Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I have an opportunity to purchase a GeoKnight 16 x 20 Digital Swinger (K20S) in excellent condtion (used) for $800. I've been saving my $$$ for a Phoenix 16 x 20, but now am befuddled as to what to do... I've been reading all the threads I can on this press and googling al the information I can find.
I do screenprinting, but often get a request for 2-3 shirts I had to turn away, so thought this would be good alternative. Might also look into doing some plastisol transfers myself. Plus all you heat pressers look like you're having way too much fun!
So what does everyone think? Is this a can't pass up deal, or should I hold out for a Phoenix?
This guy also has a digital mug press (DK3) in "good" condition for $300 that I'm thinking might be fun to learn - and bring in additional opportunites. I'd appreciate your thoughts on either purchases!
I have both of these presses and while I have not had experience with other brands I would rate both of these as ok. If I had to purchase them again I might go with another brand just because I would want the supplier of my press, paper, and blanks to all be the same vendor so when I run into problems I could call them for support and not get the run-around of 'we don't support that press'
Both presses run hot. The DK20S runs 25 to 40 degree F over the stated temperature. The mug press runs slightly hotter than the stated temperature.
Recovery time is swift with both of these and the mug press goes from cold to 400F in a few minutes. The DK20S takes a while to heat up.
I installed dedicated 20A circuits for each of these presses. They blow the 15A circuits if they are both plugged into the same one.
The DK3 is a side loading model and I like that feature. If you have to change sizes during operation it can get a little hot around the adjustment knob. Also, I use a Teflon sheet with the mug press. I have heard complaints that the padding on the press leaves a mark on the mugs. I have never had this problem.
With the DK20S the swinging arm has grease on it. Be careful not to get your shirts in it. I wrapped the swing shaft with a poly towel that I purchased in bulk at Costco and clipped it with a clamp type of paper. The 20S also lets you adjust the height and gives you a setting number when you do this so you can have different settings all mapped out for different thickness products.
I also bought the rolling stand for the DK20S because it is 220lbs. I would highly recommend this. It is a breeze to move this beast around the shop with the rolling stand. The hardest part was lifting it up on the stand. Coastal Business has the stands for $290 with free shipping.
You are saving about $400 on the 20S and $500 on the mug press so it is not a bad deal. You can make your money back on the mug press pretty quickly with a few good mug orders. I see the mugs selling retail from $10 to $15 plus shipping. A single mug print with the blank, ink, and paper will run you around $2.30. If you buy 5 or more cases of the blanks then your cost will be lower.
I have an opportunity to purchase a GeoKnight 16 x 20 Digital Swinger (K20S) in excellent condtion (used) for $800. I've been saving my $$$ for a Phoenix 16 x 20, but now am befuddled as to what to do... I've been reading all the threads I can on this press and googling al the information I can find.
I do screenprinting, but often get a request for 2-3 shirts I had to turn away, so thought this would be good alternative. Might also look into doing some plastisol transfers myself. Plus all you heat pressers look like you're having way too much fun!
So what does everyone think? Is this a can't pass up deal, or should I hold out for a Phoenix?
This guy also has a digital mug press (DK3) in "good" condition for $300 that I'm thinking might be fun to learn - and bring in additional opportunites. I'd appreciate your thoughts on either purchases!
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim
I can't really give you an unbiased answer to your questions, but what I can recommend is to consider the primary application that you will be doing and that will help your decision.
You are considering two different styles of heat press': a clamshell and a swingaway
I can make arguments for each style but it really depends on what you want to do, or don't want to do for that matter (if you know that by now).
Here is some info that might help...I'm sure others can add to this:
(also featured in this comparison is the draw style press)
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to each style.
Space: The clamshell and draw heat presses take up less space than the swinger. The swinger needs enough table space to be able to swing away from the work area.
Operation: The clamshell heat press is a one or two step operation (depending on the press). You close the press down and when it has finished its’ cycle you open the press. The swinger and draw actually have a four step operation. You swing the heating area over your garment or in the draws’ case push your drawer under the heating area, then lock the press down, open it when its finished, then swing the heating area away or draw your print area away from the heat. So generally speaking, the clamshell style heat press leaves the user less fatigued.
Work Area: Swinger and Draw heat presses offer a heat free work area. This is ideal if your applications are going to require extensive layout. With the clamshell style, you do have enough room to do layout, however the heating platen is directly above your workspace.
Acceptable Substrates/ Even Pressure: Generally speaking, the swinger and draw style heat presses can accomodate thicker items. The manner in which the heat press locks down from directly over the center allows the press to have an even pressure from the center out. The clamshell style of press has been long tagged with the “pinch effect”. Meaning, that when the press is locked down in the clam style motion, it pinches thicker substrates or locks down unevenly by hitting in the back first. This “pinch effect” and uneven pressure is only the case with certain styles of presses. Some major manufacturers have corrected this issue by developing presses with an over the center pressure adjustment as well as a floating top platen (heating area), that levels off before it hits your substrate. If you plan to do thicker items, such as mousepads & hoodies be sure to find a clamshell press that negates the “pinch effect”.
Price: The price of the swinger and draw style heat presses are generally 10 - 15% higher than that of a clamshell. (of course not in this case, Jim)
Durability: All heat presses are equally as durable if bought from a reputable manufacturer. (this point is negotiable, but there are a few truly, reliable brands in my opinion)
Hi Jim. I have both the DK20s & DK3. My experience has been very good with these presses. Geo Knight support is solid, You end up talking mostly to the son Aaron Knight about any issues you may have. I only had one with the DK3 and none with the DK20s (Thank God). There is always some things you don't like about whatever unit you end up buying. I really have nothing bad to say about the DK20s other than what Binki mentioned about it running hot. The DK3 is a little tricky when you need to adjust the size knob because it is very close to the clamp which is very hot. I do believe if I'm not mistaken that the DK3 gives you the fullest wrap transfer of any mug press within a 1/4" of the handle only matched by the heat wrap styles you put in an oven. If I ever need to look for a mug press again I will give the Nova Chrome a close look because it has a piggy back hook up for adding a second pressing unit without having to buy a whole press. However you have an opportunity to buy professional grade equipment at a very reasonable price. You will be getting the two presses for what the DK20S goes for new. These are not starter presses, where you going to want to upgrade for other features or larger sizes. If you're plan on getting into it this is a great way to test it out for your business.
Good Luck & keep us posted on whatever you have decided.
Thanks to all for the great imput!!! I definitely feel more comfortable moving ahead. I'm leaning towards moving forward with the purchase. This will not be mainstay of my business in anycase (or will it? Ha) I hope to be able to delay my decision till after the ISS show.
Another question on the mug press, what is best method (paper, inks) or process for getting a good image on mugs. In fact I have a potential client looking for 40 mugs, so may be able to make this machine start paying right away! Do I have to have special mugs, or will any mug do that will fit properly in the mug press? Can you print on a colored mug? Sorry if thiese are stupid questions, but have little knowledge in this area.
I don't know much about mugs, but I think the only method you can use for this is dye sublimation. Also, I think you need to use specially coated mugs.
I have only seen white printed mugs, so I don't know if you can use colored ones or not.
Yes jasonda is correct. The mugs have to have a poly coating on them. Mostly they are white however they have mugs with the handle and inside of mug with various colors. They also have what are called "morph mugs" which are a solid color (black, blue and green I believe) until you add a hot liquid then they "magically" morph to show your design which is then on white. They then return to their solid color after they cool. Here is a link from Conde to give you an idea of what you can use. With the DK3 you can use 11oz.,15oz & the 18oz stein. Also need sublimation ink & paper. DyeTrans™ Mugs for Sublimation Imprinting
Thanks to all for the great imput!!! I definitely feel more comfortable moving ahead. I'm leaning towards moving forward with the purchase. This will not be mainstay of my business in anycase (or will it? Ha) I hope to be able to delay my decision till after the ISS show.
Another question on the mug press, what is best method (paper, inks) or process for getting a good image on mugs. In fact I have a potential client looking for 40 mugs, so may be able to make this machine start paying right away! Do I have to have special mugs, or will any mug do that will fit properly in the mug press? Can you print on a colored mug? Sorry if thiese are stupid questions, but have little knowledge in this area.
Jim
Give NovaChrome USA a call. You can find them on the web at NovaChromeUSA.com. They are real close to you. Everyone who sells mugs, sells the mugs from the same factory in China. I even saw the exact same mug we sell on a cruise ship last month. Shipping is the big deal because they are heavy. The closer you are to the vendor, the lower your shipping costs.
Need a little advice on a GeoKnight Press 
