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LCE · January 24th, 2007

Hey guys.

I am getting ready to buy my Heat Press, cutter, and supplies in a few weeks and I just thought that I could get some feedback before I make my move. I am basically making my decisions based on this forum.

I am planning on getting these:

Heat press: Phoenix Phire 16x20. I like the auto open feature, besides from the digital timer and temperature controls.

Cutter: Rowland GX24. From what I have seen at the ISS in Long Beach this past weekend, this cutter rocks. The video from Josh (Imprintables) was also a big help with my decision on this one.

Inkjet Printer: Epson C88+ with the Bulk Ink System. Since I already have a scanner (HP Scanjet 3200C), do I still need to get an all in one printer, like the CX5000?

Transfer Papers: I need to get some samples of each type of transfer. I don’t have any clue on what to order.

T-shirts: I’ll probably contact Alstyle for some 1701s and contact American Apparel for some of their samples.

Ink Refills: I will most likely get my Bulk Ink Systems from BCS. However, where can I get good deals on Pigment Ink Refills, besides from Business Coastal Sup??

I am new at this and I am very excited to get started!!! Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!
LCE

vctradingcubao · January 24th, 2007

1) I think Imprintables are offering discounts to forum members.
2) Great choice on the 16x20 Auto-open Phoenix Phire, and the Roland GX-24.
3) As for the others, you could be running a similar set-up like badalou, and he seems to have tried almost all the papers. You can check out his reviews and start using what he's using. This could save you time instead of trying out all the papers.

LCE · January 24th, 2007

Thanks Byron. Yeah. I have been in contact with Josh at Imprintables. I will MOST LIKELY give him a call in a few days. I know that they give forum members a discount. I got the idea of Bulk Ink System from badalou's videos. I want a similar setup like his...

Rodney · January 24th, 2007

Thanks for posting a breakdown of what you're considering and why... I think that will really help others just getting started with heat presses and heat transfers.

Quote:


	do I still need to get an all in one printer, like the CX5000?

I don't think you'll need another all in one printer since you have a scanner and you're getting the C88+

LCE · January 24th, 2007

Thanks Rodney. Just trying to do my homework. I wanted to basically summarize what others are recommending. Hopefully, I get some feedback regarding the t-shirts and transfers from badalou. :-)

The C88+ is for $79.99 on the Epson website and there is a $15 rebate, so it is actually for $64.99. Epson has the C88 (refurbished) for $49.99.

Twinge · January 30th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCE


	Transfer Papers: I need to get some samples of each type of transfer. I don’t have any clue on what to order.

The main 2 papers you will want to look at and test are the IronAll (and I guess SoftFeel is slightly different, so you might want to check both), and the Transjet II/Magic Jet/IW JetII. These 2 types of paper are the main varieties in use by people on these boards and elsewhere.

IronAll will give you a very soft hand (feel) to the shirt, but it can be harder to work with as it tends to flake a bit (this may not be as bad as it used to be however - they have a new paper formula they just came out with). Transjet II is very easy to work with and nice bright colors, but it isn't as soft as the IronAll.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCE


	T-shirts: I’ll probably contact Alstyle for some 1701s and contact American Apparel for some of their samples.

You might want to try samples from several companies to get an idea for what you like best. Alternative Apparel, Apparel1, etc. are also potential choices for the same type of shirts you're looking at.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCE


	Ink Refills: I will most likely get my Bulk Ink Systems from BCS. However, where can I get good deals on Pigment Ink Refills, besides from Business Coastal Sup??

TLM Supply House carries 'Magic Mix' pigmented inks, which is a set designed for t-shirt transfer. I'm not certain how price compares, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCE


	The C88+ is for $79.99 on the Epson website and there is a $15 rebate, so it is actually for $64.99. Epson has the C88 (refurbished) for $49.99.

They are practically the same printer. The C88+ simply prints just a little bit faster; but then again, it might be worth paying a little extra getting a new one instead of refurbished as well.

LCE · January 30th, 2007

Twinge,

Thanks for the info. I just got my C88 from Radio Shack last night. It was on sale for $39.99! I am waiting a few more days to get my heat press and cutter. In the meantime, I will contact the tshirt and transfer paper vendors for some samples!

LCE

zzbliss · February 5th, 2007

Great post! Just starting out myself Very INformativvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve! thanx the bliss

CoolTech · February 5th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCE


	I am new at this and I am very excited to get started!!! Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks! LCE

I just got off the phone with Imprintables.

Here is what I ordered:

Heat press: Phoenix Phire 16x20. I too like the auto open feature, digital timer and temperature controls.

Mug press: Phoenix Mug Press. fully digital and prints full wrap, top-to-bottom

Hat press: Mighty Press Cap Press. 4" x 8.5" Teflon Coated Heat Platen

Some test materials
Package deal was under $2200.00 shipped

I already have the cutter/plotter.

vctradingcubao · February 5th, 2007

Way to Go, Jim! Congratulations on your good choices. Like Rodney, it seems that you want to start with the best money can buy. Keep us posted on your progress, and in what directions your presses will lead you. I assume you're starting with vinyl (cutter/plotter), and maybe some dye-sub for your Mug Press. It would be interesting to know the results for your Hat Press, as I also plan to buy one. I wonder what printer and paper you'll be using? I imagine that there could be some problems placing the transfers on the front center part of the caps, since you'll have to transfer press above the seam of the cap.

CoolTech · February 5th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by vctradingcubao


	Way to Go, Jim! Congratulations on your good choices. Like Rodney, it seems that you want to start with the best money can buy. Keep us posted on your progress, and in what directions your presses will lead you. I assume you're starting with vinyl (cutter/plotter), and maybe some dye-sub for your Mug Press. It would be interesting to know the results for your Hat Press, as I also plan to buy one. I wonder what printer and paper you'll be using? I imagine that there could be some problems placing the transfers on the front center part of the caps, since you'll have to transfer press above the seam of the cap.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

And... good questions all. We shall see... And, yes. I plan to add my experiences as a "noob" to the forum.

I will be experimenting with my Okidata C3200 color laser printer, Epson 3490 Photo scanner, and the new cutter/plotter for a bit.

I already have preorders for shirts (36), mugs (24) and caps (36)... before the equipment even arrives... Wooo hooo!
===

I had ordered from Coastal (offered free shipping), but they called this morning and told me that my press would cost an additional $55.00 shipping + x + y + z for an additional $150.00. I cancelled my order and called Imprintables... VERY easy to work with. I told them what I wanted to spend, and they got within $100.00 for all the equipment and test materials.

Great job Imprintables!

LCE · February 6th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolTech


	I just got off the phone with Imprintables. Here is what I ordered: Heat press: Phoenix Phire 16x20. I too like the auto open feature, digital timer and temperature controls. Mug press: Phoenix Mug Press. fully digital and prints full wrap, top-to-bottom Hat press: Mighty Press Cap Press. 4" x 8.5" Teflon Coated Heat Platen Some test materials Package deal was under $2200.00 shipped I already have the cutter/plotter.

I finally placed my order with Josh at Imprintables today! Ordered the 16x20 Phoenix Phire Press and the Roland GX 24. It also includes Spectra materials, weeding tools, Inkjet transfer paper samples, and Direct Dive Studio. $3GRR for the whole package including shipping. Everything should arrive by next week!

CoolTech · February 7th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCE


	I finally placed my order with Josh at Imprintables today! Ordered the 16x20 Phoenix Phire Press and the Roland GX 24. It also includes Spectra materials, weeding tools, Inkjet transfer paper samples, and Direct Dive Studio. $3GRR for the whole package including shipping. Everything should arrive by next week!

I worked with Josh as well. My equipment is due on the 8th... Hey, that's today!

I think you and I should keep in touch through PMs. We may need to support each other through our starter frustrations. We may even come up with issues at the same time and need to post them here for answers (the latter being the most likely... lol)

vlcnmstr · February 8th, 2007

being on the frugal (ok, cheap) side,
I plunged in myself today with equipment.
As space is a concern as well as budget, I opted for the craft robo pro II which is still in the box as I don't have parking near the apartment and had to carry it two blocks and then up three flights-- so I'll open it after supper.
Got a reasonable but smaller (mighty press) shirt press, an assortment of t-shirt vinyls --ooo shiny and glittery.
I am wanting to get a cap press as well but hoping to find a local to LA supplier-- does anyone know of one?

so now the only thing is to find the best laser transfer paper, a cap press and start doodling.

I also realized on the trip home that the big thing holding me from doing sublimation was the absence of a press for shirts (have been doing mugs for a while) so lots of avenues have opened up.

I'll let ya'll know how the robo does when I've gotten my breath back.
djl

LCE · February 8th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolTech

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