Can't print a correct sized Template.

[Games001]

Hi folks,

About to start my 4th CP build, but this time I wanted to use the Project Arcade Templates (as it's my first build with a trackball) and I have an issue with my HP LaserJet printing the templates too small, or too big, from the actual size of the templates.

I have used Paint, Pic Viewer, and other programs to open the templates, and even when I force the specific size to print the pages, they come out mis-sized.  Any programs or settings that can be suggested to get a dead on print out?

(i.e. 6 1/2 inch Mounting Plate 3" Trackball prints at 5 3/4 inch, even after setting image to size)

[Pixelhugger]

Id try saving it as a PDF and printing from that.

[Games001]

Hmmm, tried to do just that, but the PDF sets up as a full page image when saved.  Odd.

[RecklessAbandon]

a stanley fat max tape. nice.

anyway tried using paint shop pro. ive printed out game covers and its always done them to the correct size i want

[AtomSmasher]

MS Paint has always worked fine for me.  When you click on "Page Setup" theres an option to adjust the print scaling to 100%.  However, I'm using MS Paint that comes with XP and I seem to remember hearing the version that comes with Vista doesn't have that option.

[facesmiths]

I think what may be happening is you are using some program that likes to shrink to fit page on default. look at you r printing options in your program and see if you cant change that. other option is to litterally find out how much space you have on that page to tpint on and then make a box exactly that size around your image. and position the image inside it some where. it may also be the driver for the printer as I have worked with HP laser jets (4 I belive was what I mostly had) you can pm me back about it if oyu are having trouble on where to look and I will get you my chat info so we can talk real time while you look

[Games001]

It could be a problem with HP's inate drivers, as the option to shrink/enlarge an image to true size on a page has no real effect on these attempts to print.

Odd, funky, a pain... back to the old tape measure for the 3rd and 4th CPs.

[facesmiths]

oh I forgot to mention I print with corel draw and photo shop but all templates I do are in corel draw for certain. it is what I did all my templates for my CNC mill I designed and built.

[Games001]

A CNC Mill.. you're my new best friend

[facesmiths]

HEH HEH you and everyone I know that is into gun stuff. It's funny how before I built it I had no idea all these people were into guns so much. oh everyone has at least a couple of gun nut buddies but man as soon as I finished it and people found out it was like "hey can you make me a ($*@92q4698752983590(@)$ for my glock peace keeper special edition 199x? and of course my response is never what is that but "what you are into guns??? I had no idea. Then it hits me and I have to ask what the heck they are asking about? and the big one now is "is it legal for me to make this for you???" you have n o idea man. dials for a laser scope that now have people on watch lists if they ever bought one before they were banned or even federal agent I now know is one because of a plastic part he asked me to make heh heh.

seriously though if you are using an HP they have tons of settings and may be trying to shrink some white part down to keep it on the printable area and you just need to tell the printer "if it(paper) is not big enough just clip the image" and get a little edge of line missing some where or something though if there is a lot of white space on the image and not a vector then you will propably not notice. I can vectorize it for you if you need it in probably like 10 15 minutes too

[Games001]

Appreciate the offer FS, and I was thinking CNC for cabinet stuff, but guns will do as well I think.

I have no worries doing it all by hand if needs be.  I can read a tape without too much concern.  I'll just keep messing with it until I find something of control with this blasted printer.

TY

[AtomSmasher]

You could always take it to Kinkos.  For a couple dollars they'll print it out to scale on one large sheet of paper.

[facesmiths]

real quick questions. what HP laser jet are you using anyway?

[Games001]

an HP LaserJet 4 Plus