rainbird1099

I am looking to get in to the T-shirt business,and of course on a budget.
I also want to make sure I get my biggest bang for my buck.
I have narrowed my searching to a 16x20 press, I am liking the Pheonix Phire, I have heard good things about the Stahls as well, but think the Phire might be worth spending a few extra dollars.
I am now trying to figure out which vinyl cutter to use, which do you all recomend? Which would you avoid at all costs?
Also, where do you get your supplies, vinyl, shirts, etc.
Can I use the vinyl on sweatshirts / hoodies / hockey jerseys/ hats, what is it limited to?
What else do I need to figure in cost wise, not just up front but operating costs.
So far I have considered, the costs of buying a press, buying a vinyl cutter, and buying t-shirts.
How often do you replace blades, how much are they?
How much does the vinyl cost?
Is it this simple, design layout on computer, put paper in cutter, watch it cut, set shirt in press, set vinyl on shirt, press and done???
I am nieve, and a newb in every sense of the word, any and all insight is appreciated.
My end goal is to sell very simple shirts (1 color design on them) through a web site, as well as be able to make on the spot t-shirts at events.

 

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Jasonda

Have you seen this video? It might help you understand the process a little more.

Heat Transfer Vinyl Video

 

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Solmu

Quote: Originally Posted by rainbird1099 I have narrowed my searching to a 16x20 press, I am liking the Pheonix Phire, I have heard good things about the Stahls as well, but think the Phire might be worth spending a few extra dollars.

They're both the same manufacturer if that helps. So I guess it's mostly a matter of comparing features: build quality should be much the same (which is to say, excellent) on both.


(I'll leave the vinyl questions to someone who actually has a clue, which when it comes to vinyl... is not me)

 

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rainbird1099

That answered a lot of questions, thank you.
Is that Roland GX-24 the best cutter, what should one look for in a cutter?

 

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Jasonda

Scott,

You might try searching the forums for "Roland" to find some opinions about that cutter. I think I have seen it discussed before.

 

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John S

Quote: Originally Posted by rainbird1099 That answered a lot of questions, thank you. Is that Roland GX-24 the best cutter, what should one look for in a cutter?

I've got the GX-24 and am using T-shirt materials from imprintables.com

I'd do it again, only sooner.

 

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Rodney

Quote: I am now trying to figure out which vinyl cutter to use, which do you all recomend? Which would you avoid at all costs?

I've only used the Roland GX-24, but I'd recommend it

Quote: Also, where do you get your supplies, vinyl, shirts, etc.

You can get vinly supplies at Imprintables.com (they have special offers for t-shirtforum members here). You can also buy them from places like signwarehouse.com
(you'll be able to see sample vinyl prices at both places above)

You can get blank t-shirts from just about any t-shirt distributor like SanMar.com, AlphaShirt.com, SSActivewear.com, Georgiatees.com, etc.

Or online wholesalers like blankshirts.com

Quote: Is it this simple, design layout on computer, put paper in cutter, watch it cut, set shirt in press, set vinyl on shirt, press and done??? I am nieve, and a newb in every sense of the word

Just about that exactly You can see me go through the steps in my article here:
Making my first custom t-shirt with cut vinyl, a vinyl cutter and a heat press

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