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.
You can ask 20 screen printers what press is the best and 15 of them will tell you a different press
Myself-
I use 2 Hopkins
1x4 and a 4x4
that were made 2 1/2 hrs away from me, in Modesto. Called them up and went down and picked them up.
My 6x6 is a chaperelle that I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China, (yes I would) but you get my point
2 presses made by different manufacturers and their both nails.
Your looking for a 6x6 if you dont mind me asking, why
I use my 4 color more than I use my 6 color
I have had a chameleon and a vastex v2000. We had issues with the chameleon keeping tight registration, it was about 10 years old and maybe it wasn't taken care of properly before we bought it. I like the vastex overall, it is a solid press and holds registration well. I've seen the antex in person and really liked it, we went with the vastex because of price and the numbering system.
I have used different Hopkins models over the last 35 years and haven't seen anything better. Very reliable and easily available replacement parts. Used ones are available on Craig's list all the time. Just make sure it hasn't been abused. Watch out for side clamp models from other companies...all your screens will have to be a standard size most likely. Hopkins back clamps allow for most any screen size up to a point.
I have a Hopkins in my basement and I use an Antec Legend at work. Both are solid presses. The Micro registration is more accurate on the Antec because the springs hold all the tension in the print head so there is no play when adjusting. I do mostly sports printing on the Antec, but we have done some complex multicolor jobs that come out phenomenal. The Hopkins in my basement is doing awesome though. I've done nothing but multi color work and the registration has been holding up fine. Lining jobs up is fairly easy with the joystick registration. As long as you set up the press correctly and make all proper adjustments, it will work perfectly. I hear great things about the v2000 vastex press also. It has a similar micro set up as the Legend.
Haven't had experience with their tech support, but I remember when I was looking into getting my own Legend, I went on their website and sent an E-Mail to them for more information about pricing, etc., and they gave me a call fairly quickly with a wealth of information. So I'm sure the tech support is just as helpful.
couple things about the antec, as noted in a previous post, it has a proprietory micro registration system that hold incredible registration, it doesnt use the nylon bolt system that the hopkins use (dont get me wrong, I love my hopkins press, but there are improvements that could be made) it has a bearing gate system that is solid and consistant. Also, the design of the machine allows for ACTUAL all heads down printing (allowing more than one printer on the press to maxamize production if needed)
Also, much of the press is alluminum which allows the spin to be rather easy, vs. some of the heavier presses out there like the workhorse presses.
im looking for a press too... which of these press come with the flash dryer attached to it...?
none of the ones covered so far in this thread, and honestly, you don't want a unit like that unless you are only looking to print on a hobby level. Printa has a system like the one you asked about though.
im gona be printing transfers (plastisol transfers) and for that it is important that i dont move the transfer from the platen if im doing multi-colors so i need the flash unit attach to the press
$$$$ aside Whats the Best Screen Press 
I would love your imput....... im looking to find out whats the best manaul press out there money aside???? Antec, M&R, Rototec, Workhorse, ect??????
Re: $$$$ aside Whats the Best Screen Press 
