New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me?
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Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me?
New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me?
Hi all
This is my first ever post on here. Im based in Ireland and I have been reading a lot of the commentary in this site for many weeks, along with other sites.
Im seriously considering investing in equipment for the purposes of printing my designs on t-shirts (and possibly other items). However, I cannot decide what equipment is best for me. As Im new to the market, I dont expect to be turning out large quantities of shirts, however I am not afraid to invest the right amount of money if the equipment produces quality images and offers some versatility. I dont think screen printing is an option however I have been considering DTG machines such as the Viper. The transfer option using the the versacamm is on my list also, as it seems to be more versatile.
What is the best route for me? Im not afraid to spend money in order to enter the market at a quality level, rather than opting for a basic beginners package.
I am afraid to buy a machine only to discover it has limitations which I didnt foresee. Learning after the event is seriously not a good place to be.
I would love to receive some genuinely objective comments.
re: New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Declan Fennelly
Hi all
What is the best route for me? Im not afraid to spend money in order to enter the market at a quality level, rather than opting for a basic beginners package.
I would love to receive some genuinely objective comments.
Thank you
Declan
Hi Declan,
Welcome to the T-shirt forum!
I think the best advice I can think of for someone that's just starting out is, Don't jump in too fast. Take some time and read the posts that interest you before you decide to buy anything.
That being said, I think the Verscamm would be a great choice to start with. I am not so sure about DTG because the technology is still evolving. From what I know, It is difficult/complex to print to darks because of issues printing with white ink. Also I believe the learning curve would be much steeper with DTG.
A lot of people on this site would probably say you should let others do your production work. Then you can focus on the challenges of starting
up a new business.
I personally did not heed this advice, so I bought a heat press, a wide format printer with pigment ink system, and a vinyl cutter to start with. So far I like the vinyl transfers the best. They actually look like a nice quality screen print, but I am limited to 3-4 color designs.
I also like the full color heat transfers to lights with JPSS transfer paper.
Whatever you decide, good luck on your new venture!
re: New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me?
When my wife and I considered entering this market, we first attended trade shows to see all the competing companies and their equipment in use. Forums like this one enable you to hear opinions about several different brands of equpiment, and what the owners like and dislike about them. I recommend you get as much information as you can find, before you invest money. As a long-time musician, I have always advised those looking to but instruments to buy the very best instrument he or she can afford. I think that is sound advice when applied to this industry, as well. We were able to buy discounted slightly used equipment at the trade shows, which the vendors had brought to display and show in operation. Never hesitate to ask for a discount, or special "deal." Information is your strong suit, so become informed and keep your own goals in mind. Good luck.
Re: New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Declan Fennelly
Hi all
This is my first ever post on here. Im based in Ireland and I have been reading a lot of the commentary in this site for many weeks, along with other sites.
Im seriously considering investing in equipment for the purposes of printing my designs on t-shirts (and possibly other items). However, I cannot decide what equipment is best for me. As Im new to the market, I dont expect to be turning out large quantities of shirts, however I am not afraid to invest the right amount of money if the equipment produces quality images and offers some versatility. I dont think screen printing is an option however I have been considering DTG machines such as the Viper. The transfer option using the the versacamm is on my list also, as it seems to be more versatile.
What is the best route for me? Im not afraid to spend money in order to enter the market at a quality level, rather than opting for a basic beginners package.
I am afraid to buy a machine only to discover it has limitations which I didnt foresee. Learning after the event is seriously not a good place to be.
I would love to receive some genuinely objective comments.
Thank you
Declan
I would suggest reading these two threads that go into depth with various opinions and facts about the different t-shirt production methods:
Once you read those threads, you'll see the strengths and drawbacks of each process and have a better idea of which you want to get into.
From there, it's just a matter of researching which equipment brands you want to buy and where to source them in your area. All of which can be found right here in the forums
This is a discussion about New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me? that was posted in the Heat Press and Heat Transfers section of the forums.
New to the T-shirt market - which equipment is best for me? 
