Im convinced diy is the way...

[DaveP]

I've been checking out label makers, but there are so many, it is hard to figure which one. I really liked the looks of the one @DaveP linked above, but some of the reviews are scaring me off of that model.

There's always some who love it and some who are absolutely frustrated with anything technical. Reading the reviews is always a good way to find out what's bad and what's great. Inside that there's all levels of technical prowess among people who buy computer equipment.

Apparently this printer ships with basic software in the package and some stock may have been packaged a while back. As the guy in the review below says, it's slow and frustrating out of the box until you install the software on the CD. Better still, download it from the Brother web site and get the latest version.

The reviews start back in 2012 and end in February 2017, so reading the first reviews gets you 5 year old opinions from the days of Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1.

People just plug things in and start swearing when it doesn't work right. As the Amazon review from Feb 2017 below explains, you just have to go to the Brother website and download the latest driver package, then it's wonderful. It comes with everything loaded on the printer, but you have to install the software from the disk onto your computer so that it can talk to it intelligently and enable the feature set.

Sadly, that's the way the printer world works. What's in the package is what was current when the printer was boxed at the factory and may be less than optimal compared to the latest version.

I'll report back here when it arrives to relay my experience with the install and first time operation.

Style: Label Printer|Verified Purchase
Absolutely love this printer.

***NOTE: Some people complained that it prints slow. Here is the deal: It DOES print slow, IF you only use the default "editor lite" software that comes pre-installed with the printer. Basically if you don't install the drivers/software that comes with it on the disc (or better yet, by downloading the latest version from Brother's website), then you have to use the crappy "editor lite" software that is literally built into the printer.

If you use the "lite" software, you just plug the printer in, and your computer basically recognizes the printer as a flash drive (and you go into it like a flash drive, and then double click the editor lite exe / icon, which starts the crappy editor lite program.)

If you use the editor lite program it prints slower than DEATH, even if doing multiple copies of a print.

Trust me when I say you should just go to google and search for "brother Q-700 software". The first result that shows up will be Brother's Website, and if you click on the link, it will take you right where you need to be.

Download the drivers AND the "P-Touch" Software (at the time of writing this, it was P-Touch 5.1.

Install the drivers FIRST, and then install the P-Touch software (as per the instructions.)

Now the printer will be recognized and function like a real printer. And the p-touch software has WAY more functionality than the crappy editor lite. But more importantly, this thing prints 100 times faster when you use the p-touch software.

Hope this helps!

 

[IDJoel]

but I would rather spend the money up front rather then spend a small fortune on the tape.

That's been the deal breaker for me so far. I am currently limping along with a little ancient handheld Casio label printer and I flinch every time I have to drop $20 on a 2-line cartridge. When I saw the price of cartridges for the newer computer/WiFi/blue-tooth multi-lines I decided I can wait.

I am eager to see the responses to your query.

 

[OlderNDirt]

@DaveP :

I hear ya! I never take a single or few reviews as gospel. For every bad review, there are a lot of happy users that have no interest in writing that they are happy. My only concern with the 1 star reviews were the number that could not get it to connect to their computer, even some claiming it wouldn't connect to a Windows 10 computer and claimed Brother support said they would not. But most problems were related to connecting to a Mac, which is of no concern to me. That is why I am still interested and willing to wait and see how it goes for you and I fully expect a positive report.

@IDJoel :

The price of the printer we are talking about is a bit high for labeling my juices, but I have a few other needs I can make use of this one for. As far as the price of tape, I watched a couple of review videos after the video DaveP linked above. One claimed a source for rolls of tape for under $5. If I decide to get this labeler, I will go back and check that out for sure.

 

[IDJoel]

One claimed a source for rolls of tape for under $5.

I would be curious if that price was for "smudgeproof" (vinyl) or paper? I did the hand labeling (on paper labels) for a short time when I first started mixing but you have to be pretty tidy (no leaking, dripping, or spilling; and forget about applying them before any sort of water/ultrasonic treatment). Just looking at the local Staples/OfficeMax and there is quite a substantial price difference. If you find $5 tape that's vinyl I would love to learn your source.

 

[DaveP]

I would be curious if that price was for "smudgeproof" (vinyl) or paper? I did the hand labeling (on paper labels) for a short time when I first started mixing but you have to be pretty tidy (no leaking, dripping, or spilling; and forget about applying them before any sort of water/ultrasonic treatment). Just looking at the local Staples/OfficeMax and there is quite a substantial price difference. If you find $5 tape that's vinyl I would love to learn your source.

I think thermal tape is pretty generic. That said, I bought generic aftermarket tape for my Brother hand held printer and it doesn't smear. It held up in something like an hour under hot water in my ultrasonic cleaner, so I would expect that with the generic tape for this Brother printer.

I ordered the printer with just what's in the box. There's a couple of suppliers of generic tape for the QL-700 in various sizes. In the box there's a 100' roll of peel off address label tape and a roll of tape that is continuous and meant to be used in auto cut mode.

Once I decide what I want on my bottles I'll order several rolls.

 

[DaveP]

FWIW, here's the Brother site that explains the types of tapes and what they will stand up to.

Brother P-touch Labels and Tapes - all you need to know

https://www.amazon.com/SuperInk-Com...kmr1&keywords=brother+ql-700+laminated+labels

• Model: DK2205
• Continuous length labels 2-4/9" x 100 feet (62mm * 30.48m)
• Direct Thermal and Permanent-Adhesive
• Each roll as pictured, includes the black plastic cartridge and spool.
• Laminated,Standard,Permanent Adhesive. Resists water,grease,grime,fading and abrasion.

 

[OlderNDirt]

Well, I took some time and watched some video reviews of the QL-700 as well as a few other label printers. Biggest question I came away with is do I wait for a report from @DaveP or just go ahead and get one coming? One thing I noticed and really like is that one label printed portrait (lengthwise with the tape) and the next printed landscape (across the tape). It looked like it did that automatically based on the size of the content, but even if that is a manual set, looked like it would really reduce the amount of tape used as well as reducing the number of tape sizes needed. Price is reasonable enough, cost of tape seems cheap enough (see following comment), and looks like it should be very easy to use. Good find, Dave and glad you posted about it!

Regarding the cheaper tape and based on my research: The "expensive" tape comes with the plastic roller as an assembly. The cheaper rolls are just that, rolls and require purchase of an aftermarket, re-usable roller. While still cheaper, one reviewer calculated out the cost at just over 2 cents per label versus under 1 cent for the cheaper (no idea if he included the cost of the after market roller). If he is anywhere close at all, I wouldn't print so much that it would make much difference for me.

 

[fiddleshe]

I wanna see one of these labels on a bottle.

 

[DaveP]

The Brother QL-700 is being delivered delivered today, but since I agreed for it to be my birthday present it will be the weekend before I open it up and play with it.

I wanna see one of these labels on a bottle.

I'll post a pic soon as I can. I'm sure it will look pretty generic since it's black and white. That's fine with me since I'm using it for personal use. The label gets trashed when the juice is gone and the bottle gets washed and reused for another flavor. I tend to repeat some flavors and switch others back and forth between diy sessions.

One thing I noticed and really like is that one label printed portrait (lengthwise with the tape) and the next printed landscape (across the tape). It looked like it did that automatically based on the size of the content, but even if that is a manual set, looked like it would really reduce the amount of tape used as well as reducing the number of tape sizes needed.

That feature looks like it's made for continuous tape as opposed to precut label tape. I agree that it would be nice to be able to have the label format set to landscape or portrait and have it print according to format. It looks like it does work that way.

The auto-cut feature may be really useful for conserving tape when some labels are only a line or two and others require more height.

 

[Darth Omerta]

Best labels ever!!!!! I really see this becoming the standard, especially for premium juices!!!

 

[DaveP]

View attachment 638451

Best labels ever!!!!! I really see this becoming the standard, especially for premium juices!!!

Reminds me of a homemade jelly vendor in the flea markets we visit when we go to the mountains. I like it!

 

[Darth Omerta]

I like it too. Simple and cheap and very DIY!

 

[OlderNDirt]

That feature looks like it's made for continuous tape as opposed to precut label tape. I agree that it would be nice to be able to have the label format set to landscape or portrait and have it print according to format. It looks like it does work that way.

The auto-cut feature may be really useful for conserving tape when some labels are only a line or two and others require more height.

I am also wanting to print file folder labels. If it does work that way, not sure why that would not work and eliminate the need to buy the specific file folder labels.

 

[Riplea]

I use the beige color painters tape stuff. Extremely cheap as I had some anyway. Easy off and on bottles. Someone here mentioned it in another post I think. Works for me as a new diyer to keep my costs down.

 

[DaveP]

I am also wanting to print file folder labels. If it does work that way, not sure why that would not work and eliminate the need to buy the specific file folder labels.

The file folder labels do exist in a precut format for the QL-700. For my bottles I'll probably end up using the mailing address labels because they are taller and offer more lines of print. That, and I don't want a really large label to cover up the view of the juice in the bottle while it's steeping. I like to be able to look through the juice and compare color changes as it steeps.

Brother Label Printer Refill Guide | On Time Supplies

DK Address Labels
DK-1201 White Address Labels 1.1" x 3.5"
DK-1208 White Address Labels 1.4" x 3.5"
DK-1209 White Address Labels 1.1" x 2.4"
Other DK Labels
DK-1203 File Folder Labels .66" x 3.4"
DK-1204 Multipurpose Labels .66" x 2.1"
DK-1218 Round Labels 1" dia
DK Continuous Film Labels
DK-2113 Clear Label Tape 2-3/7"
DK-2211 White Label Tape 1.1"
DK-2606 Yellow Label Tape 2-3/7"
DK Continuous Paper Labels
DK-2205 White Label Tape 2.4"
DK-2210 White Label Tape 1.1"
DK-2214 White Label Tape .47"
DK-4205 Removable Label Tape 2.4"
Compatible Brother QL Label Printers: QL-1050N, QL-1050, QL-1060N, QL-500, QL-550, QL-570, QL-570VM, QL-580N, QL-650TD, QL-700, QL-710W, QL-720NW

 

[OlderNDirt]

The file folder labels do exist in a precut format for the QL-700. For my bottles I'll probably end up using the mailing address labels because they are taller and offer more lines of print. That, and I don't want a really large label to cover up the view of the juice in the bottle while it's steeping. I like to be able to look through the juice and compare color changes as it steeps.

Brother Label Printer Refill Guide | On Time Supplies

Thanks for the link! Very helpful!

Getting a better look at the actual sizes confirms what I hoped the labeler would do for me at this time. The continuous tape DK205 is 2.4 wide. Most of my current bottling labels are approximately 1" by 2" (or a bit wider). The file folder labels DK1203 are .66" by 3.4". I have no problem in my use if they were only 2.4" wide with the ability to print extra lines and/or larger print for my old eyes. Looks like if it works that way, I would just print labels for my current needs all with the DK205 printing across at a maximum width of 2.4".

What the heck! I may just as well get it ordered with the included stock of tape, play with it, and go from there. I'm really not that fussy, just need to be able to read what is in each bottle!

EDIT: Best part is, since I will print file folder labels, and that IS what I am getting it for (nudge, nudge, wink, wink), the cost doesn't have to come out of my vape budget!

 

[DaveP]

Thanks for the link! Very helpful!

Getting a better look at the actual sizes confirms what I hoped the labeler would do for me at this time. The continuous tape DK205 is 2.4 wide. Most of my current bottling labels are approximately 1" by 2" (or a bit wider). The file folder labels DK1203 are .66" by 3.4". I have no problem in my use if they were only 2.4" wide with the ability to print extra lines and/or larger print for my old eyes. Looks like if it works that way, I would just print labels for my current needs all with the DK205 printing across at a maximum width of 2.4".

What the heck! I may just as well get it ordered with the included stock of tape, play with it, and go from there. I'm really not that fussy, just need to be able to read what is in each bottle!

With the Brother hand held printer I started off with larger fonts and eventually changed to the smaller font to get more info in a smaller area. I though it would be hard to read, but it's clear and legible, even with MY old eyes.

I'm thinking that the standard address label size might be good for me as opposed to the smaller file folder labels. You could probably get two lines on the file folder labels depending on the font you use. I like to label with the juice flavor(s) on the top line, and a line or two below that listing the additives like AP, TA, or EM with the percentages of those. Those can be stated as AP .5% - TA .5% - EM .5% on one line with room for more additions.

The address labels are 1.1" or 1.4" high by 3.5" or 2.4" wide, so I can get what I need on those without overlapping around the bottle. My glass bottles are just short of 4" around and the LDPE 60ml bottles are around 3.5" around.

 

[fiddleshe]

The file folder labels do exist in a precut format for the QL-700. For my bottles I'll probably end up using the mailing address labels because they are taller and offer more lines of print. That, and I don't want a really large label to cover up the view of the juice in the bottle while it's steeping. I like to be able to look through the juice and compare color changes as it steeps.

Brother Label Printer Refill Guide | On Time Supplies

What kind of bottles do you use? I know you can't see color changes in Amber or blue bottles.

Speaking of bottles my whole diy order will be here today except my 30 ml bottles. They are stuck in customs in LA. Close but not here yet. It's ok because I am going to do 15 ml test recipes first. It's just annoying.

 

[DaveP]

What kind of bottles do you use? I know you can't see color changes in Amber or blue bottles.

I use clear Boston Rounds in the 60ml and 120ml sizes to mix and then I pour it into 60ml LDPE bottles after steeping. That way I can judge color and clarity during the steeping process.

 

[DaveP]

That's been the deal breaker for me so far. I am currently limping along with a little ancient handheld Casio label printer and I flinch every time I have to drop $20 on a 2-line cartridge. When I saw the price of cartridges for the newer computer/WiFi/blue-tooth multi-lines I decided I can wait.

I am eager to see the responses to your query.

The after market tapes for the Brother QL-700 are under $10 with lots of them around $5. The brand I bought was Onirii from Amazon.

At the rate I'd use labels those would last a long time. On my handheld Brother I went through the roll that was included in the box in no time, but I'm still working off the first roll of aftermarket tape that I ordered from Amazon. It worked fine in the UC with hot water and produces clear and sharp images that don't fade or smear in room light or light with the bottles sitting in the window steeping.

100' of continuous tape that cuts according to print size and a roll with 100 address labels should get me a long way printing 10 or so labels for DIY in a month. I'm sure I'll find other things around the house to label with my new toy!