Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I have been learning so much from all of you. Thanks for all your input - my head is spinning. I'm gathering my list of heat press equip - and really want to place an order this week (pressure from hubby), but I really want to make informed decisions. Well, I have 3 questions and would appreciate any input.
If you had a choice, would you choose to buy a Phoenix Phire or a Geo-Knight DK20 with the auto-release upgrade for $70.00 cheaper shipping included.
Is the Roland-GX24 the best cutter in it's class and size - I don't know of any other comparable options?
This is pretty dumb, but I need help setting up a workstation. I know the equipment is heavy and it depends on how much equipment I'm going to be using. I've checked some online used/new office furniture shops and even my local craigslist. If someone could help with the basics of what I should be looking for, where to look, and how much to spend, I'd really apreciate it. I've got two walls with around 125 inches each, one wall with a low window. Thanks!
wel you ask for advice here it goes. I have heard the knight presses have heating element issues and the Phoenix press is really nice. I think the roland is the best in its price range and as for space. I will tell you to take all the space you can and it will still get cluttered up. A window that would be nice . ... JB
Thanks for the advice JB. Sorry for the dumb question, but can you tell me where most people get their tables (work station/bench) from? I know the presses are heavy and the only tables I can find start at $300+ each. Where should I look? Thanks
I truly believe there is no such thing as a dumb question ... I would look around at a used office furniture store or 1 of the warehouse clubs. Do you want it to look nice or just be functional. You get get some lumber and build it yourself. ... Good luck ... JB
I think the Phoenix Phire is the best choose for the money. Imprintables customer service has been top shelf and that alone is reason enough for me. As far as, is one better than the other I couldnt say since Stahls is the only company I have any real time with.
If you can afford the Roland, get it. You wont regret it in any respect. It will cut everything you find yourself getting into. Its a solid machine with all the options (less printing) you could want out of a plotter. Plus once again, great customer service.
My work station is like many others right now. I work off of a couple folding plastic tables I found on sale at HomeDepot. The shorter of the two 2x4 is where I have the press and stage the graphics being pressed. The second is where I place the "To be pressed" and "Just pressed" shirts. I like the plastic tables more due to ease of cleaning if anything spills. I use a 18x24 folding table at my desk to use for weeding and such. This thing is small and folds up and is easy to hide when I'm not using it. Once Im in my new place in S.C. Ill have a better set-up but right now this one fits the space and need.
And just in case you plan on doing anything small and detailed, a pair of these will help loads. I love my lighted magnifiers. A pair drug store readers with a good light in the room is every bit as good, I had mine for when I did machinist work. One last thought, make sure the circuit you're having this on is heavy enough or you'll find yourself running to flip the breaker more than you're pressing.
Thanks for the advice JB. Sorry for the dumb question, but can you tell me where most people get their tables (work station/bench) from? I know the presses are heavy and the only tables I can find start at $300+ each. Where should I look? Thanks
We have an aircraft supplier nearby and they have a surplus store.
My press (a 16x20 Geo Knight) is on a rolling server cart. Probably could have been on something a little more solid, but having it rolling is a huge plus for me. My room is about 11 x 11. I like being able to tuck it away when I'm not using it.
We've also been able to find makeshift desks there that were probably used by the machinists. Unbelievably heavy and cheap.
You can come up with a workstation using a countertop and a couple of filing cabinets. NEW filing cabinets are flimsier than old ones.
You may want to try craigslist, freecycle or tag sales.
I set a friend up with a "desk" from my stuff. I had made a new top for my office desk and still had the old formica top (which was very heavy). And I had a couple of spare cabinets that I had no room for anymore. I cleaned house a bit and he has a desk.
I have a Graphtec cutter that I'm really happy with.
You want to keep your equipment out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Since we have cats, I keep the cutter covered with a sheet when I am not using it. For that matter, I should cover the presses too. But the cutter was the big issue.
Oh, you may want to find a cabinet maker or check your local home improvement stores. We have a friend who does countertops and you wouldn't believe what people reject! My worktable is my old kitchen cabinet (5' base from Home Depot years ago) and the counter that was on it. I've gotten other counters from him before.
Thank you, thank you!!!! You all have been sooooo helpful. I got way more info than I thought I would and some great tips that I haven't been able to find on the forum yet. Thanks so much to all for your time!!!
Is the Roland-GX24 the best cutter in it's class and size - I don't know of any other comparable options?
One other comprable option is the Graphtec CE3000Mk2. It's another high quality 24" cutter that would likely serve you well. You should be able to find it a bit cheaper than the Roland -- but I don't know if you'll be able to find it from a vendor as good as Imprintables, nor with the long base warranty It might be worth paying more for the support & warranty, but if you're on a really tight budget the Graphtec would probably work quite well too.
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Originally Posted by diane143
Since we have cats, I keep the cutter covered with a sheet when I am not using it. For that matter, I should cover the presses too. But the cutter was the big issue.
We cover our press =) Hair still manages to get everywhere though... always keep a lint roller handy when pressing to snag stray cat hair when pressing :P
If you're up for it, you might even check near dumpsters for offices, colleges, or office supply stores. I've never personally found anything this way (haven't really looked, as I haven't really needed furniture...), but I've heard you can sometimes find some pretty decent quality furniture that people are just throwing away.
If you're up for it, you might even check near dumpsters for offices, colleges, or office supply stores. I've never personally found anything this way (haven't really looked, as I haven't really needed furniture...), but I've heard you can sometimes find some pretty decent quality furniture that people are just throwing away.
Also check Craigslist, especially near the end of the month. When people move and they don't have time to sell their furniture, it goes in the "free" section.. if you have a pickup and you keep an eye on those ads you can find something really nice for free. You just have to be quick.
Need Work Station Tips Please 
It might be worth paying more for the support & warranty, but if you're on a really tight budget the Graphtec would probably work quite well too.
