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 recently bought a new screen w/ a mesh count of 83. I eventually would like a automatic press, so I invest in screens that will fit the autopress. However, once I put the image on the screen, a small percentage of the top of the image flows over the front of the platen. Is there a way I can extend the end of my platen without having to buy a new one?? sheet metal? any help is appreciated!
83 seems like a real low mesh count. What are you printing through an 83?
Seems to me like it would be simpler to reduce the size of your stencil/image than it would be to jimmy something onto your platen to make it larger. I've heard of people making larger platens out of smaller ones, but frankly, from a quality perspective, it seems to me like it would be kind of tough to do well (at least with my skills).
Go to Lowes/HD and buy some melamine covered MDF which you can find in the shelving section. Trace your old platen and extend the back several inches. Cut out with a jigsaw or whatever you have available. Remove the mounting gear from your old platen and screw to your new platen.
I had a job once where I had to do large images on sweat pant legs. Your typical sleeve board was not big enough so I went to Home Depot, bought that shelf board and made an identical twin that was 3 times the size. For those of you that watched "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen, I built this thing "Binford Style" haha.
I've used it a dozen times to extend a board temporarily. A handful of my designs are in the 18"x24" range, with a 12"x16" platen. In a pinch, I've tapped or spray-mounted a foam core board to the platen. Since the edged of your design just need "some" support, this would work quickly.
I need INCREASE the size of my platen! fast! 
