Thermal Fax Machine

OK ive been tattooing for a number of years, mostly from home, but have decided its time to open a shop. As my client base will hopefully increase i was looking to get a thermal fax printer but im not really sure what one is. Every time i try to find one on the net i just get results for home telephone fax machines or thermal paper. I guess this isnt what i want but im not sure. Does anyone know where i can get one online? Hopefully pretty cheap. I wouldnt mind it being second hand. Thanks Guys

keep an eye on e-bay can find them between $650-$900 search 3m thermofax.

So this; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3M-THERMOFAX-4550-AGA-4550AGA-TRANSPARENCY-TATTOO-MAKER_W0QQitemZ220146216731QQihZ012QQcategoryZ33918QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem is what i want, but this; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Panasonic-KXF-2200-Thermal-Fax-Machine_W0QQitemZ160155353321QQihZ006QQcategoryZ3298QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem isnt! Right?

Thermofax Warning/ Scam! You will find several listings on ebay advertising 3M Thermofax machines as tattoo stencil machines. WARNING. Not every thermofax has the right power and lamp to produce a stencil with spirit paper. Things to look for: - Amperage higher than 12 Amp - That the bulb dones't look like a light bulb (ironic but yeah) it should look like a long thin tube. - If you find a thermo fax for under 200 (I've seen that the cheap ones or the ones with low bids are the thermofax that don't work for stencils) - Does the machine have Glass top with left up lid. These models will not produce a tattoo Stencil: 3M 149 3M 76AG 3M The Seventy 3M Copy-Mite 2 Hope this helps anyone trying to acquire one of these machines. FK. __________________ Fallen King Irons http://www.fkirons.com ............................................

Cheers FK that was pretty helpful.

You are welcome MSKLJFGKOJTFM. The other problem with those thermofax that are not 3M is that to get them serviced you need to ship them to europe at least the ones that are made in germany. Once these suppliers sell them to you, you are on your own with the manufacturer. I know that 3M thermo fax are a bit pricey, but you can find great deals by checking craigslist and even going to garage sales. Some people have them in their garage gathering dust.

we have a 3m thermo fax machine serial# 669519 model # 45fga and we are having a slight problem with it. the shut off switch is not working and when u run a stencil it does not shut off. i was hopeing someone could point me in the right direction for a place to get it serviced or buy replacement parts to fix it our selvesany input would be greatly appreaciated.

I have the same problem, I know this guy that fixes them, but you have to ship it to him. I think he is in new york. PM over tattooconnect.com and I'll give you his email.

I have a 3M I am not using , needs a little cleaning and possibly a new belt but it works. I paid $1000 for it but am willing to talk if you are serious. I would have to ship it so you would need to cover shipping as well. If you still need one drop me an email [email removed] and we can talk more.

Can u use a lamination machine???

I just purchased a 3m therm and its a 4550 model i believe. My problem is that when I run a stencil through it, it turns the whole stencil paper blue. I sped the machine up but even at the highest speed it still does the same. Does anyone know how to remedy this problem. Possibly lower the wattage the bulb is pushing out? I have noticed that this 3m moves a bit slower than the other 3ms I have used at the same speed settings. It has a long bulb btw

Are you putting the paper facing up in between the yellow back paper and the blue paper. Your paper should go in facing the see through paper up and the yellow back.

yup, Ive used the 3ms before at the shop I am at. I just purchases this machine since it was on craigslist for a good price.

I have the exact same model and am having the exact same problem, so I hope someone can figure it out.........

YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A XEROX COPY NOT A INKJET OR PEN COPY ALSO FEED IT THROUGH BETWEEN CLEAR FILM SHEETS TO KEEP YOUR BELT CLEAN AND SO IT WONT JAM UP, TRY THAT. NOT TO THICK ON THE FILM SHEETS..

man they are expensive and i am going thru the same process as u.if u find em let me know too please!

I have a 4550AGA 3M Thermal fax transparency machine with a burned out bulb. I was going to put it on e-bay soon, so if anyone is interested e-mail me.

I have a 3m machine and we inserted the flash and thermal paper and the unit stopped right in the middle with the paper still in the machine and the light on, it melted the belt. Light is still on. I was told the problem was that we did not let the machine warm up first, can you tell me if this is true? Thanks, Jay

I have a thermofax machine for sale in good working order for $500 dollars It's an extra that I don't need,as for your printing problem with fax paper burning thru...try using two or three blank pieces of paper under the design when you run it through,this allows the fax paper to cycle thru without getting too hot and "burning" thru...and an acetate or vellum sleeve helps as well. contact me at 702-542-8369 Davis @ Bomb Pop Kustoms

I have a thermofax machine for sale in good working order for $500 dollars It's an extra that I don't need,as for your printing problem with fax paper burning thru...try using two or three blank pieces of paper under the design when you run it through,this allows the fax paper to cycle thru without getting too hot and "burning" thru...and an acetate or vellum sleeve helps as well. contact me at 702-542-8369 Davis @ Bomb Pop Kustoms

You might try and change your search to Thermol Fax with an O not an A. Good luck I am looking as well

try craigslist

dont wast your time 3m thermofax is outdated your much better off getting a materix dot printer but if you want a thermofax the best place to get one is (g.c.supply) i think thats the name. they are fully refubished with warrenty the # 1-718-951-8293 if you get one get the 4500 model it excepts larger paper like wall flash. hope this helps

Does anyone have a thermofax for sale?

So someone mentioned a dot matrix printer?How does this work to make a stencil.I have been searching for an alternative to a thermal copier as most are pieces of crap or wayyyyyy overpriced.I know there has to be another type of printer out there that can do the same task and i'm now wondering about dot matrix since it was mentioned here.I appreciate any advice.I have been tattooing on and off for years and have just started to get the right gear together to start a shop but tracing stencils aint gonna cut it and neither is 300-1000$ for a piece of junk that will have all the problems people are talking about here.I'd rather spend more money on a really good quality printer or copier once i figure out what else can be used.I just invested in 2 pulse machines yesterday and i now want the stencil machine,autoclaves,ultrasonic cleaners and some good inks.Right now all i have for ink is a 54 color intenze set but i'm not liking it much does anyone know what the best inks are these days?I have used eternal inks and really liked them but i haven't been doing any work for quite a while so i'm wondering if anyone is using something new and great?

If anyone around pittsburgh has a thermofax in need of service give me a call. 412 364 4340 I have been servicing machines since 1975 mostly for the school market. My entire adult life. I must of fixed 100,000 :( they were once a staple of the schools.. I give a free on site estimate within 50 miles of pittsburgh and if I cant fix it on site I will leave a free loaner....... not trying to spam here just offer a service, since few know how to fix them these days. the machines sticking on likely need their trigger switch mounts lubed. a little oil goes a long way plus the trigger switch return springs get weaker over time. a easy fix by reforming them slightly

looking for a Thermofax for tattoo stencils. I have heard that some of the 3m's don't work. Why is that?

what you need is a dot matrix printer. you can find them cheap on ebay.

you lazy bastards.

maybe i'm seeing things, but, it seems 'unimax'(my fav supplier) has the best deal$279 for a'thermal copy machine 'LIGHT WEIGHT, 3-3/4 Lbs. 1.7Kg SMALL SIZE: 11"W x 9"L x 3"H VARIOUS VOLTAGE INPUT : AC: 100V ~ 240V, 50HZ ~ 60Hz MINIMAL POWER CONSUMPTION: 5W ~ 50W it looks tiny, and the low cost make me hesitant. but ima try it anyway you can email me if you want to see how it worked out. [email removed] I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH UNIMAX OR THE MAKERS OF THIS MACHINE. so please,no spam accusations. thanks kris

I have a 4500 aga transparancy maker machine for sale in the Los Angeles area if there is anyone interested, It's the black one that accepts larger size paper. Asking 650 and pick up only.

It would benefit you greatly to go out and get a professional apprenticeship before you go thinking about opening a tattoo shop. People that have not been professionally trained opening shops are what has caused us professionals so much trouble getting the business in the mainstream of society....Dont be schmuck, do it right or dont do it at all.....Throw your ego in the trash and start pounding the pavement for an apprenticeship. If you've got talent and your mind right, somebody will give you a shot. And you cant give up just because you get rejected a few or many times.....Trust me on this.....Good luck.....B

Have a 3M 9750 thermofax machine with a problem. It does not copy the image onto the transparency. No image is transferred. No local repair places around here, very costly to ship to New York or Pittsburgh. Any thing I can check or try to repair myself. Thank you.

WTF????? If you don't know what one is you have no business in this industry. And second of all you need shop experience before you even THINK of opening one....Just cause you do tattoos out of your house does NOT make you a tattoo artist!! This is the kind of SHIT thats destroying the art!!! You see someone tattoo on t.v and think "I can do that", you go to a convention buy some crappy gear and start Fucking up your friends. And all the sudden your a tattooist?!?!?!?! Hahahaha.......

Hey Fck em sounds like a weasil to me. Reminds me of when I was first starting off know one wanted to help haha but luckly I had heaps of friends to fuck up haha not to mention my arms and legs. neways Id bean drawing since a todler and knew I was going to crack it. So I opened my own shop and cracked it no help just practice now my work is unique and well sort after so all haters and tattooists dat didn't help can eata dck no don't Im beta than you now and you knew it was gona happen haha. Get a dot matrix printer cheap as fck just make sure its 24 pin and to save time compatible with windows xp or vista or whateva your using or you'll have to download a programme off google to make it work. You dont have to worry about the ink ribbons so take them out then all you do is put da spirit paper in tray without the brown middle paper and print easy as.

I've got a 3M thermal fax machine, model number #G 230 AH, made in W. Germany. On the front it says " 3M Transparent Kopier 230 B" The lamp is rated at 1500 watts and the rollers look like new. Anybody know anything about this?

So, About the dot matrix printer 24 pin, apart from making stencils, do they work for making screen prints? Just curious. Not a tattoo artist but a guerilla artist!! BTW, F*** the haters, my cousin's got the best shop in Orange County and he started from his house as well. Live your dream and remember "You cannot measure someone else's path to success, everyone makes different decisions to get them where they are today". Good luck! KS

can i get a whomp whomp

never did use one always traced that stencil and did it just fine.

I have a 3m thermal fax I picked up for 50 bucks, I think it needs a new bulb,and it squeaks. Any suggestions? I also need parts and repair guy. It works but I know it should work better.

I have a 3m thermal fax I will let go for $300. If anyone is interested. [email removed]

my friend started in his basement with no help and is better than most! if you are an artist you can tattoo it just takes some time to learn the medium go for it! And the stencil machine DUDE it will pay for itself TECHNICAL INTERNATIONAL TATTOO SUPPLY has one for 999.00 #sm10000 this unit is the shit!

www.tecnicaltattoosupply.com #sm1000 stencil machine

I found a thermalfax on Flydragontattoo.com the machine are new. You can find it under tattoo accessories, the deivery charge is high. But if you are intrested let me know

I have a 3m thermofax model # 4550 aga for sale.....ruins great......makes clean stencils....if interested contact me at [email removed] price $600.00....i will provide photos and videos of its working condition.... sorry Gabe for posting a sale item on here...just trying to help .

Hi. I am Rouben, one of the largest seller of thermofax machines in ebay. I rebuild and fix them; thus, I have a good experience with these machines. I am not trying to sell here, but to tell you some things you should take into account about thermofax. 1.- Do not be cheap. This machine is extremely important for your work, buy a good one and keep it in good shape. A service every 3 years is not much. Shipping these machines is not expensive, it should cost less than $ 35 each way (try FEDEX or UPS). 2.- Stop buying machines that have not been tested. You may get a good one, but you may also get a headache. If you pay $ 400 for the machine and then need to pay $ 300 to fix it, why not to buy a good machine from start. 3.- Don't buy 15 amp machines. There are no replacement lamps for these machines. The few lamps that are available, cost more than $ 250. 4.- Use a carrier for the spirit masters. Use two pieces of acetate. This is the transparency film for copiers that you buy in any stationary store. Put two pieces together with a tape on top. With a carrier, you can use small pieces of spirit masters, what saves a lot of money. Most important, keeps the machine clean. 5.- If a machine is producing only a black copy, it may be that the motor is running slow or the clutch is not turning properly. The machine may need service. One way to go around: use a carrier (as indicated in 4) and put a piece or paper between the lamp and carbon to reduce the heat intensity. 6.- If the machine does not stop, likely is the switch you activate when inserting the stencil. Look that this switch is not touching the borders. It has to come back after the stencil has passed through. 7.- Keep the machine clean, center the belt every 2 months. Wash the belt from time to time with water and soap. Clean the rolls. Start with water, follow with ethanol, and it this is not enough, try some cleaning solvent. 8.-Chinese are selling cheap machines. There were before a Swedish and a German machine. They are not being sold anymore. The only that continue standing is the old 3M. These are very good quality machine, that can last for ever. Buy models 45, 4500 or 4550. Take care that there are several 3M copiers that look similar, but they are not thermofax, they cannot print on an spirit master. Good luck. Rouben

I need reapir on a thermal fax please contact me at [email removed] or 254-768-2264

I have a 3M Thermal fax Machine "The Secretary" Model 45. I have used it for screen printing in the past. I understand this machine is used in the tattoo industry. I am asking $750.00. If you live else ware & need it shipped you will have to cover the shipping charges. I can send photos if you would like.

I have for sale a complete tattoo studio that will host 2 ink artist and a piercer it also includes a 3m thermafax "the secretary" just to feel wanted here. seriously folks a complete shop, I have over 4yrs , my 98 heritage springer, and several thousand dollars

Hi. I have a 3M thermofax machine, the two tone brown and beige one with the blue dial. It's just been refurbished and is under warranty. It's one of the best ones if not THE best one ever made. It hasn't even been used since being refurbished except for testing. It would probably sell in this condition for $900 - $1000 I'm told. I'd like $850 for it if your interested. Also, I have an older 3M machine from the mid 70's. Works great. I am selling that one for $500.00. E-mail me for any other info or questions. Thank you, Sam.

Not to be A smartass or anything but how can you tattoo for so long & not know what A tattoo thermalfax copier not look like bro?Just go to your yahoo website & put tattoo thermalfax copier in & dont forget if you want it cheap then add that before you put tattoo thermalfax copier in first,else wise your going to be pulling up $900. ones!

I have a 4550 3m transparency maker that produces dark copies ,(even when I add a couple extra sheets of paper under the picture.

Hi Everyone, we have refilled a canon bubble jet printer with Hecto Ink, set it up to print black as possible and can now print perfect stencils directly onto tracing paper from our computor. The printer cost less then 40 bucks the ink 50 and we can get 4 refills. so some of you may want to try this out as a really good alternative to using a thermo fax etc.

i cant believe this... someone who has no experience wants to open a shop and doesn't know what a thermofax is and people are giving him information? You come on to a site of professionals and ask us to help you with something as simple as a thermofax and you think that you have the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with us? thats a joke!! if you have a dream you should follow it, but just because i want to be a doctor and can't afford to go to school doesn't mean i should open my own practice and start hacking at people. There is no difference and those of you who think it's ok to go from a basement to owning a shop aren't tattoo artist. your not in this industry and you wouldn't know any better then the idiot that is trying to go from basement to shop. You want to tattoo, do it right, get an apprentiship.. opening a shop will cost a lot more than an apprentiship. Every thinks they can be a tattoo artist, and yes it does look easy, but if it were as easy as it looks there wouldn't be so many fucked up tattoos on all your family and friends.. Ignorance is bliss thought

I have a 3M Thermofax for sale. $750.00 includes economy shipping in Continental USA. you can see pictures here: http://thermofax4sale.blogspot.com/ I have two of them, this one is the backup machine. Barely Used. Paid 1,200 for it. Please feel free to contact me for more information. DTM

Really.... I mean REALLY you dumb shit. Tattoo artist should not be campaired to being a doctor. Thats one of the most dumb comparisons I have ever witnessed in my life. All these artist that think there pro get all crazefucked on the idea that because they have to be ALITTLE strerile, there equal to a surgeon. Tattooing is far from a surgeory... Look you dumb shits. Just because you have to learn alittle bloodbourne path class and know how to do alittle fancy non-cross contamination routines. Does not equate you to being a surgical doctor. Worry about your art. Learn how to not contaminate your customers. And stop thinking you invented the fucking wheel...

Looks to be a interesting thread here......... Staying on point here......... I would like to learn a bit about the repairs or these units. so I have read some interesting things on the subject here. Also seems that these units are becoming a bit costly to purchase either the 45, 4500, or the 4550 or finding a decent working one at a decent price. I have no prob paying 500 for one that works however Buying one off ebay just does not seem like the best idea... I have had some experience with using one of these but I do not own it so i would not feel comfortable trying to tinker with something I A. down own it B. dont know enough about to be messing with it in the first place Im wanting to buy one of these at a decent price but I have no idea where to find a piece of equipment that is almost vintage.... Any suggestions on how to find these units locally? I have a ad placed on craigslist with pictures of what Im looking for.. Ebay might be a good place to buy one for parts.. at parts prices.. to to actually find one to use in a medium volume street shop i dont want to take any chances buying one untested and having any additional headaches... Any thoughts???? Thank you Lord Hordak (some may recognize me from baxters forum, hyperspace, or all or nothing forums.)

BEEN TATTOOING OVER 25 YRS , BROKE BACK AND HAVE BEEN FORCED TO SELL MY EQUIPTMENT, YES U CANNOT RUN A PRO SHOP WITHOUT THIS EXPENSIVE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT,UNLESS U DONT WANT TO MAKE ANY MONEY, ITS A MUST HAVE WILL SAVE U THOUSAND OF HOURS IN HAND DRAWING, WHICH U CAN PASS THAT SAVINGS OVER TO YOUR CUSTOMERS, ITS ALL ABOUT TIME THE LONGER IT TAKES THE MORE U HAVE TO CHARGE,THATS THE BOTTOM LINE MY WELCOME NEWBE!I HAVE A 3M TOP OF THE LINE CHERRY COND, PLUS WITH A SPARE BELT AND SPARE BULB WHICH IS THE LIFE BLOOD OF THIS MACHINE, SELLING FOR 650 , E MAIL IF INTERESTED MOST 3MS ARE ALL REBUILT, THIS IS BRAND NEW ORGINAL THE XTRA BULB AND BELT WERE 300 ALONE , OVER

If you Dont know what thermo fax is then you shoulDnt be tattooing. My 9 year olD knows what one is anD can use it.

You are what we in this industry call a "HACK", if you "Have been tattooing for years" in this industry you should full well know what the tools of the trade are, They quit making them in the 90's and good lick finding one for under 500.00. They are ALL used. The more important thing you should be looking for is a f***ing auto clave so you don't give your dumb ass clients mersa.

What a dumbass this sickofit is. But it's cool-it's assholes like you that keep me in business fixing up your screwups...Doctor ! LMFAO

I have a 3M Thermofax Machine "The Secretary" Model 17 I am selling on the Milwaukee, Appleton, and Greenbay Wisconsin craigslist sites. I am asking $350 plus shipping. As you will see by the photos on the craigslist sites, it is in very good condition. Everything works! Contact me directly by the above address or through the craigslist sites.Thank you. Kevin

Hello, anyone know of anyone that repairs 3m machines in Arizona ? I think something is going on w my switch the light comes on and off while making a stencil it does not stay on and turn off at the end like it's supposed to.

I have a 3M thermofax secretary model type 45AG trying to get 600, plug it in and the belt runs and the bulb turns on, ori am not by anymeans a thermofax guru but this model has a golden shade adjuster peice my email is [email removed]

I have a 3M thermofax secretary model type 45AG trying to get 600, plug it in and the belt runs and the bulb turns on, ori am not by anymeans a thermofax guru but this model has a golden shade adjuster peice my email is [email removed]

Does anyone know how to covert a 15 amp Thermo Fax to accept a 12 amp Blub.