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 looking at investing into screen printing equipment. I'm a school teacher and have the inside track into the schools PE, sports, orginazation shirts, etc. Looks like the money would be too good to pass up. I've looked at a few websites and wanted advice on companies you've had success with. I'm planning on buying a 4-color 1 station press (I don't know why i would need to 2 stations if I'm by myself), flash dryer, exposure light unit, and printer (the printer is what I'm really not sure about). Obviously I will have to buy all the supplies as well. I've looked at Ryonet and would like any other suggestions you may have.
The extra station will help with production speed. While you are printing 1 shirt another could be under the flash dryer drying an underbase, or another color.
For an exposure unit, I suggest starting out with a 500 watt halogen setup. You will get pretty good results with minimal investment.
I would recommend a large format printer. The epsons are very popular. I have an epson 1400 that I haven't used yet, so I can't comment on the actual results. With my current HP printer I have to print large designs in multiple pieces which is time consuming, and sets up for light undercutting the design. Then If I have to double up I am using 4 sheets of 8.5x11 film for a single design.
If you really feel that you can get the local school business I would recommend a conveyor dryer also. I don't know if your school district is like ours, but if so you might need to cure thousands of shirts during fund raising time. My wife just ordered 2-3 shirts for our son from his school (can't wait to laugh at the quality). You don't want to do that with a flash dryer.
If you can get the local school business I would guess you could pay off most of your equipment during 1 fund raising drive.
If you are a teacher at the school you are selling to it could be a big issue for the school, especially if its a public school, unless it is a closed bid. There are laws that must be followed regarding purchasing for people that are employees of an entity that is a school, government, ect.
We are in Texas. We don't worry about that political crap around here. I've been sign making for our school for a few years now and we don't take bids.
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Originally Posted by studog79
If you are a teacher at the school you are selling to it could be a big issue for the school, especially if its a public school, unless it is a closed bid. There are laws that must be followed regarding purchasing for people that are employees of an entity that is a school, government, ect.
Wow! Maybe we should all move down there, huh? No rules! Good luck to you w/the new venture. I wouldn't pass on the opportunity either. That makes it real nice since you're already there & have built-in business.
We looked at a one station 1 color manual press originally. We ended up buying a 4 color 4 station vastex manual press. Somedays wish we would of went with a 6 color to be able to load more jobs on the press. Good Luck
We looked at a one station 1 color manual press originally. We ended up buying a 4 color 4 station vastex manual press. Somedays wish we would of went with a 6 color to be able to load more jobs on the press. Good Luck
No matter what you get you will wish you had gotten more, thus buy the most you can afford.
Hey I'm a teacher in Texas too. I have been trying to get started with screen printing also since I know principals and teachers at other schools. The only obstacle I have been having is trying to do the color separations on photoshop elements 7. I have looked and tried everything reading books, going online, asking for help. Well nothing has helped me yet.
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