What Are Your Thoughts Or Experience About This Hot Foil Stamping Machine On Ebay?

[Sam Made]

Hi, im in the market for a hot foil stamping machine and this one fits the budget but i dont want to invest in something that doesn't work right or will break down after few uses. check it out here on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HOT-FOIL-STAMPING-MACHINE-TIPPER-STAMPER-PVC-CARD-ALBUM-p8-/200678564706?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb95fe362

Thanks in advance for your responses! - Sam

[Ferg]

We used a very large hot stamping machine in our business at one time. Air operated, automatic feed, with 8" x 6" stamping capacity. $6,000.

Be aware that I have no experience with this company or the machine in any way. Draw a rectangle on a piece of paper 2 3/8" x 3 1/2". That is maximum outline of your stamping area. More than likely it would stamp an area at least 1/4" TO 3/8" LESS ALL THE WAY AROUND. Now you have a machine that will stamp less than 2" x 3". Also, I doubt you could do much book cover stamping since the throat of the machine is very shallow. Don't go by the photos they include in their web site.

My most disconcerting aspect of this? They cannot translate to English very well which tells me it isn't much. I have seen machines similar in size that were essentially made in the USA for about the same money.

Recommendation from myself would be, save your pennies and get one of much better quality.

ferg

[WinterBear]

The first thought I have, and keep and mind that I've never seen a foil machine in person, is what the heck are you supposed to use for the impression? It doesn't seem to come with printers cuts/type, and there are no specs given for what you need to buy--as they don't apear to sell the pieces for that either?

Edited December 27, 2013 by WinterBear

[Sam Made]

thanks for the info guys. i want one to stamp a logo or a custom monogram for my customers onto my leather products. most of the kingsleys on ebay are vintage and I dont want to risk buy something that wont work or requires repair. is there anything out there you guys recommend?

[electrathon]

I have a hot foil machine and It works awsome, I just do not use the foil. Mine uses lead print type and I can get larger pieces (to a degree) under the throat.

[gordond]

sorry I can't vouch for this company, but had considered buying off them sometime ago- but their feedback put me off.And I wanted a machine where I could put in interchangeable typeset : - having the flexibility of changing typeset was a dealmaker for me.

this is something you may want to consider.[the amount of personalised items I was asked for did lend to getting a machine with this feature]

I have used large production hotprinters many years ago [9+ hour day use printing plastic bags and they were finnicky in their own way...had a guy there just to tune/fix them]

I purchased a Kingsley locally [@220V] at a very good price.then purchased a lot of Kingsley hot printer typeset off ebay.

I subsequently purchased 2 more hotprinters [Danish made?]locally and I am assured by an electrician that the heating unit is quite easy to repair if they ever need to be[hence not too pricey].But that hasn't been put to the test.

this one you are looking at looks cheap, but may be "OK".... however with this gear you get what you pay for and I would definitely want local tech support [and part availability]..but then; the price reflects that?.I just don't get how that this same gear is priced so wildly over ebay[looks like a rort on ebay's commissions with the varied shipping price]

[Sam Made]

thanks for the replys! i think im going with an arbor press and a stamp for now until i decide to invest more money into this.