Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
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Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
I'm trying to narrow down which press to buy... I've decided to go with a 16x20 unless I happen across a really great deal on a smaller used press and I'm debating between Hix, Hotronix and Knight.
But what I really want to know is if the auto open feature is worth the few hundred bucks extra? I was completely sold on the idea until I read in another thread that they make a loud bang each time it auto releases. I think that would get on my nerves after a while. I plan on doing longer runs of shirts but that may not happen for a while.
Is it worth the money?
Do they make a loud noise when they release?
Any comments about any of the 3 brands I mentioned above?
One last question... the long arm on the Knight looks like it would be less tiring to operate over a longer period of time... true/false?
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
The long arm and WIDE opening degree of the Geo Knight actually scared us a little because we figured you'd need to reach extra high to lower your platten. That may not be a problem for you. I dont' know how tall you are.
All three of those brands are very good, so you won't go wrong with any of them.
If the Hotronix is the same machine as the Phoenix Phire from Imprintables (which I believe it is), Josh has a very good video showing the different types of heat presses, and he demos the auto-open PP. It seems to be pretty silent, unless the clunk was covered up in editing. I was worried about that, too, especially since we live in an apartment and share a wall with someone else's bedroom.
So I don't know about the other brands, but I'd be pretty confident that they Hotronix is pretty quiet.
Worth the money? I'd say probably yes. It would be nice not to need to stand in front of our press and wait for the second its timer goes off to release it. Saves that little bit of extra stress, too (I think I have tennis elbow in my left arm ).
The only problem I've read about with auto-open presses is that they tend to create a little ghosting on sublimated images. So if you're planning on using that method, don't get an auto-open.
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
I don't have a auto open press, but I wish I did. I think it could increase my productivity around the shop a little. I have 3 heat press' now. I have a 16x20 Hotronix, a 15x15 Hix, a 15x15 Hotronix, and they all work great for us. If I had to buy a new one it would be a auto opening press. I wish you luck. ......JB
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
Quote:
Originally Posted by wormil
But what I really want to know is if the auto open feature is worth the few hundred bucks extra?
YES!
It allows you multitask more efficiently when doing larger runs. You can be stacking, sorting, peeling or whatever while the press is doing its thing. You don't have to panic if you drop a shirt on the ground and have to pause for a second to pick it up.
It does make noise but it's not excessive. It depends on how much pressure you are using.
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
Well I was leaning toward the auto release and now I'm 100% sold, hopefully the noise isn't a big deal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chani
The long arm and WIDE opening degree of the Geo Knight actually scared us a little because we figured you'd need to reach extra high to lower your platten. That may not be a problem for you. I dont' know how tall you are.
Well I'm not very tall, 5'-9". You raise a good point. On one hand the wide opening would be nice to work with but raising your arm higher might outweigh any additional leverage. I might ponder this one a few more days.
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions)
I bought an auto release Hotronix Autoclam and wouldn't look back, it only make's a noise if you go away from it and let it open itself if u just rest your hand onto the handle it opens into your hand and bingo all's well I would certainly would say its worth the extra $ lol its not a loud bang hehe but did make me jump as i was watching telly and forgot it was on but at least i didn't get a spoilt shirt
This is a discussion about Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions) that was posted in the Heat Press and Heat Transfers section of the forums.
Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions) 
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions) 
Re: Auto release on heat press worth the $$? (and a few other press questions) 
