Discuss the various aspects of heat pressed vinyl transfers. Popular and new types of vinyl media, suppliers, vinyl cutters /plotters, press times, quality, how to instructions and more can be found in this heat press sub forum.
Hi everyone. I'm getting into the business of transfering images to clothing and sticker etc. I was debating with inkjet transfer and now it seems that vinyl will be a bit more efficent.
Here's what I'm looking for. A cutter at a very low cost price. Not really woried about noise and so on. What kind of press will I need for vinyl? I plan to do up to 15X15 depends on price of cutter, again looking for the lowest price as possible. "Very Low price"
Another thing, how about the durability? Hill the material Fade quick? How long will it last. i'm looking for something that will look good for a long time. Thank everyone.
Rene, check out www.uscutter.com for a contour cutter and vinyl or you can check Ebay, a 15 x 15 heat press is great, check www.proworldinc.com/item/productid/mp998 for a good one at a great price. Vinyl is supposed to last the life of the garment. Good luck with your business.
I would definitely go with vinyl over inkjet transfers. Heat transfer vinyl will outlast the garment with proper application and depending on the type that you get, it often has a very lightweight, soft feel on the garment.
Inkjet transfers are more of a novelty than anything. They are OK in a pinch if you have to do full color, but know that they have a life of about 15-20 washings.
As for the equipment, do your research. For heat presses, stick with a name brand. While I have never personally used a no name brand, I have heard many stories echoing the same problems, lack of support, cold spots, not reaching temperature and so on.
Do some research on the company you buy your cutter from. There are many companies that offer cutters at extremely low prices. Just be sure to look at what is included with them...warranty, support, start up materials, training, supplies...get the most bang for your buck that you can.
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Mike Koval --- Imprintables Warehouse --- 800.347.0068 x240
Wow those are some great prices in cutter's Thanks. Regardless I think I wouldn't mind doing ink transfer since I will getting a press. Is it ok to use any press for vinyl and ink? I need a new printer anyway.
I have been making signs for years with my vinyl plotter. I just made my first t shirt yesterday with a heat press I bought new on eBay. It was a 16 x 20 heat press for $339 seems like sturdy construction. I believe he has smaller size also.
Rene, try to get the largest press you can afford. As far as for inkjet transfers, the printer you should take a look at is the Epson Workforce 1100. It is a new pigment ink printer and can be modified to use a bulk ink system. Try www.inkjetcarts.us for the lowest priced bulk ink systems.
A heat press does not care what it presses...use the same press for transfers, vinyl or putting a crease in a shirt!... Vendors here sell name brands, but I would avoid ebay unless you know what you are getting. If you are on a budget, check out the 15x15 press from ProWorld if you are in eastern US. If in western US sunie.com has the same press (I think) and they are in Carson City NV. I have their press as well as a Hix press..both work very well..had the Sunie for over a year and it has 3 yr warranty. My Hix is manual and the Sunie fully digital. I have been doing this for over 8 years and have never need a press larger than15x15. I don't like the 16x20 as the width is 20 and the depth is 20..takes up too much space for me
I use heat press vinyl much more than transfers...durability is great and easy to work with.
as to cutters..decide if you just want to cut or do you want to contour cut. I am not a fan of the cheap cutters from ebay...as you don't know who will support it...if at all ..and where do you get parts etc. US Cutter does have some good prices...don't over look the Graphtec or CoPam. I have owned a Roland and sold it when I got into rhinestone designs..now have a GCC Puma..
Good luck with cutting...It could be your "ATM" machine
Noobe with vinyl cutters and transfer 
Re: Noobe with vinyl cutters and transfer 
