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'm finally getting my last bits of equipment together, and I need a flash dryer. I'm not making money at my screen printing currently, and proably wont for at least a year, so I'm trying to go cost efeicent, but I dont want crap. So here's the question:
Where can I find a flash unit for less than 200$, preferably someplace that takes AmEx? (I get bonuses from work on a pre paid AmEx card)
Under $200 will get you used, with probably no warranty. The heater panel is the main part of any flash unit, and most expensive. If you get a used unit with no warranty, and the heater panel goes out, expect to pay $200 for a new panel, so now where did that get you? Purchase a new flash dryer w/ a warranty. Check around at all the various screen print supply companies, and also check on Ebay. Many of the screen supply companies sell new & used equipment on Ebay. The link on the previous post appears to be a decent unit.
The other option of course is to build a flash yourself... You might be able to get away with that option. I used to use a heatgun to flash (waterbased inks) and it was slow and I had some issues with the shirts getting scorched if I wasn't careful. Now I have a halogen flash unit that was homemade but not by me so I have no idea what that would cost to build...
Is there any option between a flash dryer and a heat gun? I mean, could you get a powerful lamp to cure the ink? Because I have been using a heat gun and it breaks after about 6 shirts and have to replace it. Just wondering if there's an in-between.
Is there any option between a flash dryer and a heat gun? I mean, could you get a powerful lamp to cure the ink? Because I have been using a heat gun and it breaks after about 6 shirts and have to replace it. Just wondering if there's an in-between.
Buy a better heat gun, obviously.. I have used a Ryobi for over a year with no problems.
You can use a 500W halogen on stand of some sort, but it's going to be potentially patchy.
How long does it take to cure a shirt with your heat gun?
I dont cure shirts with a heat gun, I occasionally flash with it. I wouldn't recommend curing shirts with a heat gun, it's uneven, but it works ok for flashing.
I thank you all for your replies. I have found a used one localy for 150$. Has anyoe heard of a brand called Lawson? I have been told it is a older model but it is an Auto. Any thoughts?
Looking for a Flash Dryer 
