Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I been watching e-bay trying to get a deal I can afford and even though I found some cheap looking wooden ones I also found some metals ones that look pretty good (Monkey Press is one). But looks is not everything.
The experienced people scream "STAY AWAY!" lest you waste your money.
A couple of people have been happy with cheap presses (it gave them a start and it hasn't caused them any problems), but the majority have either had poor experiences or don't need to try them to know they would have poor experiences (but a number of people here have had direct bad experiences, so it's not just conjecture).
I wouldnt waste my time or money on a "Monkey Press". And think of it in a safety fashion. Its a machine that generates heat, attached to a wooden frame/base. Now ask yourslef how many times have you left something on because you got distracted? Id hate to save money on a press that could cost me my home because I forgot to turn it off. As Murphy says, "Crap happens."
Back in the day when I was alooken to get myself started in this business and buy a new press, well I met a wise man.. he said son, he was a bit older than I, as I am sure I am to you.. And this is not a badalouism (You'll find out later), any way he said.. go dig a hole and throw your money in it.. Because sooner or later that's what's going to happen.. and then you will be starting all over again and a wonderin where you going to get the money to do just that.. If you do it right the first time you will become a wise man just like me... I didn't istened to the wise man and bought the wrong press and 6 months later I had to beg the little woman, that be'in my wife and all because she is smaller than I. Finally she said yeah. I was so greatful I took her out and bought her one of those big mac's. So listen to me and do it right and some day you can say you met a wise man..
A couple of weeks ago I was all set to "invest" in a cheap press from ebay. Now,after weighing up the pros and cons I think im gonna have to dig a little deeper in the account for a nicer press. Who needs to eat three meals a day anyway?
Here, if you want a starter press to get you started for under 300 check this one out. It is at least a true heat press. I would listen to what Lou has to say though! I started out with the right tool for the job myself.
Although I agree with the posts here- I have used the aforementioned monkey press and it has worked very well.
The only problem is that it is plate too small to anything more than kids stuff, it's a real hassle to do an adult shirt and measure out as most of the shirt hangs way off the sides.
I bought it just to try out and see what I could do with it, made about 250 shirts with it & definitely recouped the $225.00 it cost me.
If I was to be in the transfer business I would certainly upgrade, but as I said- I was just playing around with the technology & it served me well.
Just my 2 cents.
with a 16x20 heat press, you could align the shirts and position your transfers much better. I only have a 16x16 at the moment (my first), and wished I had started with a 16x20. That's just me though.
with a 16x20 heat press, you could align the shirts and position your transfers much better. I only have a 16x16 at the moment (my first), and wished I had started with a 16x20. That's just me though.
I notice everyone says the bigger the better and 15x15 should be smallest you get but if you use a printer then isn't your max size 11x9 or whatever the size is?
Well, the bigger area also gives you flexibilty on your designs. Imagine printing a number of small flowers (half-inch diameter), you could print a lot in an 8.5 x 11 paper, and then a text slogan. You could cut each of these small flowers and the text, and then position it everywhere around your shirt (the slogan at the center). If you have a 16x20 press, that would be your design area on your shirt, not the 8.5x11 size of the paper.
Well, the bigger area also gives you flexibilty on your designs. Imagine printing a number of small flowers (half-inch diameter), you could print a lot in an 8.5 x 11 paper, and then a text slogan. You could cut each of these small flowers and the text, and then position it everywhere around your shirt (the slogan at the center). If you have a 16x20 press, that would be your design area on your shirt, not the 8.5x11 size of the paper.
Although I agree with the posts here- I have used the aforementioned monkey press and it has worked very well.
The only problem is that it is plate too small to anything more than kids stuff, it's a real hassle to do an adult shirt and measure out as most of the shirt hangs way off the sides.
I bought it just to try out and see what I could do with it, made about 250 shirts with it & definitely recouped the $225.00 it cost me.
If I was to be in the transfer business I would certainly upgrade, but as I said- I was just playing around with the technology & it served me well.
Just my 2 cents.
I can sell you two GE hotplates and some wood to get you started again... only $119.00... (couldn't resist...lol)
Last edited by CoolTech; February 4th, 2007 at 11:02 PM.
Homemade Heat Press 
