Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hix is a name brand and good quality. Swinger or clamshell is personal preference. I like a swinger. The first one is Chinese junk. The price is a dead give away.
LOL @ Chinese junk. I figured it was generic but I wasnt sure. Im new. ha.
The clamshell is cheaper than the swing and I am brand new at this so I dont have a preference yet.. **HMM... straight down or swing and then down... HMM... ** the decisions this sport endures!
Edit: Oh, but the SWING allows for thicker things to be pressed.
Deciding between a swinger or clam is primarily depends on space. A clam is compact because the top platen is directly over the botton--it is a good type to get if you are limited on space or traveling with it to shows or tournaments. A swinger requires double the space because the top swings away from the bottom. Its advantage is you have more room to lay out letters or prints if you will be doing more of this type of work (you are not directly under the heat)
I used this model from Pro World Inc. HEAT TRANSFER MACHINE MP 16X20 worked great, a bit hard to to press down on the firm setting but you get the hang of it. You can see it here. MANUF. MIGHTY PRESS
Hope this helps.
Chris.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamnSmith
Seiki Digital 15x15 Clamshell - $295
VS
Hix Swingman 15 Swinger- 15" x 15" Swinger Heat Transfer Press - $609
VSHix Presto15 Manual Heat Transfer Press 15" x 15" Clam - $594
Hix Swingman 15 Swinger- 15" x 15" Swinger Heat Transfer Press - $609
VSHix Presto15 Manual Heat Transfer Press 15" x 15" Clam - $594
Just curious on your thoughts!
Not that this will answer all of your questions, but this video will help you understand why you might prefer a swing-style or a clamshell heat press...
The Seiki is a chinese machine and I think is sold by a company in Reno/Sparks NV. I would be very cautious on their warranty..the hix and hotronix and stahls all have lifetime warranty on the heating element.
I do use seiki for inexpensive cutter blade for my Roland....I use them when doing harder stuff so it I screw up a blade..I have not lost that much..so far they are okay.
I got a Hix Swingman 15 Swinger, and it work just fine, and you have the peace of mind that your money is well invested.
After all you don't want to spend your hard earned money in something that may have a short life.
I know, many people have Chinese press, vinyl cutters, etc, and they work just fine, but, well I prefer to have peace of mind.
Comparing a few heatpresses 
