Press and Flash Dryer info

firesurfer

Hello, I'm looking for an entry-level affordable 4-1 press and flash dryer.

I've heard some feedback from several people while talking with them and been advised to go minimum 2 platen, also try to remain flexible for a 6 color press.

So my question is for folks with experience, can you recommend an affordable press to me? Anything to absolutely stay away from? Same questions for a flash dryer.

Thanks for any advice!

Evo

"Affordable" is a relative term. Do you have a max budget?

firesurfer

Well, entry level which would put me below $1200.

firesurfer

Lots of views, no responses, I'll be a little more specific. Are these presses on ebay any good for starting out? Examples below. Thanks for any advice you can give to me!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silk-Screen-...ht_2330wt_1185

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Screen-Print...ht_1582wt_1185

Printwizard

The press is just one tiny part. Sure for a hobby you could screw a hinge to a screen and print on anything, but to be remotely, commercial for basic machine, squeegees, ink stocks, drier etc you would need a budget of maybe closer to $10k minimum or you are likely wasting your time IMHO. If you haven't got that then I would recommend you farm out and contract a company to print for you, they will do it cheaper, better, faster, less seconds, etc with all the proper gear. Not only that, printing regularly they will have better rhythm and technique to produce better quality for you also.

Even then I think $20k is closer to the capital for entry level setup....

firesurfer

I appreciate the feedback, but realistically that isn't an option. Like buying a first car for a teenager, no plans to go with a Porche. I was hoping to get some feedback from some hobbyist who have had experience with the low end manual presses like what I linked to above. It's not intended for customer demand, I may be on the wrong site with this question. Thanks anyways.

Prosperi-Tees

For a start up shop yes 20K is about where you will be to have quality equipment to work with. If you just want to dabble in printing your own shirts get a $999 Ryonet kit and have at it but realize that this equipment will only allow you to do so much and will actually be harder to work with than quality equipment.

firesurfer

Thanks Prosperi for the feedback

Prosperi-Tees

http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/1008

One upgrade I would suggest is the exposure unit upgrade. It will work much better than the halogen light. The other thing to think about is how are you going to design? CorelDraw is the least expensive and will do what you need. Also how will you print films? Epson 1100 will work but you will want to get refillable cartridges because film printing takes quite a bit of ink and genuine Epson carts are expensive.

So all in you are looking at closer to 2K

If you want to take it further than dabbling then do your research alot more before investing alot of money. Fell free to contact me before spending money for an honest review.

firesurfer

I have both Illustrator and Photoshop for the design and separation. I'll for sure take you up on the review! Thanks again!