I've come across a used American Rototex 6 Color Silk Screen Manual Printing Press for $500. He sent me pictures and it looks really nice. Anyone use this press? Is it a steal?
I've come across a used American Rototex 6 Color Silk Screen Manual Printing Press for $500. He sent me pictures and it looks really nice. Anyone use this press? Is it a steal?
I am not familiar with American rotex, but if it looks functional and if it will serve your purposes, get it! I just bought a 8 color 4 station Hopkins International press for $1500. There are great deals out there, it just takes a little research. And as far as the negative posts, if you've got a dream go for it. Be resourceful, and you can have a top notch shop for a fraction of the cost of new. My shop is near complete, with less than $4000 invested, and I have all top of the line equipment. Just my 2 cents.
As far as the original post, I am not familiar with American rotex, but if it looks functional and if it will serve your purposes, get it! I just bought a 8 color 4 station Hopkins International press for $1500. There are great deals out there, it just takes a little research. And as far as the negative posts, if you've got a dream go for it. Be resourceful, and you can have a top notch shop for a fraction of the cost of new. My shop is near complete, with less than $4000 invested, and I have all top of the line equipment. Just my 2 cents.
And I've heard good things about Rototex BTW. I almost bought one myself. I believe they still make them too, so parts should be readily available.
The Rototex press is very heavy duty, and has side clamps which allow more room to move the screens in case you didn't burn the screens correctly. Make sure that the press has micro-registration. We have one, and it works very well. I believe the parent company is American Textile. The only downfall I see with the particular press is that it is a 1 station. If you are planning on printing larger quantities, look into expanding the stations, which you can contact American Textile for details. 4 Stars out of 5!
Oh and back to original topic, Chris, you should see if you can increase the amount of print stations, like someone else said. Your production rate will be way higher if you're able to flash a shirt while you print the next. But otherwise it's a great deal if it has micro registration. WAY nicer than the lousy table press I started with !
I would jump on that press. for $500 bucks even if it needs a little tlc you can justify the repairs. Let me know if you decide not to buy it cuz I probably will.
Just wanted to let some people know I saw some good deals on Ebay a few minutes ago on some presses. The only problem is they are in NC. I would try to snatch one up for myself but I just bought a new (used) press. Cant afford another one even though it looks like a good deal. If someone knows a better place to post this so some newbies can find a steal maybe you can post it somewhere else. Trying to save someone some cash.
Just wanted to let some people know I saw some good deals on Ebay a few minutes ago on some presses. The only problem is they are in NC. I would try to snatch one up for myself but I just bought a new (used) press. Cant afford another one even though it looks like a good deal. If someone knows a better place to post this so some newbies can find a steal maybe you can post it somewhere else. Trying to save someone some cash.
That looks like a good deal id buy that if they shipped. pick up only does it rally matter if you have micro registration. can you still get goo register even if it take a long time to get it.
It's beige, so that means made in the late 1980's. Only one platen, so that means printing on darks with a flash will be mighty s l o o o w.
The RotoTex is the best of the second generation (1982), manual textile presses, BUT, its weakest link was the micro registration system. It weakened the up and down strength of the arms. If you put a head between platens, you could bend it, and break it like an elbow.
In it's favor, it was one of the first to have side clamps that were more stable than the original Vastex manuals.
The Iron Horse press in the last link is no comparison with the RotoTex.
__________________
How are you measuring? retired Ulano Technical Support Screen printing since 1979 - SGIA Academy Member
Last edited by RichardGreaves; December 14th, 2007 at 03:57 PM.
I'm about to buy....opinions 
does it rally matter if you have micro registration. can you still get goo register even if it take a long time to get it.
