[OceanTees]

From the Lovecut website: (Vinyl T-shirt printing package)

"...a swing press generates far more pressure than a traditional clam press."

Always thought they were about equal?

 

[ole Jobe]

Don't know Lovecut but pressure shouldn't be a problem with either. The advantages of the swing-away are easier loading (no burned knuckles), and straight directional pressure as compared to anglular pressure with the clamshell. God Bless.

 

[OceanTees]

That's what I thought Jobe, that they are both good(and pretty much equal) for pressure, and that the SA was just a bit more convenient.

Lovecut is in the UK, and was browsing their site when I ran across this claim. They favor a SA if pressing vinyl cause they say that vinyl requires more pressure(and the SA provides more pressure).

Interesting.

 

[beanie357]

Swing it!

Same results. No burnt heads, no burnt hands. Can get lasers on it for alignment from above (not in your way). By swinging head short arm people can lean over to reach the back.

Fusions even let you thread the garment and work with only one layer of fabric.

 

[OceanTees]

Yeah Shep, I like the idea of seeing all my work unobstructed before pressing, and no burnt hands or head is a big plus

Am leaning towards the HIX 16 x 20 from Bestblanks. Looks like a great machine.

 

[wormil]

I did find this on the Hix website:


Hix 16" x 20" Digital Swingman

The over center lock down handle provides easy clamping. The rear mount pressure adjustment is capable of producing more downward force than any standard 16”x20” manual heat press.

I'm not sure if by standard they mean clam or just any other manual (non-air) press.

 

[Heatpressinc]

If you get a clamshell version there is one with a slide out lower press bed so you won't burn your knuckles and is easier to prep your garment and transfers, the issue with swing aways is that it sometimes slides the transfer if it doesn't have a sticky mylar to stick to the shirt. The 16" wide x 20" wide is nice because it's shaped portrait like a shirt if you're doing large transfers. Hope this helps.

 

[OceanTees]

So Rick, if the machine's pressure adjustment is in the rear and not on top(like most clams) then you can get more pressure...is that how you read it? Never knew.

 

[wormil]

So Rick, if the machine's pressure adjustment is in the rear and not on top(like most clams) then you can get more pressure...is that how you read it? Never knew.

After reading more about it, it seems the press makes more pressure (1200 lbs) than any other 16x20 manual press, clam or swing.

 

[WCW]

I went clam to save space. However, realize the many additional benefits of the swing. (might go that route in the future)

 

[OceanTees]

So its really in the design of the press(and it's pressure adjustment setup) that determines the amount of pressure, and not whether its a clam or swing. Interesting.

Thanks all for your input

OT

 

[royster13]

I have never owned a swing away press, but have no problems with a clam....