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funkygator2 · September 7th, 2007

Hello I am wondering what would be the best heat press if I am planning on doing my designs on mostly baby clothing? I would like to have your opinions on buying a JP12 demo unit w/o any warranties? The stores warranties that it will arrive in working conditions. Should I get a label press intead (given the size of the baby clothes)? Thanks in advance for your help.

BigBear · September 7th, 2007

A 9x12 press is still quite large for baby clothing. We don't have any clients using anything but a label press, unless their budget won't allow them that choice.

The main problem is that quite a few of the baby garments have such a small area that can be imprinted. Worse, many have "buttons, bangles and bows" that cannot go in the press.

A label press provides the easy ability to pull the garment over the lower platen. The three that I would suggest considering are: The Stahls' Hotronix STX-6, the Mighty Press MP4 and the Knight DK8. All are very nice and efficient.

funkygator2 · September 7th, 2007

Thank you. I will check them out. Is there a press than can do both infant clothing (onesis) and perhaps tote bags and/or regular tshirt size?

COEDS · September 7th, 2007

you bould also use a hat press, ,,,,,, JB

funkygator2 · September 8th, 2007

Thanks. For start up, what hat press brand would you recomend?

BigBear · September 8th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkygator2


	Thank you. I will check them out. Is there a press than can do both infant clothing (onesis) and perhaps tote bags and/or regular tshirt size?

There is one: The Knight DC16. It is a 14x16 swing-away production press. Upper and lower platens are elevated with a relatively tall back support unit. This places the bottom of the lower platen 9” higher than the base of the press.

The unusual design of the press was created to accommodate quick change of accessories (notably a cap attachment) and/or smaller size lower platens. Changeable lower platens include 12x14, 10x12, 6x8 and 3x5.

The smaller platens allow garments and totes to be easily pulled onto them, while the standard 14x16 table accommodates fairly large transfers for T-shirts. Some folks have difficulty wrapping their heads around the concept, but it’s easy. The size of the heater block is irrelevant, only what it touches (the rest of the item falls down and away from the heat).

This press would provide maximum utility for the specific items you mentioned. The only two potential drawbacks might be budget and easy mobility. The press and extra table(s) would cost considerably more than any label press and, at 130+ lbs., the press is not the easiest in the world to move around.

Because the press is very tall, it is best to be on a support table no more than 30” tall.

Another thought is to get a regular sized standard (15x15 and up) heat press and then insert blank, cut-up (to the needed size) mouse pads inside small garments and totes. In this case, of course, you are elevating the item so that again, the heat is only touching a desired area.

In our old retail days I actually did a 1200 piece tote bag order this way. After the order was done I decided that I was being penny smart and dollar stupid (with my time) and bought a smaller, more efficient press.

As JB suggested, you could also use a cap press because garments and totes can be pulled onto them. We have numerous mall kiosk and cart operators using a cap press (when they don’t offer shirts) to make caps and to put heat applied patches (but they can’t be bigger than 3.5”) on other garments, like jeans. A cap press would be somewhat less than the STX6 and DK8 that I mentioned and a bit more than the MP4.

If you went that route, I would suggest the Geo Knight DK7 which comes with a standard 4x7 lower platen or the Mighty Press Cap and purchase a 4x8 lower platen to go with it (the standard platen is 3.5x6). Total price for either option is about the same.

Let me know how I may help you further.

funkygator2 · September 8th, 2007

Thanks again. Would you say it's safe to buy a demo unit at a reduced price w/o warranties from manufacturer? The store does warranties that the heat press will arrive in working conditions. What do you think?

BigBear · September 9th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkygator2


	Thanks again. Would you say it's safe to buy a demo unit at a reduced price w/o warranties from manufacturer? The store does warranties that the heat press will arrive in working conditions. What do you think?

Candidly, your opinion has as much validity as mine. Used is used and no warranty is no warranty. The rest is only opinion and luck.

A JP12 only has a one-year warranty when new and lists for $279.00. I would personally not pay more than 75% of that price and I would make sure that freight was reasonable.

Price seems to be your major criteria, rather than function or utility, so just look at it as a calculated business decision. At about $230 total price you could make 58 items at a $4 profit each and be even.

Double your production (116 items), save all your profits and you could now buy a new, small production press, if needed.

Business is always a calculated gamble. At least this one is not very expensive.