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BrianOfBPE · September 1st, 2009

Okay, I think I've read enough to be dangerous...

I've been thinking about adding t-shirts to the business for a while. Eventually want to go the DTG printer route but the price tag is a bit high for us at this point.

I'm working on an intial job to fund the purchase of equipment.

We have a Roland Versa CAMM SP300-V to cut designs.

My initial equipment thoughts:

JetPress JP14 - size & $ (have been convinced that the JP12 is just too small).
Siser EZWeed Economy material
50/50 t-shirts
Teflon sheets

What have I missed?

gerry · September 1st, 2009

sounds about right. I am also a signman and am able to offer tee's for our customers logos etc.
no need for setting up the press or turning down small orders.

also...i have a 15x15" and wouldnt go smaller.

deChez · September 2nd, 2009

I've used the JP14 for about 3 years now, and I think it's a great starter press.

I did have a problem with mine about a year ago, and I'm pretty convinced that it was user abuse. The back post that holds the heat platen cracked at the weld. Since I replaced the part, I've been more careful about applying too much pressure.

Most here will tell you to go big or stay home. I respectfully disagree. Buy the smaller press (but I would not go smaller than the JP14). What's the worst that could happen? Your t-shirt business takes off, and you can afford a bigger press? If that time comes, you then have the ability to have 2 people pressing at once, and you have a back-up in case one breaks.

While it can at times be challenging to line up your designs on the press, I get around that by lining up my design on the table, and taping it down with paper adhesive tape, then putting it on the press. But mostly, the small press has served me well.

Puzzledbloke · September 3rd, 2009

Good Morning Guys
My situation is the opposite of yours. I am in the t-shirts business. Embroidery and silk screening. Everything I do is sub contracted out. I am in the process of wanting to open a sign shop. I understand that their is equipment out there that will not only cut vinyl but will also print on material that can be heat pressed on to t-shirts.
What type of equipment are you guys running and what advise can you give me about what questions I should be asking
Thanks

BrianOfBPE · September 3rd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puzzledbloke


	...I understand that their is equipment out there that will not only cut vinyl but will also print on material that can be heat pressed on to t-shirts. What type of equipment are you guys running and what advise can you give me about what questions I should be asking Thanks

We have a Roland SP-300V (no idea what the "i" has over ours) with the take up roller (flying arm): SP-300i,
& 30" cold laminator.

We get our sign blanks from Wrisco: Wrisco Sign Blanks.

Two helpful hints that will save you tons of headaches:

Will the RIP (Raster Image Processor) require bounding marks to cut the perimter of objects? (Versaworks does)
Use the wet application method

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