Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (5)

Ryobi vs. AB Dick: Which small-format press is simpler to operate?
February 8, 2008

I recently lost my experienced pressman. Should I sell a paid-for Ryobi 3302 and get an easy-to-run AB Dick that I can use with my poly plate system? Or should I purchase a metal plate system for the 3302? Metal is needed because the poly plates stretch. The only thing I'm running on the 3302 are envelopes. I have a Heidelberg 46 for the majority of my work.

Answer: Actually, most pressmen I've spoken with think the Ryobi 3302 is an easy press to run. If you are going to use the press for primarily envelopes, then you do need an envelope feeder. The envelope feeders work extremely well and eliminate many press stops. Polyester plates work well for smaller presses. Do they stretch? Yes, but on an envelope I doubt that you would see it unless you're running tight register 4-color work, in which case you should not be doing it in small format. Hope that helps.

Readers, please e-mail your questions to Ray.

Posted by Ray Prince on February 8, 2008 | Comments (5)