kylerogers

I've just started experimenting with off-contact tabs. I just got a new press, going from a logos with no adjustments, to a Brown Pony Xprs, with all kinds of stuff.

I do a push stroke. On the logos the side of screen closest to me would always be way higher. With the Brown print I can make it even. However, I get lines along the bottom of the print (furthest away from me). When I do a pull stroke it goes away.

When I angle the screen upward, so the side closest to me is higher like my logos press, it goes away with the push stroke.

I had not ever used off-contact tabs with my logos press, but I think I may need them. Right now I'm just experimenting with taping quarters onto the screen close to where it hits the top edge of the platen.

What do you use for off-contact tabs, and where do you place them?

Thanks.

 

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drivernumberone

to be honest, i started using my moms sobriety coins for her xx months sober in AA... haha, i know that's ridiculous but they are perfect width. just about an 1/8 in. I would just make sure you are putting them on the frame and not the screen or else it's pointless. I would say coins work the best because they are easy to find and simple to use.

also, what do you mean by "lines" at the bottom of the print? have you taped off the screen properly? check for pin holes and stuff like that?

 

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kylerogers

What I mean is that along the bottom edges of the print, the layer of ink is thinner, and it forms lines.

Right now, I have a 16"x18" platen (the largest size) and 20"x24" frames. I have it set up so the edges of the frame don't come into contact with the platen.

I could move the platen out and start putting my images higher on the screen. Then have off contact tabs where the frame would hit the neck cut out.

Quote: Originally Posted by drivernumberone to be honest, i started using my moms sobriety coins for her xx months sober in AA... haha, i know that's ridiculous but they are perfect width. just about an 1/8 in. I would just make sure you are putting them on the frame and not the screen or else it's pointless. I would say coins work the best because they are easy to find and simple to use. also, what do you mean by "lines" at the bottom of the print? have you taped off the screen properly? check for pin holes and stuff like that?

 

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kylerogers

Ok. I have three different single-color screens set up right now. I slid my platent way out so the neck cut-out is under the edge of the frame. I taped two quarters to the middle of each screen. I printed on plain paper, because paper seems to really highlight all the flaws.

It looks like I hit paydirt. The prints go much better.

I was putting the quarters on the screen and your right. It was pointless. They didn't do anything. I could feel the difference with the off-contact coins in between the frame and the platen.

 

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drivernumberone

you could find a larger platen then that i'm sure. They make all over print platens for all types of presses. This way you won't have to resort to moving yours all the way out... Glad that it worked out though. A good off contact for the screen should be about an eighth inch from the front to back... meaning the press side to the printing side. I am pretty anal about that sort of thing i guess. I would get a level and even it out if it was bothering me. If you want to try and eliminate the line problem then adjust the arm holding the screen to make it level.



glad i could help!

 

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kylerogers

Quote: Originally Posted by drivernumberone you could find a larger platen then that i'm sure. They make all over print platens for all types of presses. This way you won't have to resort to moving yours all the way out... Glad that it worked out though. A good off contact for the screen should be about an eighth inch from the front to back... meaning the press side to the printing side. I am pretty anal about that sort of thing i guess. I would get a level and even it out if it was bothering me. If you want to try and eliminate the line problem then adjust the arm holding the screen to make it level. glad i could help!

Brown makes 10x14, 14x14, and 16x18. It came with two 14x14 and I ordered an extra 16x18. I don't know why they ship it with such small platens. The more expensive models all come with 16x18.

Brown machines have two side rails, instead on a bar in the middle. Which is nice, because you have a lot of control over leveling the platen. There are six bolts that hold it in place. The ones on the side have some play, up and down. Then they are two more bolts in the back that you use to angle the angle rails and hold it where you want it while you tighten the other bolts. It's pretty nice. Then the platen has side rails that bolt the side rails on the machine.

I'm found it much easier to level the platens than the screens, but I think I'm getting the hang of it now. I was using a four color logos press and you have one bolt holding the platen against a bar and the freaking thing moves around on you.

I had to drill my own holes for the extra 16x18 platen. So I figured I can buy platens from other companies and do the same and make them work.

I want something where I can put prints on both sleeves of a short sleeve shirt at the same time. Action Engineering has one I like for that, but their stuff is insane expensive.

 

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