Penny Laine

Hi! I am relatively new to the forum, I do a LOT of reading so this is my first posted question.
I am starting my first (small) business that makes and alters babies/ toddlers apparel and accessories.

I am in the market for a decent heat press but seeing as there's more money going IN at this point than coming out, I don't have a huge budget to spend...

I am trying to figure out whether it is worth the extra coin to get a 15 x15" heat press rather than the 11x15 (which is what I hear recommended frequently in threads to others seeking buying advice) but is that applicable to someone who only works with childrens clothes (those things are weenie!) Bear in mind my printer is only 8.5 x 11 too...

I have narrowed my search down to 3 so far...
Kelly (GuyzandDollz) has brought to my attention the SunIE 15 x 15 which is very reasonable (around $300) and her poll from owners was a great positive read...

and there there is the Mighty Press Lite 11 x 15 (about $395) smaller but a good brand and comes with a Lifetime Heating Element Warranty

but if I want to go with a more know 'brand' name than SunIE and also a bigger press, I was thinking to go with the HIX swingman 15x15 (about $600) the swing is a good aspect too...

SO! In your opinions, is it worth the extra money to get the bigger plate when dealing with children's apparel?

oh... and any advice that can be given on any of the machines I mentioned would be super helpful too!!!

MERCI buckets tshirt friends!!!

 

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mrdavid

My first press was 11x15 and I could do what any one else could with the 15x15.

Then to make it easy I did get the sunie 15"x15" and it did make it faster for me know its been two years and I have 16"x20" national which is older press.

But I would do it all over again it is nice to start small and go bigger never know what will happen seen to many people spend lot money to see them sale it all at A lost!!

__________________
Never say "no I can't" when you can just takes time and patience!!!!

 

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deChez

I agree that there is an advantage to starting with a small press, even if your budget would allow a larger one.

It gives you the opportunity to learn the ropes, and if you decide to get a larger press later on, you have a better frame of reference for what you really want and need. You also have the little one as a back-up if you go larger one day.

I have been using a 11 X 14 press for some time now, and rarely have I thought "I really need a bigger press".

FYI -- I use my cap press for infant clothing, over heart & sleeve presses on polos and tees, and lots of other stuff.

 

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Penny Laine

Hey, thanks guys! I think an 11x15 should fit my current needs nicely... does anyone know which machines hold their value best (if any) so in a few years if I want to upgrade, it wont be too hard to resell this one?

 

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Tdecorator

I think you should buy one with changeable plates, later you can use that for other things as well.

 

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Penny Laine

they have those? that seems so sensible! I had no idea... thanks!

 

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deChez

Quote: Originally Posted by Penny Laine they have those? that seems so sensible! I had no idea... thanks!

Obviously, some like the interchangable heat presses....me, not so much.

You have to take the press partially apart to change the function.

You have to wait for the press to cool before taking it apart to change the function.

You can't be doing two things at once....say hats and shirts....or a large shirt back on the flat press, and handing it over to someone using the cap press for the over-heart front.

If the press breaks....all of your options are broken.

Just some food for thought.

 

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