Digital BW, The Print

Do head strikes typically manifest only as ink catching on the edge  
of the page? Because I am getting a strange, consistent 3 mm or so  
splotch of dark ink in the same spot each time (about an inch in from  
LR corner of 8.5 x 11) with my first box of Gold Silk on a new 3800.  
I don't see any obvious flaw in the paper itself.

I haven't experimented yet with platen height, rear paper feed, etc.  
yet, but it would certainly be nice not to blow through a whole box  
of paper repeating what has already been figured out by the experts  
on this group. <G> I've followed the paper discussions closely here  
for years and don't recall hearing about Gold Silk being this high  
maintenance.

Thanks,
Doug
www.IntrinsicPictures.com

> Posted by: "Peter De Smidt" pdesmidt@...   peter_desmidt
> Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:39 pm (PST)
>
> > Peter;
> > I've been getting something similar with both my 11880 and 7800--not
> > really a "strike"--more of a head drag across the surface of Gold  
> Silk.
> Hi Patrick,
>
> Yeah, that's what I have, but it's only on the end of the sheet. I
> tried selecting "thick" media in the driver, to no avail. I don't  
> think
> I can adjust the platen height on my r2400. Maybe someone will  
> chime in
> if I'm wrong.
>
> Thanks to all the suggestions, I'll certainly give them a try.
>
> Regards,
> Peter

Do head strikes typically manifest only as ink catching on the edge
of the page? Because I am getting a strange, consistent 3 mm or so
splotch of dark ink in the same spot each time (about an inch in from
LR corner of 8.5 x 11) with my first box of Gold Silk on a new 3800.

I have had this happen when the paper has a slight bulge at the point you 
mention. Bending the paper by hand to eliminate this bulge solves the 
problem. Paper, inkjet or gelatin silver, almost always tends to curl inward 
toward the emulsion or coated side, which is why most head strikes are at 
the edge of the paper. Using Crane Museo Silver Rag, I almost always have to 
bend the paper in the opposite direction to avoid the more usual head 
strikes at the edge.



I know it's a pain to have to do this on every sheet but that is the only 
answer I have. Maybe someone else can offer advice on platen height or 
choice of paper feeds.



Olaf