Q: Tractor feed printer

For many years I've printed fan-fold address labels on an Epson 1520 each week for my newspaper, using an AppleWorks database file. I know, a lot of archaic practices here. The printer is no longer working. I got through this week by saving the formatted address file as a PDF and feeding the pages into an InDesign file, then printing on a laser printer. It works, but it's a very cumbersome process and I end up with short strips instead of a long roll that's used with my archaic label gluing device.

After much research, I've learned there are apparently no longer any continuous-feed printers made for the Mac. One Lexmark model might work, but the cost is about $1,700 and has what I thought were archaic serial and parellel connections.

Before I break down and buy a PC to use once a week (hmmm, how will I get my AppleWorks file to that? A PDF?) I'm wondering if anyone has an idea that I haven't yet considered.

Posted on Feb 23, 2012 11:35 AM

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Q: Tractor feed printer

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by Barry,

Barry Feb 23, 2012 12:58 PM in response to doivey
Level 7 (32,721 points)

iWork

Feb 23, 2012 12:58 PM in response to doivey

Hi doivey,

You might check out the DYMO Labelwriter series.

These are inkless printers, which makes the label stock a touch expensive. There are lower cost alternatives to the DYMO branded label rolls.

We're using the DYMO 450 to print spine labels for items in a (small) public library. Running off PCs, but DYMO hs Mac drivers available as well.

Regards,
Barry
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by doivey,

doivey Feb 23, 2012 6:17 PM in response to Barry
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Feb 23, 2012 6:17 PM in response to Barry

They look like great little printers, Barry, but I really need a plain paper device. It would be really expensive using their paper for all the labels I print.
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by mns579,

mns579 Feb 24, 2012 4:49 AM in response to doivey
Level 4 (1,155 points)

Feb 24, 2012 4:49 AM in response to doivey

There's a used Epson 1520 currently for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $19.99 (plus $22.95 shipping). For the cost of a couple of ink cartridges, it could be worth the gamble.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EPSON-STYLUS-COLOR-1520-LARGE-FORMAT-PRINTER-WIDE-/20071 8389357?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebbbf906d#ht_4310wt_811
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by doivey,

doivey Feb 24, 2012 6:40 AM in response to mns579
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Feb 24, 2012 6:40 AM in response to mns579

Thanks for the eBay suggestion. I don't think that printer was listed on eBay when checked a week or so ago.

I'm also considering a move forward via this post:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3176164

and keeping the warning listed here in mind:

http://www.epson.co.uk/Printers-and-All-In-Ones/Dot-Matrix/Epson-LQ-590/Drivers- Support?target=article&extn=.html&articleId=1193
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by doivey,

doivey Mar 2, 2012 10:01 AM in response to doivey
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Mar 2, 2012 10:01 AM in response to doivey

I lost out in the auction, but I moved into the present instead of returning to the past via a defunct printer. I bought the Epson LQ-590 and it works great with the generic Epson 24-pin driver using OS 10.6.8.
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Q: Tractor feed printer

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by Barry,

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by mns579,

by doivey,

by doivey,

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