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 about to purchase the $999 kit that includes a 4 color 1 station press, flash dryer, and some screens and inks, etc. from silkscreensupplies.com. Can anyone tell me if this is a good kit?
I purchased the same kit. It paid for itself in 1 month. It's everything you need to get started printing tshirts. The only thing I didn't care for was the inks. They are not good on dark shirts. I'm a believer in Union Maxopake Inks for dark t's. Save yourself some frustration right off the bat and get some good inks. Oh, and registering multi color jobs is a pain without micro registeration, but it can be done.
I am about to purchase the $999 kit that includes a 4 color 1 station press, flash dryer, and some screens and inks, etc. from silkscreensupplies.com. Can anyone tell me if this is a good kit?
TIA
It's pretty much trash. I would look at getting a used press in your classifieds. I've found great unbelievable deals around our area where 4 color 4 station, with micro registration for $700 and less.
I have the 4/1 from silkscreeningsupplies but now it justs sit there like a paperweight. I have ruined 3 screens because the magnet that holds the press heads up is weak and it drops the screens sometimes as you are spinning the press. The screen dropped onto some ink, spray bottles, and once just on the table causing a tear.
Also the off contact tab is made of plastic, the plastic after time wears and your off contact begins to wobble side to side causing registration nearly impossible. The knobs which tighten your screen will begin to get stuck because it is not threaded correctly.
I've visited their facility a few years back before buying the press, and now that I know the problems it has, I regret buying it. They even admitted it wasn't a good press. Anyhow, if you're a hobbyist, its fine, if you're in for the business, no way.
Sorry to hear you had problems with your 4/1. It is a press made for the hobbiest or someone just starting out that doesn't want invest very much money. You can look into upgrading it if you are not happy or not using it anymore.Sorry to hear you had problems with your 4/1. It is a press made for the hobbiest or someone just starting out that doesn't want invest very much money. You can look into upgrading it if you are not happy or not using it anymore.
No need to be sorry, it's just a poorly made press. I didn't know it was a bad press until I experienced it, so lesson learned and I would like to help others. But anyhow, I think you're better off trying to find used equipment.
I've already upgraded and have a 6/4 and two 8/8 both bought used and in great shape and saved so much $$$.
If you want to try screenprinting as a hobby or just to learn, an inexpensive kit is fine...(used equipment is a good idea) just realize that you'll need to upgrade if you want to progress.
I'm not starting cheap since I just bought a new Printa 770 6-color 4 station press / Dryer etc... around $12,000 including supplies... but I bought something that's more practical for my needs since I'm a design studio offering designs, separations and shirt sampling.
Other Manual presses are bigger and heavier and not suitable for my needs right now, but I know that I'll need to "upgrade" (and relocate to a bigger studio loft) if I want to get into heavy production.
4 color starter kit from Ryonet 
