Against everyone's advice, I went ahead and bought a cheap-o heat press off Ebay a short while back. It's due to arrive today via FedEx.
This is the press I purchased for those interested:
15"T-Shirt Heat Press Screen Printing Digital New Model - eBay (item 120197117453 end time Dec-18-07 18:45:00 PST)
With shipping, I still paid less than $250, and am going to give it a try as soon as it gets here.
I know, I know, I know....everyone advises to get a USA made press with the lifetime warranty, and if this press flops, then I'll be the first to admit it was a dumb move on my part.
BUT, I spoke with a forum member that owns this press and he said that given the chance, he would buy it again. That's reason enough for ME to give it a try, especially at the price I'm paying.
I will report back when I get the machine and get it set up for a test run. I plan to press a combination of transfers with it:
Digital Laser Transfer
Vinyl Transfers
Plastisol Transfers
I'll let you know how it works out. I'm heading out to the store today to try and find a temperature gun so I can calibrate the reading on the machine with the actual heat being produced.
I seriously doubt this machine will be a "final" purchase for heat presses, but it might just prove to be worth the initial investment for those of us who can't afford $600+ to get started.
My feeling is that if this machine lasts me at least ONE year, I'll have gotten my money's worth and every day I get to use it after that year, will be bonus money in my pocket.
I'll be back with info when the machine arrives....