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 have a Lawson Encore Dryer. I'm basing my experience on trying to get any help with it. It's a decent dryer, but I've never heard anything good about their presses, although I've never seen or used one in person. I also have a good friend in the business who bought some Lawson equipment and had the same lack of service.
I think there are a lot of better choices out there.
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We have an M&R Chameleon 6/4 and the thing is bulletproof and as Phillip says, the customer support which is very important, is top of the line from M&R. I have never used a Lawson...
I print with a Lawson HD-Max. It's not a bad printer. It's solid and if you put it together correctly you shouldn't have any problems. I've never had an issue with their support either. That being said. If I had to do it all over again I would have bought an M & R Chameleon. Not sure about the Sidewinder, but it looks like a good machine.
I am the lone printer in this bunch. I have never called Lawson when someone couldn't help me. I love their customer service and wouldn't dreaming of buying anywhere else. I guess it's just in who you ask. I think I got exactly what I paid for and I'm not a bit disappointed. They have a trade-up program where you get 75% of your original purchase price towards an upgrade. I have every intention of upgrading with them in the spring. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Registration is a huge problem with this machine, the center control marks for registration are pieces stuck to the top that have moved and/or came off. We've had air tube leaks, continual pressure issues and virtually no maintenance techs. Once the machine is installed that's the last you'll see or hear from them. They've sent their sales rep to try to replace air cylinders...we ended up doing it ourselves he had no idea. The list goes on but I'll tell you this I'll never buy another Lawson my machine is an 8 color/10 station machine. Tried to trade it in on a newer model (mine is only 4 years old) and they were willing to give me $6k if that gives you an idea of what they think their product is worth
Of the two you are considering I would pick the M&R without a second thought. I looked at the HD Max when I was press shopping. I thought it looked decent but have no personal experience with it. The M&R I also looked at and thought it was a better press. From everything I HEAR, the M&R is a million times better, but I have never owned either.
What I can tell you on personal experience is if you call Lawson and are not the original owner they will NOT help you. They also offer NO support for any product that they dicosntinue.
M&R has 24hr customer support and has helped me with both an exposure unit and flash dryer question that I had on their equipment that I bought used.
Do you homework before you buy. Make arrangements to see both presses in person and decide which is for you.
Lawson or M&R 6/4 manual press 
