up for some reason).  It sounds like a lot of people are having good results with ink jet devices, especially the HP.  After much reading, comparison and internal debate, I decided not to go the inkjet route and to make the investment in a laser printer (and due to space limitations it needed to be a multifunction).   The dealer was offering some great end of year pricing on the Xerox Versalink 7020 that I demo'd so I ended up ordering it.  I believe this will be a good long term solution.  Thanks again for the opinions.

------------------------------
Joshua Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2018 19:17
From: Patrick Marr
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

I didn't chime in earlier because you had already expressed dissatisfaction with the Epsom WF-7610, but I have a WF-7510 and it has been great.  Very rarely miss-feeds and the printer heads never clog.  If you are having miss-feed problems, you might 1. fan the paper before you load the machine to break apart any sheets that are stuck together, and 2. clean the rollers with rubbing alcohol to remove any gunk or lint that might affect their traction.  My printer is over 5 years old.I love the large capacity black cartridge and the 12 x 18 sheet capability.

best of luck,
patrick

------------------------------
Patrick Marr AIA
Patrick Marr, PE, AIA
Santa Barbara CA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:24
From: Joshua Allison
Subject: Anyone Using a Xerox Versalink 7000 series printer (laser multifunction)

For my small office, an 11x17 multifunction printer is an important tool since most of my Schematic Design presentations are done in 11x17 format.  To date, I have been relying on the multifunction inkjet printers available from the big box stores.  I have had Brother and Epson printers- currently an Epson WF 7620.  My experience with these is that they work fine for a few months or maybe a year, then the print quality starts to deteriorate and the problems begin.  My current Epson is constantly jamming every other print and the output has lines that no amount of head cleaning, ink replacement has been able to fix.  It's time to replace the WF-7620.  I am tired of the disposable printer approach so started looking for something more substantial and reliable- and preferably a laser since I think part of my problems stem from the fact that I am not printing every day (everything I have read says inkjets don't like to not be used).

As soon as I started looking for a laser multifunction with 11x17 color capability, it became clear there are not a lot of choices and I was going to be looking at a more significant investment.  I visited and demo'd a Xerox dealer and was very impressed with their Versalink 7020.  Curious if anyone has any real world experience with this machine?  Or are there other solutions to the disposable $300 big box printer that you would recommend?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Josh Allison AIA
Josh Allison Architecture
Charlotte NC
------------------------------