Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
I have read MANY threads on this site, and tirelessly researched the t-shirt printing industry for about four months now, I just have a few final questions before I am ready to join the market. First, I believe I have selected a press, to be specific, 'The Semi Pro PLUS' off Silkscreeningsupplies. It is a six color two station manual press, I believe it to be the most condusive and cost effective to my current situation. I have about $2,500 that I am willing to invest in the actual equipment for the business. I appreciate your thoughts and advice on that.
I have one final question as well. I do not know how familiar anyone is with 'Affliction' or even a brand I found on a thread in here from a member 'Gnarle'. They are shirts where the pattern often overlaps seams and hems. As a beginner I would assume that could not be done with a regular plastisol based manual screen press, as it appears to be to large of an image. Knowing that you can get platens in different sizes and the creativity that this industry harbors, I do not know though. My question is this, How is the best way to create images of this caliber and variety?
I apologize that my thread is so long, I just didn't see how it could be abridged and thorough at the same time. I anticipate members will help me in this endevor, so I thank you ahead of time for all of you valuable insight and help with my queries.
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
Malack,
I would advise you not to buy that package. The press is going to be your most important piece of equipment. That press just isn't going to cut it. It looks to be very cheaply made from sheet metal. You don't want that. It will give you registration issues. I know others who have bought that press have stated that they wish they didn't.
I'd see if you can't swing on of the Riley Hopkins presses available from the same site. They are supposed to be pretty nice for the money. Or, look for a nice used press on ebay or one of the screen printing websites. Just do your research on the different brands. Believe me, you can get set up pretty well for $2500.
As far as the exposure unit, you can make your own unit that would be MUCH better than that one in the package. I still work with a homemade exposure unit. It's a Metal Halide unit and even has a vacuum top. I'll bet I don't have $100 into it. I got the Metal Halide ballast for free from a lighting company.
Just trying to help. That's a lot of money to spend on something you're not going to be happy with.
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Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
I have the press that you menioned.... I'm fairly content with it for doing single color jobs. However, now that I've been doing this awhile, I wish I would have went for a higher end press. Here's why, As previously mentioned, when doing multi colored jobs, I have had the press come out of registration. This is a big hassle, clean the screens so I can see through the registration marks and do the who registration process over. Which is a bit tricky as the registration system on this press is a bit too simple. If I had to do it over, I too would look at one of the Riley Hopkins presses... Just my .02 worth..
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
why doesn't paul sell malack his press, then step up to a hopkins. after malack is a pro he can sell and step up to paul's hopkins, cause paul is now buying a 8 color auto he saw at the iss show. that's what the forum is for. good luck guys. stan
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
I appreiate the advise, and everything but I don't feel indebted enough to take that bullet for you. I will probably go with a Riley Hopkins 6 color 2 station if I can find one, I am starting to think they only make 6 color 4 station though. As I read more of the threads I m starting to realise that $2,500 might have been a gross underestimate. Anyone know a good place to buy them from or a site or place that sells them used. I appreciate all of the insight. Is the micro registration that the Riley Hopkins Joystick offers worth a damn?
I thought eBay was the site to buy people's junk that they didn't want anymore? Not the T-Shirt forum.
Thanks,
Malack
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
Quote:
Originally Posted by Malack
I thought eBay was the site to buy people's junk that they didn't want anymore? Not the T-Shirt forum.
eBay and the TF Forum Classifieds, though mostly eBay. We don't allow advertising outside of the classifieds section, but I left the above because I figured it wasn't serious.
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
Yeah I knew you weren't serious and I assumed neither was the Pgritton. At least I hope not, that would be the worst lead into a sale I have ever been a witness too. Maybe Pgritton could earn a little extra money for that Riley Hopkins by taking a position at my company; "Head of Sales". Interested?
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
I was pretty sure you weren't Pgritton. Since you bought from the same site I am/was planning on buying from. Can you tell me what you thought of their customer service and other dealings with them. Did you just buy that press or did you buy that whole package? If you bought the whole package how satisfied with the additional products that came with it were you?
Thanks,
Malack
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
I bought the whole package and I've been satisfied with their customer service. I continue to buy certain things from them. I do try to keep my eye open for new and different products which might improve my quality.
Re: Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge
Ok thanks Paul I appreciate your help, advice, and opinions on the subject. I will go with the Riley Hopkins 6 color 2 station press. How is that emulsion bed working? Also how well does that Flash Dryer cure the shirts? Is that your only/main curer or do you have a dryer as well?
Just A Few Quick Questions Before I Make The Plunge 
