Cheap (and better) 2" to 3" spindle (core) adapters

[teddillard]

OK, I'm cheap.  But I hate those Epson core adapters, and if you need them they're like $60 on eBay.  This solution dawned on me today, I ran out and tried it, and it works like a champ.  No reason it wouldn't work on an HP either.  

Here's my post, but as soon as I figure out how to post the video here I'll do it: http://teddillard.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/epson-wide-format-2-to-3-core-adapter-hack/

[Ernst Dinkla]

One HP 44" spindle including the 3" adapters is 75 dollars.
A set of adapters 18 dollars.

Ernst, op de lei getypt.

[teddillard]

For $5 worth of weatherstripping and a used 2" core each, you can afford to adapt all the 3" cores you use frequently...  doing away with switching between the two entirely.  

(OK, I'm cheap and lazy...   )

[langier]

Great idea!

My 9800 came with a second spindle so I always had a back-up just in case. The newer 7900/9900 (and I'm guessing the 7880/9880) no longer uses spindles and the core adaptors handle both 2- and 3-inch cores. They make life so much easier, especially with 44 inch rolls.

Wish Epson thought of this years ago!

[teddillard]

Thank you sir!  The 9880 and 7880 still use the old spindles...  that's what I'm running here.  I agree, the new ones on the x990 series seem much better. 

(Still haven't figger'd out how to embed vids here...  oh well. )

[sm906]

Another way to workaround that pretty cheap and reliable for a long time, and I was using for years: Tecco papers are always delivered with 3" to 2" adapters (simple flat plastic tubes). If you buy a Tecco sample roll (typically 5 meters) you will be done with around 20$ or even cheaper, depending on the paper you have chosen. At least in Germany Tecco offers this very nice service of paper samples on rolls, but this should be available everywhere Tecco paper is being sold I guess.

Thomas

[philbaum]

Thank you Ted - Great idea!

[teddillard]

Had a thought in the wee hours* this morning.  If you have a 44" 3" core roll, you can adapt it simply by taking a 24" core adapter and cutting it in half.  One 12" adapter for both ends of the roll.  Should work just fine.




*Huh.  It just occurred to me.  This expression takes on a certain unintended significance once you reach my advanced age doesn't it?   

[irvweiner]

*   How true!!!!!

irv weiner