Hi guys, I am new to screen printing. I was originally looking into the
DTG printers, but of the samples I received I was really not satisfied with the quality/feel of the print. I will admit the images looked outstanding it just didn't have a quality feel to it. Anyways now I am exploring the screen printing avenue. I have been searching the web and contacting suppliers/manufacturers. I am still having a tough time deciding on the right equipment. I just received my copy of the How to Print T-shirts book, and I am just about finished with it. After reading it I am more comfortable about the entire process, during my reading on various forums I was getting worried that this was not for me, I was getting the feeling of discouragement from the replies, but the book has really helped. Has any purchased the DVD sereis From silkscreensupplies?
From reading here, it seems as though the general concensus is to buy used equipment for starters. I am fine with that it may help get better equipment at a cheaper cost, but I am having a hard time finding used equipment. Besides that I am not sure what to look for in terms of potential problems/broken equipment. A few things I do know is I wan the ability to print light to dark shirts, as well as sweat shirts, maybe pants/shorts and jackets. I already know I will need 3 maybe 4 colors for one shirt design I have in mind, so I am looking for at minimum 4 color press.
In terms of new equipment I have been looking into the Riley Hopkins presses from silkscreensupplies, and the Printa 770 series. I am constantly getting drawn to the Printa system for a number of reasons.
-more compact that all the others out there, and most of the setup can be done in one area
-lifetime warranty (question is how is customer service... the guys seem great when talking over the phone)
-I can upgrade from a 4/4 head to a 6/4 for around $1k later down the road.
-a few other minor things
Not sure about any drawbacks, maybe you guys can help. The one I can see is the price, more expensive than the average, but it does have a drying/curing unit for the screens, again not sure about the quality of it.
How necessary is a drying/curing unit for the screens? I am having a bit of trouble finding one. As well a a decent wash out sink...
Then I was looking into the entry level, just the ease my way in and start small, from silkscreensupplies
http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/site/799934/product/1008 or similar by piecing together my own, any recommendations on this?
-How does registration work on a press as this? And is there a press out there like this (4 color/1 station or 2) with micro registration?
-I assume this has the ability to make quality prints, with the only handicap being the skill of the user.