Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi all,
I'm planning to purchase a press in a few months, after I get my tax refund and "economic incentive" from the government
I have a pretty good idea about what I need, but one issue has me concerned. I've seen references made to using physical strength to get the right pressure for the press and this could be a problem for me. I've had arthritis since I was 16 and have weak hands. I also had all 8 knuckles replaced a few years ago, so they can't take huge abuse. Can anyone recommend which brands/styles/models I should avoid? I don't want to go the air compressor route, so any recs for presses with easy open & close and pressure adjustment would be appreciated.
Also, I've noted that some presses use knobs to adjust pressure. Are these difficult to turn? Basically, if a 2 year old couldn't twist it, then I probably can't, either. (though, they'd probably have better luck with child-proof caps than I do, LOL)
From your coment I foresee that you might have trouble with a manual press. not that manuaç pressing is tough but it might be too much for 2 year kid. Try to manipulate a manual press for yourself. Not that I know many presses but every pressing stroke requires a certain energy, once I read that a man can deliver 1 horse power pontualy... and the compressors usualy have fewer than that power... you realy have to find for youself.
I have tennis elbow in my left elbow. What I do on our manual press is just kinda overhand the handle and bring my whole body down to relieve pressure on my elbow.
Works well enough for me.
Also, you adjust pressure when your press is up, so it's easy to turn the knob.
Hi all,
I'm planning to purchase a press in a few months, after I get my tax refund and "economic incentive" from the government
I have a pretty good idea about what I need, but one issue has me concerned. I've seen references made to using physical strength to get the right pressure for the press and this could be a problem for me. I've had arthritis since I was 16 and have weak hands. I also had all 8 knuckles replaced a few years ago, so they can't take huge abuse. Can anyone recommend which brands/styles/models I should avoid? I don't want to go the air compressor route, so any recs for presses with easy open & close and pressure adjustment would be appreciated.
Also, I've noted that some presses use knobs to adjust pressure. Are these difficult to turn? Basically, if a 2 year old couldn't twist it, then I probably can't, either. (though, they'd probably have better luck with child-proof caps than I do, LOL)
Violette
I have a Mighty Press Lite from Stahls. The rotary pressure knob is difficult for me to turn, at the ends of the range. It is impossible for me to adjust when the press is closed down and locked.
I am going to give you a link to some websites regarding trade shows. My aim is to help you find a trade show to attend so you may go to one and have an opportunity to open and close a press in person.
A trade show is great because alot of different suppliers will be there with machines on display. Even though the title does not say it, links to a few trade shows are in here. I have no idea where you are located, but this route or something similar may be just your ticket: Newmilford photo IRON ALL, I am not happy!
If you sign up for some trade shows in advance, entry is free. Maybe this will work for you since you have some time before the rebate checks come out this summer. If not, try to locate local press suppliers and ask if you can come in.
May I ask what you are going to be pressing? If you are only pressing shirts, once you have the pressure set, you will pretty much be able to leave it alone. If you are going between tee shirts and sweatshirts, just that thickness change is enough to necessitate a spin on the pressure dial. Additionally, once you get the feel for the right amount of pressure, you'll know when you close the press and the dial was not 'spun' enough. You do have to "pop" the handle up, re-spin the dial, and re-close. There is a fair amount of exertion. Not having to change the dial makes the whole process easier and more enjoyable for me. I don't not have 'bad' hands, they do hurt, I do not notice it opening and closing the press, but I do not like changing the dial. Will you be pressing varying thicknesses?
It's no problem. I don't mind. I am very happy with my machine. It was in my budget, but I would love a 16x20 auto open with digital timer and pressure sensor!
with those sort of problems with your hands and such.. I would suggest making sure you get one that opens and closes easy.. I know with my mighty press.. if i have to do many shirts.. my arms just ache at the end of the day.. but.. i know Josh at imprintables have some that are real easy to work.. ..
Hi all,
Thanks for the help! I'm going to be pressing a variety of things, like tote bags, fabric, and some t-shirts, so ease of pressure adjustment is going to be an issue. I'm definitely planning to get a press with auto-open... does a pressure sensor help with ease of adjustment?
I live near Boston, MA, so if anyone knows of local vendors or trade shows coming to the area, please let me know. I did look at the ISS show website (they have one coming to RI in July) but there was no pricing info. I usually do like to try before I buy, but I haven't found any local vendors yet -- probably not looking in the right places .
I know he is older and he attends & preforms at the shows.
He also has a web-site ... Heat Press Transfer Network
...lots of info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just bought a cheap heat press, SEIKI, and the knob is about a 6/7 on a scale of 1-10........10 being dificult.
PLEASE,SPEND THE MONEY!!!!AND GET A GOOD PRESS!!!!!
I am only going to do about 5/10 shirts a month , FOR A HOBBY, NOT a business!
AGAIN... SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AND GET GOOD ONE!!!!!
Badalou's site has Great info.... check it out. heatpresstransfernetwork.com
He also has a link to "youtube" that has 26 of his instructional videos. THEY ARE GREAT!!!!!!!
Hope your hands feel better!
(you might want to get tested for LYME disease.... I watched an episode of 'INTERVENTION" and the woman had BAD rheumatoid arthritis since she was 16! all from LYME disease, from a tick!! her hands looked like an 80 yr old, and she was 24!!!)
Cool, I'll go check out the videos. That might be a good way for me to get a virtual feel for the preses until I can get my hands on some. FYI Mrs. bacon, I've been tested for Lyme 3 times, all negative. RA runs in my family, so it's not that big a stretch to believe that diagnosis. At least they make good replacement part nowadays. I'll be getting new ankles in the next year or two. I'll be well on my way to being bionic well before I'm even 50 years old :-)
My business leans more toward the fashion side and I'll be doing more custom kinds of designs along with a "green" clothing and accessories line. I may do some t-shirts, if I get the right graphics, but I'm not planning to do doing volume production (unless I'm wildly successful, at which point I'd hire someone to run the press for me :-). My hands aren't strong, but I'm still able to work full time as a software engineer and do a lot of hand work like sewing and such, so I can probably handle the low-volume physical demands if the press is relatively easy to handle.
You will love his videos!!! i watch them over and over just to make sure I do things right!! PLUS i am very forgetful!!!
I am so sorry about your RA!! i am getting tested for it myself because it runs in my family too ! My ring finger knuckles are starting to swell somewhat and i can hardly use a can opener sometimes... it seem to fluctuate with the weather.
My friend has LYME and it took her 3 years to get diagnosed... she tested neg also.
She finally went to one of the countries LYME specialists in /pa and found out she has it. On antibiotics now and while it got way worse at first , it is now getting better.
SORRY ALL TO GET OFF SUBJECT...
Please let us know what kind of press you get and maybe some pictures!!!
I am interested in your green line!! Very cool!!!!!!
heat press pressure and strength 
Re: heat press pressure and strength 
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