Arts and Textiles Studio and Design Lab

The Versacamm SP540 printer plotter – getting it running and implementing a maintenance routine.

Myself, Hunter, Nicholas and who knows who else (thanks all for the efforts) have spent prodigious time over the last few years trying to get it to run normally. The problem seems to be that the machine needs to be run every few days or so (even if its just a few Makerspace decals) to keep it from freezing up.

This machine, when running properly is very popular in any Makerspace; its does it all in terms of printing and vinyl cutting on a variety of media, including vinyl, mylar, vehicle wrap, banner, table cloth, canvass, etc.

It is worth the time and expense to get it running and keep it running.

Recommendations:

1)Have professional service technician in to get it running. This might cost a few $100, but would get it done properly and set the stage for success.

2)Implement service schedule, regular use (I will coordinate that)

3)Assess consumables plan

4)Make 101 video for running machine (I can do that)

5)Do a Members 101 workshop (or maybe a Weds demo) every once in a while

Anyway, its on my radar; I've been away from volunteering but am now able to ease back into it.

Vaughn

www.vaughnwarren.com

I am definitely interested in getting up to speed on using this machine. It sounds like it would be worth offering an at-cost sticker printing service to other clubs and non profits to create sticker demand over what MS needs. the Industrial sewing machine also has a similar need to be run, so perhaps they could be put on the same maintenance schedule. (it just needs to go full out for a minute every week)

As far as being worth the effort, that's something that can really only assessed after the fact, but I would be interested in exploring the machine's capabilities and learning how to use it for sure.

WRT to 101 videos, I would also like to make some for sewing machine threading, after getting up close and personal with some of the user induced error states in the craftorium, it's definitely a need.

RE: Design lab

Vaughn,

Thank you for your interest in improving the design lab! However we already have a sponsor and a plan in place to make improvements to the design lab. Also regarding some of your recommendations, the idea of providing consumables has been a longstanding goal of the makerspace we hope to make a reality soon. Due to previous issues around consumables we are formulating a policy to address this issue.

We are excited to be announcing our sponsors soon! This sponsorship presents a viable and sustainable solution for enhancing the functionality of the design lab and other rooms.

All the best,

Bailey

Hi Bailey,

Awesome! Glad to hear of plans in the works.

The technician for that machine is out of Kelowna; he visits Kamloops regularly and would be able to get the machine running:

Jamie Meyer

CanCADD

250 870-3668

Thanks for your efforts on behalf the Makerspace.

Vaughn

www.vaughnwarren.com

Hello,

Regarding the the computer that is now connected to the VersaCamm printer/plotter in the Design Lab:

I strongly recommend that the computer is labelled as 'VERSACAMM COMPUTER' and kept with the VersaCamm, as that box has the VersaCamm control software, drivers, CorelDRAW and files that are needed to operate the VersaCAMM machine if/when the machine is made to work again (Bailey has mentioned a plan for that in a post below).

Also, the bottom right drawer of the storage dresser in the Design Lab has all the spare bits and pieces for the VersaCamm, and those should also stay with the machine.

Vaughn

Vaughn

www.vaughnwarren.com

Good thought Vaughn