can anyone recomend a good affordable heat press

Here is better place for your questions.. plus you need to add what you are planning on using it for? DTG, transfers, Screen Print.. what size you need??

Heat Presses - Equipment - T-Shirt Forums

buying a used inexpensive heat press is only going to cause you more problems.

A heat press is vital equipment that needs to able to handle what you are using it for..

Also check the preferred vendor directory..places like ProWorld has an affordable one.

A heat press needs to have the accurate temperature, pressure and be able to handle a job from beginning to end w/o problems. The heat press is the last thing you want to skimp on to save money.

Clamshell (opens up and down)

Swing (the top swings to the side)

Draw (the shirt gets pushed under the press)

Auto-Open or Auto Pop-up is great feature to have. Instead of you running to the machine when time is up the top will automatically open.. I know that its available on the clam shell ..I have DK20 w/ auto pop and its a workhorse it is a little tougher to pull down and if you need to pull up its tough.

Choosing a press is gonna be something that needs to suit your needs and strengths.. you don't want something that is gonna be hard to use so choose wisely.

Hotronix heat presses are more easier to use and very popular.