Sporty-Tex Should we give it a go?

eetherman · March 26th, 2012, 10:14 PM

So let me start by saying I have spoke with Mr. Barnes. I know there is allot of mixed feelings about the way he does business. I also know that a loss of a sale in such a small community of manufacturers can really get blood boiling. This is why for many years now I have grown to respect the Bergmann group and the way they do and operate their business.
My business in the last 6 months has grown astronomically and we are in the the market for a new machine. Unfortunately new is not an option since I will not settle for anything less than a 10 color. We currently run a 6/8 Tuf Javelin and I absolutely love the machine, perfect for runs between 24 and 200 pieces. It was manufactured in 94 with a 28" stoke, rod-less cylinders and personally built by Phil Ritz himself, a guy that's been around since the beginning. Fortunately runs are larger and we need to speed up the process, so at least a servo index is needed. If by some miracle in the next 3 months a good Progressive machine hits the market, I will buy it, but that is highly unlikely. So I contacted Barnes in regards to the Sporty-Tex BETA machines.
I feel that my operation is perfect for this type of testing, and may offer us the ability to obtain what looks like could be a quality machine for a fair price. I know there is some harsh views on a another foreign manufacturer entering the US market but lets face it we are in the global era. I also am aware of a possibility of the machines being a complete wreck but more so than the Printex I feel that China and its manufacturing will figure out the issues and fix them as needed. Barnes has made it evident that these machines aren't perfect and there will be issues and I completely understand issues will arise as nothing new is perfect.
My question is, set aside the rumors and allegations or if possible remove the Barnes name from the picture. Is bringing a new BETA machine into an already successful growing business a smart move? We can still maintain workflow if the press for some reason stops functioning. Or is it a good idea to sit and wait for that ever so unlikely deal to come?

Any input would be appreciated, accept for the Barnes ripped me off crap.
Read it a 1000 times already.
Thanks

Prosperi-Tees · March 26th, 2012, 10:27 PM

I would welcome a Sporty-Tex in my shop as we are preparing for a shop expansion soon but to be honest I would want the machine on my floor and running before any moneys were wired or exchanged hands. Any issues with money money like the others have experienced would certainly cripple me as I dont have the kind of cash flow that some have.

On another note eetherman I also run a 6/8 javelin. Would you mind sharing some pics with me? Particulary the setting for the squeegee/flood? It seems I cant get it just right, either my flood is to light and print is to heavy or my flood is heavy and print to heavy, I cant seem to find a happy medium. If you could help it would be really appreciated.

eetherman · March 26th, 2012, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prosperi-Tees

I would welcome a Sporty-Tex in my shop as we are preparing for a shop expansion soon but to be honest I would want the machine on my floor and running before any moneys were wired or exchanged hands. Any issues with money money like the others have experienced would certainly cripple me as I dont have the kind of cash flow that some have.

On another note eetherman I also run a 6/8 javelin. Would you mind sharing some pics with me? Particulary the setting for the squeegee/flood? It seems I cant get it just right, either my flood is to light and print is to heavy or my flood is heavy and print to heavy, I cant seem to find a happy medium. If you could help it would be really appreciated.

What is the distance between bottom of the squeegee track to the mesh of your screen?

Prosperi-Tees · March 26th, 2012, 10:36 PM

I will have to measure tomorrow at the shop. Are you thinking I should lower the hangers?

pushing ink · March 26th, 2012, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eetherman

So let me start by saying I have spoke with Mr. Barnes. I know there is allot of mixed feelings about the way he does business. I also know that a loss of a sale in such a small community of manufacturers can really get blood boiling. This is why for many years now I have grown to respect the Bergmann group and the way they do and operate their business.
My business in the last 6 months has grown astronomically and we are in the the market for a new machine. Unfortunately new is not an option since I will not settle for anything less than a 10 color. We currently run a 6/8 Tuf Javelin and I absolutely love the machine, perfect for runs between 24 and 200 pieces. It was manufactured in 94 with a 28" stoke, rod-less cylinders and personally built by Phil Ritz himself, a guy that's been around since the beginning. Fortunately runs are larger and we need to speed up the process, so at least a servo index is needed. If by some miracle in the next 3 months a good Progressive machine hits the market, I will buy it, but that is highly unlikely. So I contacted Barnes in regards to the Sporty-Tex BETA machines.
I feel that my operation is perfect for this type of testing, and may offer us the ability to obtain what looks like could be a quality machine for a fair price. I know there is some harsh views on a another foreign manufacturer entering the US market but lets face it we are in the global era. I also am aware of a possibility of the machines being a complete wreck but more so than the Printex I feel that China and its manufacturing will figure out the issues and fix them as needed. Barnes has made it evident that these machines aren't perfect and there will be issues and I completely understand issues will arise as nothing new is perfect.
My question is, set aside the rumors and allegations or if possible remove the Barnes name from the picture. Is bringing a new BETA machine into an already successful growing business a smart move? We can still maintain workflow if the press for some reason stops functioning. Or is it a good idea to sit and wait for that ever so unlikely deal to come?

Any input would be appreciated, accept for the Barnes ripped me off crap.
Read it a 1000 times already.
Thanks

I will sell you a printex 10 color cheap!
Do not get ride of that Javelin if you have room for 2 presses , it is a good press and would make a nice 2nd one! We doubled in size in one year and were running 4 auto's, not at the same time usally but it was nice to leave kid boards on or sleeve boards. When you have one auto and there is a problem, you will realize how much manual printing sucks. Keeping the Javelin would be a smart move even after you buy another press, you can always sell the Javelin later those presses sell fast and Phil at Workhorse is a great guy.

Prosperi-Tees · March 26th, 2012, 10:43 PM

I was also debating when I expand to keep the Jav around. I would have enough room for it, I just wouldn't have enough dryer capacity to run both.

californiadreamin · March 26th, 2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eetherman

So let me start by saying I have spoke with Mr. Barnes. I know there is allot of mixed feelings about the way he does business. I also know that a loss of a sale in such a small community of manufacturers can really get blood boiling. This is why for many years now I have grown to respect the Bergmann group and the way they do and operate their business.
My business in the last 6 months has grown astronomically and we are in the the market for a new machine. Unfortunately new is not an option since I will not settle for anything less than a 10 color. We currently run a 6/8 Tuf Javelin and I absolutely love the machine, perfect for runs between 24 and 200 pieces. It was manufactured in 94 with a 28" stoke, rod-less cylinders and personally built by Phil Ritz himself, a guy that's been around since the beginning. Fortunately runs are larger and we need to speed up the process, so at least a servo index is needed. If by some miracle in the next 3 months a good Progressive machine hits the market, I will buy it, but that is highly unlikely. So I contacted Barnes in regards to the Sporty-Tex BETA machines.
I feel that my operation is perfect for this type of testing, and may offer us the ability to obtain what looks like could be a quality machine for a fair price. I know there is some harsh views on a another foreign manufacturer entering the US market but lets face it we are in the global era. I also am aware of a possibility of the machines being a complete wreck but more so than the Printex I feel that China and its manufacturing will figure out the issues and fix them as needed. Barnes has made it evident that these machines aren't perfect and there will be issues and I completely understand issues will arise as nothing new is perfect.
My question is, set aside the rumors and allegations or if possible remove the Barnes name from the picture. Is bringing a new BETA machine into an already successful growing business a smart move? We can still maintain workflow if the press for some reason stops functioning. Or is it a good idea to sit and wait for that ever so unlikely deal to come?

Any input would be appreciated, accept for the Barnes ripped me off crap.
Read it a 1000 times already.
Thanks

If you have read all that has been written about all the happy customers
out there in printland, and you EVEN have the thought, about this purchase,
then by all means, YOU are the perfect candidate! Congratulations! I Really
Mean It!.I thought I have seen it all !!!!!!
Is that positive enough?

pushing ink · March 26th, 2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prosperi-Tees

I was also debating when I expand to keep the Jav around. I would have enough room for it, I just wouldn't have enough dryer capacity to run both.

Keep it!

eetherman · March 26th, 2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pushing ink

I will sell you a printex 10 color cheap!
Do not get ride of that Javelin if you have room for 2 presses , it is a good press and would make a nice 2nd one! We doubled in size in one year and were running 4 auto's, not at the same time usally but it was nice to leave kid boards on or sleeve boards. When you have one auto and there is a problem, you will realize how much manual printing sucks. Keeping the Javelin would be a smart move even after you buy another press, you can always sell the Javelin later those presses sell fast and Phil at Workhorse is a great guy.

The jav is staying. Just need a 2nd press. Why are you getting rid of the printex?

eetherman · March 26th, 2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prosperi-Tees

I will have to measure tomorrow at the shop. Are you thinking I should lower the hangers?

Not sure, but a fraction of an inch difference in distance will drastically change your settings. So if i were to show you pics of my machine it probably would be the same as your machine.