Discuss the different types of equipment needed for screen printing. Topics include manual screen printing presses, automatic presses, dryers, folding machines, starter kits and high end machines.
I am wanting to begin doing some screenprinting. I have looked at the press a print and found some great deals on used equipment which is great with my limited budget. My question is, are there other places to get supplies (ex. pads for pad printer) other than from press a print. I called press a print and they said they would not send me ANYTHING unless I paid $10,000 to become a member. I am not willing to pay that kind of money to be a member with a company to buy supplies for a "non-commercial" (has limited capabilities) piece of equipment. Should I just stay away from anything with the press a print name on it?
I don't have any personal experience with it, but the stuff I've read on here all sounds like what you've said.
To be honest the press-a-print looks like a complete waste of money to me. For $10,000 you could buy a quality press, flash dryer, conveyor, exposure unit, screens, and supplies. Then you would be setup to do multi colored prints quickly, and do 6-8 dozen shirts an hour (conservatively).
With the press a print you have to change screens to change colors, then cure with a flash dryer. I cure with a flash dryer, and it's slow. I can deal with that for now, but I couldn't deal with changing screens all the time. If I wanted to do that I'd built something myself.
The only good thing I see about the press-a-print is that you can hide it in a closet when you're done. That's the only good thing though.
I was a Press A Print customer...do not waste your money...not only will you not get support but the equipment is barely above hobbyist level. You do have to change the screen for each color but that is not the issue...you can go to most any other screen printing company and get better equipment for less. I have the PAP pad printer and it is just an outdated door stop..
Just be aware that if you are going to screen print at home, you may encounter some legal issues with the local government for permission and also for disposal of inks, cleaners etc..be sure you can operate legally before leaping
Press-A-Print doesn't make their own equipment or supplies. They are mostly made by "Printa" and then PAP puts their name on it. Supplies, parts, and screens ARE available elsewhere without going through Press-A-Print. We have their system and added a lot to it, but never paid a dime to PAP. It works fine for us, is reliable, and certainly compact. Perfect for us since we are home-based. I would recommend the system itself for a start-up, especially for someone who wants to play around with their own designs. It's not for high-volume production. I wouldn't buy it from PAP and I would not pay for their overpriced "services". But the equipment is a good way to get your feet wet in real screen printing, especially if your space is limited.
I just went to the press a print website and browsed around for a few minutes.
Without saying anything bad about them I'd say yes, stay far far away from them.
You should be able to buy everything you need used an be fully set up to screen print for well under 10k.
The key is to do your research and be diligent and patient as far as your used equipment search.
Check Craigslist and industry forums often.
My advice was (and is) the equipment is fine and useful, just don't pay Press-A-Print directly for anything, and certainly not their overpriced services. Just saying "don't do it" is not very useful, in my opinion. You don't even explain what knowledge you have about this subject. I have first-hand knowledge of it, having used the equipment for years, and having talked with many people who went through PAP.
You don't need to answer my rhetorical question, btw. I'm just making the point that it's not helpful to anyone to just blanket slam stuff without context.
I mean don't do press a print, you can buy pad printing equipment without them. just don't want anybody getting burned by there sales pitch. you know what i'm saying tribble! just saying, uncletee.
Press A Print - A Bad Idea? 
