tomcat85

Hey guys, so me and 3 of my friends are trying to start a screen printing shop. We're looking to do 1 to 4 color shirts (probably mostly 1 to 2 color). We are looking at this package: Semi Pro PLUS Complete Screen Printing Package

We are on a limited budget and this is really all were going to be able to afford after getting a conveyor oven and a bunch of other supplies. We're all pretty nervous as were not too sure if this press can print professional shirts to make the customers happy. I have worked at a screen printing shop before so I'm not worried about not having the micro registering feature because I have done it many times without. I've only really worked with a stand up press and not a table top though. So the final question is would it be worth it to start printing with a press like this? Does anyone else do this and make a decent cash flow to sustain a business venture?

Thanks for the answers in advance


Tom

 

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Pwear

I started with the kit right under that one in price. It came with a 4 color 2 station, and the PVC exposure stand instead of the exposure unit. The quality of the equipment was fine, never had a problem mechanically. Registration can get tricky but it's still manageable. If you're getting a conveyor dryer in addition to this kit you're basically set. If you know how to print and you know what chemicals/ink/cleaners you need, you'll do fine.

 

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denck

How serious are you about screen printing?
You can buy used and make your own equipment for alot less.

Do you know what you need to start out?
When I started out I bought a New Press- New Conveyer Dryer-Flash unit -Inks & screens.
I ended up making My light table ( Still in use today and only cost less than $100 to make.)
My diptank was a fidge turned on its side.
My shirt boards are made from Shelving from Lowes

I know everyone wants to buy new-Just take a look at the used screen printing equipment adds where someone just wants to get rid of something just because
Used Screen Printing Equipment

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nation03

That kit should be able to do one/two color jobs fine. If you get a large order it might take you a little longer to print then it would on a rotary press. Make sure you're really confident in lining up multicolor jobs without micros.

 

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Pwear

I know I already posted in this thread, but it just came to mind that I'm in the exact same boat as you - I just started up a screen printing / sign company with three of my friends, and we're using basically the same equipment you're considering. It's not ideal, but for the price it definitely works.

 

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innothread

If you can't afford better then wait until you can. You can get good used equipment for about twice that much. Don't settle for anything less than a 6 color 4 station floor model press (any starting line model from Hopkins, Vastex, Riley Hopkins, etc. would be good enough).

Think of it this way...you can buy a used hopkins 6/4 for about $1500 and it'll maintain that resell value for many years. You can buy that for $2000 and later sell it for $200.

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custom screen printing

 

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nation03

I forgot to mention that silkscreeningsupplies.com as well as other sites offer finance and leasing programs so you can get one of the better packages for a decent monthly payment. That is what I'm doing. I have a nice set up and its about $340 a month. Just keep the work flowing and that is a simple payment to make.

 

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amp267

that press is garbage, by used equipment that is better. you will be glad you did.

 

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Celtic

Ryonet is a wonderful company to work with.
One of the things that has made me their customer, is that they don't just tell you something to make a sale.
They know screenprinting. Most of their employees are screenprinters and are full of real world info/help for you.
Call them up and pick their brains. They are happy to help.

 

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