I gave away my Epson conversion and ordered an Epson F170 to replace it. The F170 is an actual sublimation printer - so no fooling around with all the stuff with the hack. I purchased my F170 from AA Printing - it cost $399 and shipped free; came with full-size refills, and is covered by an Epson warranty. The Epson ink refills are only $25 each. AA has terrific customer service; they actually called me to tell me they were shipping my printer. The shipping was fast and they followed up to make sure that I had received my order. There is a mid-range option.
I'm glad it works for you! I don't have one myself but I cover it in the linked blog post. My biggest hangup with the Epson is that as far as I understand it doesn't have an automatic cleaning cycle-I go through using mine in fits and spurts and I struggled to keep my Epson EcoTank unclogged. I also had a friend who had a bad experience Epson when it came to theirs, but working with a distributor might be better! Thanks for the insight!
How do you like it in comparison? I'm looking into the F170. My concern right now is the DPI is 25% of the ET-4760 that comes highly recommended. Although, I'll be honest: it seems like everyone endorses the EcoTank they have haha
Also, reading the other comments: does it have a waste tank and/or automatic print head cleaning cycle? Have you had any issues with clogging? There's only 1 place to get it in my State so it would be a 250 mile drive in addition to the cost (they won't ship it). If it's the right printer for the right job, I'd rather get that. The ink (for now) seems cheaper, BUT that doesn't mean it doesn't use a massive amount of ink (comparably). I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it to wait a couple more months and save up for the Sawgrass or get to work with the F170 😩
@@OGimouse1 I know your comment was directed to the Carole, but I'll chime in and say the F170 doesn't have an automatic cleaning cycle or a waste tank that's easy to replace. :) I'll let her speak to the other questions.
@@OGimouse1 Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions. I fell and cracked my ribs and, just about the time I was finally healing, was exposed to COVID. I'm finally feeling better. To be honest, I haven't used my new printer that much with all the stuff going on. The reasons I purchased the Epson F170 are 1) my everyday printer is an Epson Eco-Tank (I love it, I'm familiar with Epson and it is very dependable - I would happily buy it again; 2) Angie Holden has given it a wonderful review - she mentions the fact that, by using Epson ink and paper, the colors are true and beautiful without worrying about ICCs or making other color corrections. There is no real learning curve. Plus, it is covered by Epson Customer Service and the Epson warranty. I think the important question to ask yourself is how much you will use the sublimation printer you decide to purchase and which printer you will be more comfortable with. Personally, I craft as a hobby. If you do decide to purchase the Epson, AA has three warehouses across the country and they shipped very quickly. I received mine within a couple of days.
Same issue. I had to purchase another epson for the same reason. I do not sublimate often but tired of having to replace my printer when I do get ready to do a project. Buying a Sawgrass, if I don’t have no worries, I rather invest the money instead of the time. Thanks for you for your review.
Thank you for this. I didn't use my eco tank for about 9 months needless to say nothing would unclog those nozzles and heads. I just threw it away and am waiting for my sawgrass. I subscribed to your channel and will be coming back to see what I can see, 😀thanks.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I've seen those in action looking at them also...and the ep8500/8550 and 15000 to convert to sublimation heard good things about them with no problems etc etc
@@fevermuzik4101 Honestly, I'd get a sublimation-specific printer, mostly based on the comments I get on this video: ruclips.net/video/Ovme3bSJxe0/видео.html
Such a great review. Sometimes ❤❤ you just have to pay more to have peace of mind and happier empotions. When you have an urgent project, clogging is unwelcomed.
I think the color management has more to do with the ink than with printer. I converted and Epson Ecotank and Printers Jack ink for Epson printers and have had no problems at all.
I also have an Epson that worked great until I stopped using it for a month. I've spent days trying to repair it and it's trash bound at this point. If I grab another it'll be a Sawgrass, thank you for the video.
0:17 I have an epson low end Epson and hacked to. Sub printer. Haven’t had any real problems. The price on SG was too good to pass up. Had it for two years. 😊
If you can get your colors right with the Epson, the results are similar. Here's one I made with my Epson: heyletsmakestuff.com/how-to-sublimate-a-tumbler/ And one I made with my Sawgrass: heyletsmakestuff.com/sublimation-ornaments-ceramic-wood-and-metal/
There are special sublimation printer drivers for the ESPON EcoTank available. They should fix the color issues. I never ever would spend the totaly crazy ink prices for the Sawgrass.
I have a whole video on how to use ICC profiles. Problem is, sometimes they don't work and people don't want to have to cycle their printers weekly to prevent clogging. So the Sawgrass is a good choice for some folks.
Sorry, yes, I wasn't clear. The Epson does have a waste tank for when you do print head cleanings. The Sawgrass is designed to do those cleanings automatically so the waste tank is replaced more often. I don't know many people who have actually replaced an Epson waste tank, but I'm sure it happens.
No, I don't have an F170 so I haven't been able to do a comparison. I do know that while it's a sublimation-specific printer and you should get good color out of it, it doesn't have the automatic maintenance cycle like the Sawgrass does.
Clearer than fresh clear water. Thank you very much. You went straight to the point, fantastic. Just a question though, how long can you stay without printing with a sawgrass. Would it clog after 2 weeks of no printing. ?
Glad you found it helpful! If your Sawgrass is plugged in and turned on, it runs a small cleaning cycle every day, pushing just a bit of ink through the lines to keep it from clogging.
It really depends on the number of prints, the size of your prints, and the ink density. I've had mine for quite a few months and I print often and I still have ink. But I understand it's expensive!
Great video! I was looking at your videos to see if you had any recommendations for a heat press but I didn't see any. Do you have any advice on a heat press (prices, quality, etc)
Hi Corrie, I was referred to your channel by Angie Holden. I’m in desperate need of any help from either you or your subscribers. I use a Mac with my Sawgrass 500 and around 3 months ago my images started to print to small for some reason! No idea why but I’ve tried everything and nothings fixing this problem. I’m literally stuck and have been since this problem started. I can make some things but tumbler sizes and anything larger I cannot because of the incorrect smaller print sizing. 😩 I am so upset with this. Sawgrass printers are great until they’re NOT anymore. Im close to just buying an Epson and converting it but my Sawgrass was a lot of money and not even that old! ANY help is so much appreciated!!! ❤
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I am. I have and they’ve said it’s a communication error between macs printer communication and sawgrass. They said it’s only happening on a Mac. I’ve read posts where people were complaining of the same problem happening years ago so I don’t personally think it’s on Macs end. (Macs are pretty good with their softwares and being up to date, etc. I really can’t see it being on Macs end as far as them having difficulty reading a sawgrass driver. Which is what I’m guessing is happening. Sawgrass has an article posted about it on their site and they said to add 1.04 to both of your measurements to make up for the sizing shortage. However last I tried doing this my sawgrass was STILL printing to small. It’s beyond frustrating. What’s worse is I haven’t found anyone else complaining about this besides me🤦🏼♀️ (Other than the older post I found which was years ago where a bunch of others complained of the exact problem happening.)
Something like this? www.heattransferwarehouse.com/epson-surecolor-f570-24-sublimation-printer-paper-and-ink-bundle/?aff=28 (at that size, it's going to be expensive!).
It really depends on the types of prints you're doing. Full-color full-page patterns will use way more ink thank small designs to go on a mug for example.
It doesn't work well for documents-the color will be dull (even just black). You could probably use it here and there but I wouldn't use it if you needed a lot of prints.
I don't have one so I can't really comment on it! I know it doesn't have the automatic cleaning cycle. I think Angie from the Country Chic Cottage may have a video for it.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff It does not have an "automatic" cleaning cycle - Under 'SC-F100 Series Printing Preferences - Maintenance you will find buttons for Print Head Nozzle Check; Print Head Cleaning; and Power Cleaning.
@@carolebass4582 Correct, like the other Epson printers. The Sawgrass has the auto clean, which is nice because sublimation ink tends to clog printer heads if you don't use it or clean it regularly. I've ruined an Epson printer because I didn't use it enough, unfortunately!
They shouldn't! The SG500 has an automatic cleaning process once a day that pushes a little ink through the lines to prevent clogging. Your printer does need to remain on, of course, for this function to work.
For the Sawgrass, there are two options-their Sublijet and the Easy Subli. The main difference is that the Easy Subli has an extra drying agent in it which allows it to be used with Siser's Easy Subli heat transfer sheets for use on cotton and dark fabrics. I'd go with the Easy Subli (that's what is in my machine) if you're trying to choose, because it just gives you a bit more you can do with your printer :)
This is a tough question. Depends on how ink heavy your prints are, how big your prints are, and how often you are printing. For example, if you print less often, your Sawgrass will do the maintenance cycle and use some of the ink. So there's no good way to say how many prints you'll get. I've had mine for a while and I still have 50% for each of my tanks.
To start, I don't have an F170! Second, as far as I understand it, the F170 doesn't have an automatic cleaning cycle and you still need to print regularly to keep the print heads clean. I do have the F170 featured in my printer comparison, linked in the description.
I gave away my Epson conversion and ordered an Epson F170 to replace it. The F170 is an actual sublimation printer - so no fooling around with all the stuff with the hack. I purchased my F170 from AA Printing - it cost $399 and shipped free; came with full-size refills, and is covered by an Epson warranty. The Epson ink refills are only $25 each. AA has terrific customer service; they actually called me to tell me they were shipping my printer. The shipping was fast and they followed up to make sure that I had received my order. There is a mid-range option.
I'm glad it works for you! I don't have one myself but I cover it in the linked blog post. My biggest hangup with the Epson is that as far as I understand it doesn't have an automatic cleaning cycle-I go through using mine in fits and spurts and I struggled to keep my Epson EcoTank unclogged. I also had a friend who had a bad experience Epson when it came to theirs, but working with a distributor might be better! Thanks for the insight!
How do you like it in comparison? I'm looking into the F170. My concern right now is the DPI is 25% of the ET-4760 that comes highly recommended. Although, I'll be honest: it seems like everyone endorses the EcoTank they have haha
Also, reading the other comments: does it have a waste tank and/or automatic print head cleaning cycle? Have you had any issues with clogging?
There's only 1 place to get it in my State so it would be a 250 mile drive in addition to the cost (they won't ship it). If it's the right printer for the right job, I'd rather get that. The ink (for now) seems cheaper, BUT that doesn't mean it doesn't use a massive amount of ink (comparably).
I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it to wait a couple more months and save up for the Sawgrass or get to work with the F170 😩
@@OGimouse1 I know your comment was directed to the Carole, but I'll chime in and say the F170 doesn't have an automatic cleaning cycle or a waste tank that's easy to replace. :) I'll let her speak to the other questions.
@@OGimouse1 Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions. I fell and cracked my ribs and, just about the time I was finally healing, was exposed to COVID. I'm finally feeling better.
To be honest, I haven't used my new printer that much with all the stuff going on. The reasons I purchased the Epson F170 are 1) my everyday printer is an Epson Eco-Tank (I love it, I'm familiar with Epson and it is very dependable - I would happily buy it again; 2) Angie Holden has given it a wonderful review - she mentions the fact that, by using Epson ink and paper, the colors are true and beautiful without worrying about ICCs or making other color corrections. There is no real learning curve. Plus, it is covered by Epson Customer Service and the Epson warranty.
I think the important question to ask yourself is how much you will use the sublimation printer you decide to purchase and which printer you will be more comfortable with. Personally, I craft as a hobby.
If you do decide to purchase the Epson, AA has three warehouses across the country and they shipped very quickly. I received mine within a couple of days.
Same issue. I had to purchase another epson for the same reason. I do not sublimate often but tired of having to replace my printer when I do get ready to do a project. Buying a Sawgrass, if I don’t have no worries, I rather invest the money instead of the time. Thanks for you for your review.
Exactly! And they have great support if you do have a problem.
Thank you for this! I've been debating about this exact subject! Looks like I'll be getting a Sawgrass!
Glad you found the video helpful in making your decision!
Thank you for this. I didn't use my eco tank for about 9 months needless to say nothing would unclog those nozzles and heads. I just threw it away and am waiting for my sawgrass. I subscribed to your channel and will be coming back to see what I can see, 😀thanks.
Honestly I never use my EcoTank anymore...the Sawgrass is 100% fewer headaches. You'll love it!
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Thank you for confirming my purchase.
I wanna jump into sublimation printing for T-shirt etc etc but that sawgrass ink price its crazy....
You can also look at the Epson F150 and the Brother S1 :)
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I've seen those in action looking at them also...and the ep8500/8550 and 15000 to convert to sublimation heard good things about them with no problems etc etc
@@fevermuzik4101 Honestly, I'd get a sublimation-specific printer, mostly based on the comments I get on this video: ruclips.net/video/Ovme3bSJxe0/видео.html
Such a great review. Sometimes ❤❤ you just have to pay more to have peace of mind and happier empotions. When you have an urgent project, clogging is unwelcomed.
I completely agree!
I think the color management has more to do with the ink than with printer. I converted and Epson Ecotank and Printers Jack ink for Epson printers and have had no problems at all.
Maybe, but I've had sooo many people struggle with the Printers Jack ink as well.
I also have an Epson that worked great until I stopped using it for a month. I've spent days trying to repair it and it's trash bound at this point. If I grab another it'll be a Sawgrass, thank you for the video.
Oh no! It's such a bummer. I'm sorry it's not working for you!
I ordered a refurbished SG500 with ink installed for 299 and free shipping. 🤞🏻
Awesome! Hope you love it!
0:17 I have an epson low end Epson and hacked to. Sub printer. Haven’t had any real problems. The price on SG was too good to pass up. Had it for two years. 😊
Really well done video! Direct and to the point. I subscribed today!
Welcome! So glad you found it helpful! :)
Can you provide an example from each printer?
If you can get your colors right with the Epson, the results are similar.
Here's one I made with my Epson: heyletsmakestuff.com/how-to-sublimate-a-tumbler/
And one I made with my Sawgrass: heyletsmakestuff.com/sublimation-ornaments-ceramic-wood-and-metal/
There are special sublimation printer drivers for the ESPON EcoTank available. They should fix the color issues. I never ever would spend the totaly crazy ink prices for the Sawgrass.
I have a whole video on how to use ICC profiles. Problem is, sometimes they don't work and people don't want to have to cycle their printers weekly to prevent clogging. So the Sawgrass is a good choice for some folks.
Epson Ecotank does have a waste tank. I have the 3850 and it has one
Sorry, yes, I wasn't clear. The Epson does have a waste tank for when you do print head cleanings. The Sawgrass is designed to do those cleanings automatically so the waste tank is replaced more often. I don't know many people who have actually replaced an Epson waste tank, but I'm sure it happens.
Have you compared the Epson F170 sublimation specific printer with the Sawgrass sublimation printer?
No, I don't have an F170 so I haven't been able to do a comparison. I do know that while it's a sublimation-specific printer and you should get good color out of it, it doesn't have the automatic maintenance cycle like the Sawgrass does.
Clearer than fresh clear water. Thank you very much. You went straight to the point, fantastic.
Just a question though, how long can you stay without printing with a sawgrass. Would it clog after 2 weeks of no printing. ?
Glad you found it helpful! If your Sawgrass is plugged in and turned on, it runs a small cleaning cycle every day, pushing just a bit of ink through the lines to keep it from clogging.
How often would I need to buy ink for the sawgrass
It really depends on the number of prints, the size of your prints, and the ink density. I've had mine for quite a few months and I print often and I still have ink. But I understand it's expensive!
Great video! I was looking at your videos to see if you had any recommendations for a heat press but I didn't see any. Do you have any advice on a heat press (prices, quality, etc)
I have a whole video about heat presses here: ruclips.net/video/oPa7Dq-F0bI/видео.html
Hi Corrie, I was referred to your channel by Angie Holden. I’m in desperate need of any help from either you or your subscribers. I use a Mac with my Sawgrass 500 and around 3 months ago my images started to print to small for some reason! No idea why but I’ve tried everything and nothings fixing this problem. I’m literally stuck and have been since this problem started. I can make some things but tumbler sizes and anything larger I cannot because of the incorrect smaller print sizing. 😩 I am so upset with this. Sawgrass printers are great until they’re NOT anymore. Im close to just buying an Epson and converting it but my Sawgrass was a lot of money and not even that old! ANY help is so much appreciated!!! ❤
Are you using the Sawgrass software? Have you talked to one of their service folks?
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I am. I have and they’ve said it’s a communication error between macs printer communication and sawgrass. They said it’s only happening on a Mac. I’ve read posts where people were complaining of the same problem happening years ago so I don’t personally think it’s on Macs end. (Macs are pretty good with their softwares and being up to date, etc. I really can’t see it being on Macs end as far as them having difficulty reading a sawgrass driver. Which is what I’m guessing is happening. Sawgrass has an article posted about it on their site and they said to add 1.04 to both of your measurements to make up for the sizing shortage. However last I tried doing this my sawgrass was STILL printing to small. It’s beyond frustrating. What’s worse is I haven’t found anyone else complaining about this besides me🤦🏼♀️ (Other than the older post I found which was years ago where a bunch of others complained of the exact problem happening.)
I'm trying to find a sublimation printer that can print 20-24" wide transfers... you wouldn't happen to have a suggestion for that would you?
Something like this? www.heattransferwarehouse.com/epson-surecolor-f570-24-sublimation-printer-paper-and-ink-bundle/?aff=28 (at that size, it's going to be expensive!).
@@HeyLetsMakeStuffYeah! I sort of figured, I was just finding a lot that capped at 13" or were not 'true sublimation printers'.
@@dragames Definitely, if you want a real sublimation printer at that size...it's gonna cost you! :)
@@HeyLetsMakeStuffWe're debating on that. It might actually be doable for what we're planning.
Sawgrass How many sheets can you print per change cartridge?
It really depends on the types of prints you're doing. Full-color full-page patterns will use way more ink thank small designs to go on a mug for example.
great video! any dithering or grainy prints with the swagrass?
I haven't noticed any! My prints have been really high quality.
Hi, I'm new in your channel. Can I use a printer for sublimation for printing document too or only for sublimation?
Thanks.
It doesn't work well for documents-the color will be dull (even just black). You could probably use it here and there but I wouldn't use it if you needed a lot of prints.
What about the Epson sublimation printer.
I don't have one so I can't really comment on it! I know it doesn't have the automatic cleaning cycle. I think Angie from the Country Chic Cottage may have a video for it.
Thanks for the info. Will check it out.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff It does not have an "automatic" cleaning cycle - Under 'SC-F100 Series Printing Preferences - Maintenance you will find buttons for Print Head Nozzle Check; Print Head Cleaning; and Power Cleaning.
@@carolebass4582 Correct, like the other Epson printers. The Sawgrass has the auto clean, which is nice because sublimation ink tends to clog printer heads if you don't use it or clean it regularly. I've ruined an Epson printer because I didn't use it enough, unfortunately!
Do the lines dry up and get spotty when not in use for a while with the SG500?
They shouldn't! The SG500 has an automatic cleaning process once a day that pushes a little ink through the lines to prevent clogging. Your printer does need to remain on, of course, for this function to work.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff perfect thank you for your response.
Oh, I did have a question. I see on the HPN website they offer 2 different ink choices. What’s the different?
For the Sawgrass, there are two options-their Sublijet and the Easy Subli. The main difference is that the Easy Subli has an extra drying agent in it which allows it to be used with Siser's Easy Subli heat transfer sheets for use on cotton and dark fabrics. I'd go with the Easy Subli (that's what is in my machine) if you're trying to choose, because it just gives you a bit more you can do with your printer :)
How many prints can you get out of the Sawgrass ink?
This is a tough question. Depends on how ink heavy your prints are, how big your prints are, and how often you are printing. For example, if you print less often, your Sawgrass will do the maintenance cycle and use some of the ink. So there's no good way to say how many prints you'll get. I've had mine for a while and I still have 50% for each of my tanks.
Kinda hard to hear you.
Sorry about that! I got a new microphone in my newer videos, but unfortunately there's no help for the older videos.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff It's OK. 😊
why not make the comparison with a real Sublimation Print like a F170 which have automatic cleaning cycle…?
To start, I don't have an F170! Second, as far as I understand it, the F170 doesn't have an automatic cleaning cycle and you still need to print regularly to keep the print heads clean. I do have the F170 featured in my printer comparison, linked in the description.
@@DiscreetPete5050 hmm, this didn’t come across as arrogant at all. Her answer was very helpful and informative.
@@DiscreetPete5050 I think you've assumed a tone that isn't there. I just read it as a straight-forward, factual response.
@@DiscreetPete5050 that was weird