Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hey everyone. I'm in a bit of a bind. I have had a good stock of MagicMix inks and papers and things have been knocking along smoothly, so I haven't been following the forums as much recently. And it appears that I have missed a lot.
Due to some bad installation instructions and some dumb mistakes on my part when I installed my bulk system, the tubing for one of my cartridges has rubbed through. So I went to TLM's site to look into parts or a new kit or something to fix my issue and I can't find any kits. So I hit the Yahoo Group and some messages there are leading me to the conclusion that TLM is going out of business.
First off, is that true? Are they getting out of the business.
Second, I need another supplier then fairly quickly. My current bulk kit is still full, but I have a pinhole in the line. So I need either a new kit or a fix. And with that, I need a recommendation of what is people's current ink of choice for an Epson C86 doing t-shirts via heat press. My MagicMix ink/MagicJet paper setup was a snap. Fill the bottles and print. No color config necessary or anything and the results were great. Any other ink recommendations that are that easy to use?
And last I need a good suggestion for paper. We tried the Iron-All that had the super soft hand and while the hand was nice, it was incredibly visible. Noticeably a cut-out and stamped shirt. So we stopped using it and went back to the MagicJet. Plus the price of the MagicJet is very nice as well. What paper is good to use that is similar/better than the MagicJet.
Or is there another supplier of MagicJet perhaps? Or MagicMix for that matter.
If I switch inks I should probably get a new bulk system, because you don't want to mix and match inks, right?
We are opening a physical retail store in the next couple of months and orders are pouring in. Now all of a sudden I'm caught with no supplies!
Sorry if I sound a bit panicked, but any help/guidance that you guys could give me would be ENORMOUSLY appreciated.
OK, I've been digging around and asking some questions on the Yahoo group as well and so far, it seems that TLM got out of the bulk ink system business, but are still in the paper and ink business (although the paper has you emailing someone else, but whatever). So that doesn't seem to be a real problem.
However, I still would need to get a bulk ink system since mine seems to be pretty much shot. Any suggestions here?
I hope TLM is not getting out of the business, i have really enjoyed working with Cindy, she has always replied and sent items quickly. She has really helped me start my business.
I wouldn't toss the bulk ink system for a damaged tube. I haven't used the TLM bulk system, but most of the ones I have seen use a clear tubing like "Tygon". You should be able to find small diameter tubing by the foot and replace the dameged tubing. AN aquarium supply store will probably have this. It is used for air hoses.
Mostly just repeating what has already been said, but:
My understanding is that TLM had to cut back on a lot of their product offerings for various reasons, but aren't out of business at this point. They are still selling Magic Mix and Magic Jet paper.
For possible replacement parts, I was going to suggest the same place Dave did - MIS. They also carry bulk systems and their flavor of pigmented inks. Coastal and a few other companies carry pigmented inks as well; I haven't really heard any problems with anyone using inks from any of these companies, so if Magic Mix DOES become unavailable something like those should work.
Magic Jet is the same paper as Transjet II, and it can be found a few other places if need be.
HELP!!! TLM Troubles? Backup Supplier? 
