I've been looking for a press to do some hobby/home screen printing and would like some advice/opinions on this press. I've been told its a Hopkins (not sure if its Riley or BWM) and priced at $1000. The designs I am printing include half tones, and areas where colors need to line up exactly. I dont think this press has micros and would also like to know if it can be upgraded.
Many thanks.
Last edited by melntak; January 15th, 2008 at 10:51 PM.
Reason: updated
It's a Hopkins. But neither a BWM nor Riley. It was made before the two split apart.
It might be able to be upgraded, but I think I'd use it as is. Micros are not an absolute necessity. There are a lot of machines out there that don't have micros. And I guarantee you can put out fantastic work with them. A lot of printers that have micros say they would rather work without them anyway. To adjust your image exactly, you just tap the frame with a hammer until it's lined up.
Hopkins make a good solid press. It should hold good registration as long as it wasn't abused. I'd offer $800 for it.
It's a Hopkins International, built before BWM bought out Riley Hopkins. The printheads are what they called "sliders", and as far as I know, they can't be upgraded to the newer heads with micros. I started out with one exactly like it, and paid around $700 for it 4 years ago, although this one looks a lot cleaner. Go to the BWM-Hopkins website. They have parts lists for all their presses, including the older ones, and it's here (I think) that I discovered that the heads can't be upgraded to micros. It might be worth an email or phone call to BWM-Hopkins to see what they say about upgrading. As Phillip said, offer 'em $800. It's a good press for that little amount.
I harly ever use my micros...i have a 8 color Hopkins....it is easier just to loosen the knobs and move the screen where i need it.
After having the Hopkins, then a CAPS with sh!tty micros, the Vastex I've got now is great. It's a hell of a lot easier to get the registration on with micros. But regarding this Hopkins press, even without the micros, as an entry-level press, it'll be light-years ahead of the crap they hustle on Ebay for about the same price. It'll let you get a feel for the business without going broke.
Hopkins press advice 
