my epson printer's fax won't pick up before my answering machine, it keeps cutting off calls

Your "Rings to Answer" setting is too low. Set it higher than your answering machine's ring count.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Go to Settings > General Settings > Fax Settings > Basic Settings > Rings to Answer.
3. Select a number higher than your answering machine's setting.
4. Select OK.

IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If you have a distinctive ring service, you may need to configure that in the Fax Setting Wizard. The product can detect fax tones even if the machine answers first.