This site offers printable blank playing card, tarot card, etc. in finely perforated sheets... and coating for playing cards!!!! Some of us might think about testing this stuff out... or looking for comparable products elsewhere as well.
I'm already considering designing some specialty decks that could be printed easily on some of these products. Basic playing card size might even work out well for my space expander series, such as the Great City.
Nice idea. There is a thread over at BGG which mentions these and there are some good suggestions for getting a nice finish on home made cards -
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/346703
There has also been a lot of discussion of late about a company called Artscow, who make custom decks of cards using standard playing card stock for ridiculously low prices. Results seem to be pretty good so far, but it may take a little trial and error. You can even share your album so that others can take advantage of the same deal. Have a read of this thread as it explains the whole process -
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/395699
Just something to bear in mind though - I think there is a moral issue to be addressed somewhere along the line, especially since a lot of the projects on BGG can easily be used for making a game when you do not actually own the original. For projects like JC's Great City this would be ideal, but I think remaking official Talisman cards would really be a no-no. But each to their own.
Yes, I've run across a number of similar services in my search. Much as I agree that such products and services shouldn't be used to pirate any product, I don't think there will be a lot of that done with 4ER for various reasons related to its make. But I can see it being abused on some of the collectible card systems, like MTG.
Some similar services to ArtsCow that might be more shipping friendly to certain parts of the world. There's no need to go all the way to China. POD equipment for this kind of work is very wide spread.
http://www.printondemandshop.com/
http://www.zippypress.com/Create/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=394
http://www.pnprints.net/create/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=394
http://www.artsnow.com/create/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=394
Even at these prices, the cost is well worth the time and fuss saved... if one wanted the standard playing card size. Still not sure that's the way to go with my space expander decks, but it's an interesting notion to give players more options in getting the cards made.
I mentioned Artscow as it seems to be all the rage on BGG. Mainly because of the periodic offers of $5 for a deck of cards with free shipping!
Yup, no doubt that's a phenomenal deal!