English Version vs Standard Heat Press. Which is better?

7245 Views 52 Replies 12 Participants Last post by katgranger, Feb 24, 2012

BroJames

Discussion Starter · Jul 20, 2010 (Edited)

In the Philippines, we usually refer to the press on the left (with the adjustment knob on the top-rear of the press) as a standard press. We refer to the press on the right, with the adjustment knob at the center on the upper platen(edited: Over the Center Pressure Knob), as the English version.

The English version is said to be more durable and easier to press especially for women. The standard press is harder to press down. However, recently, the argument turns and some say that the standard press (with the adjustment knob on the top-rear) of the press is actually the more durable design.

For those who are more familiar with heat presses, the construction not withstanding and focusing only on the location of the knob and why it is designed that away, is there really difference in durability, ease of use, etc?

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1 - 20 of 53 Posts

zseno

· #2 · Jul 20, 2010

this is a helpful post and maybe somebody who has experience with these equipment could give their thoughts on this. anyone?

zseno

· #3 · Jul 21, 2010

up natin toh. sana may sumagot.

proworlded

· #4 · Jul 21, 2010

I am not familiar with the adjustment on the 'standard' press so I cannot give you an opinion. Most all manual machines have a similar adjustment position as the 'English' version.

BroJames

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 21, 2010

proworlded said:
I am not familiar with the adjustment on the 'standard' press so I cannot give you an opinion. Most all manual machines have a similar adjustment position as the 'English' version.

Yes, we were told that is the reason they are called English version is because that is the more common type of press sold in the US.

From the picture, maybe someone can make a sound guess on the structural merits of both design. That would be helpful to people faced with these 2 choices.

IYFGraphics

· #6 · Jul 21, 2010

BroJames said:
Yes, we were told that is the reason they are called English version is because that is the more common type of press sold in the US.

From the picture, maybe someone can make a sound guess on the structural merits of both design. That would be helpful to people faced with these 2 choices.

The English version is normally call a "Over The Center" pressure adjustment and allows the platen to float or give slightly (up and down, top to bottom) when pressing uneven or something not perfectly flat.

The standard design would have a rigid upper platen that would not give, as to the durability? either could be made cheaply or be a good quality unit, I would look more to the manufacturers reputation then the design.

On a personal note we have a Hotronix that is a over the center adjustment, works great, and it's easy to adjust the pressure without reaching behind the hot platen.

Hope this helps.

BroJames

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 22, 2010

Thanks. I did hear in a youtube video that the english version or over the center pressure knob design allows the user to print thicker substrate. Hotronix or other brand names on the press would sure give some kind of assurance. Unfortunately, with great majority of China press, the "manufacturer" is unknown. Also very unfortunate is the huge premium US made press are being sold here.

For comparison, ProWorld sells the Hix 15x15 clamshell for US$955 in the US but the same would cost about US1800-1900 here in the Philippines. In contrast, a "branded" China press here retails for about US$425 while a Sunie retails for only US$250 in the US (Digital 15x15 Clamshell Flat Heat Press (Free Shipping) [HP4801] - $249.99 : Sunie.com, Leading Provider of Signs Equipment.). A brandless China 15x15 press here(of similar design) cost US$250-260 or a little more expansive than the branded "Sunie". Sunie has a 24 month warranty against "material and workmanship" while china press here typically carries a 1-6 months warranty some only on labor. Parts warranty here are doubtful. One company adds a US$42.50 premium if you want a 6 month warranty.

And for those who are not familiar with geography, China is our neighbor. I don't believe that the cost of shipping from US to the Philippines is much different that shipping from China to the US. So the US$900 premium of a US made press sold here is really incomprehensible compared to the cheaper branded China press in the US(Sunie). If there is any significant difference in cost it is the cost of warranty in the US being more expensive(better and longer coverage) and taxes here are usually "negotiable".

Getting back to the thread, I hope people "passing by" can give their insights on the difference of the 2 design, however limited they may be, to help buyers scouting for a heat press to decide better.

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chard

· #8 · Jul 22, 2010

For those who are more familiar with heat presses, the construction not withstanding and focusing only on the location of the knob and why it is designed that away, is there really difference in durability, ease of use, etc?

in my personal opinion, there is no difference in durability, ease of use, etc if both are made with the same quality standards..the only difference will be the extent of application..as to english version you can press on thicker materials..aside from that i cant think of any difference at all..

BroJames

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 22, 2010

One of the reason for this post is that a few sellers are now claiming that the "standard" press is more durable and that is why they are now re-offering them. Of course, I entertained the possibility that they are purely sales talk. Maybe the English or Over the Center press sold out faster and they are left with the older version, etc, etc. However, all these are guesses.

But then, I received some PM asking me about heat presses but the only press I got to operate is an English version press owned by a friend. Aside from this, I know nothing much firsthand. Then, I recall JSF posting that he selected the "standard" version over the English version because the older "standard" version that he eventually bought, after personally inspecting both designs, seems more durable. This seems to give credence to what some sellers are now claiming. Maybe JSF can share some thoughts if and when he happens to read this thread.

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jsf

· #10 · Jul 22, 2010

I would agree with with Sir Chards opinion that it will all depend on extensive usage. In my case, I only use my press if necessary.

My comment with the English version concerns on the durability of the head in which it doesn't have much support because it is only attached with the knob screws itself. The head is very much "wobbly" and may fall off because of the heads weight or even with extensive usage.

I do not guarantee that my press will last for long. lol

(it is only generic) so use it while it lasts. My brother also has the same and he's been using it for 3 years now.

Here's a pic from my press.

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proworlded

· #11 · Jul 22, 2010

The difference in the shipping cost is that the Chinese presses are most likely shipped in ocean freight containers and the individual machines from the U.S. are shipped by air freight. There is a huge difference in the cost per machine to get them to the Philippines.

BroJames

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 22, 2010 (Edited)

That is a possibility Ed. But that does not account for the Chinese press selling for more here than in the US. I am sure these press are shipped to the Philippines by sea. Making it more difficult to understand is the lack of warranty and we know that the cost of warranty is expensive. In other words, lack of warranty here should actually translate to a price discount.

BroJames

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 22, 2010

Then the case may be how generic Chinese press are built rather than the design. I've seen a Stahl with an Over the Center knob and it being a Stahl, I am sure it will last. Can't say the same for anything generic that is made in China. I do sell Chinese products though and they don't really trail behind in terms of durability. Actually it gives more bang for the buck. But in terms of precision and consistency, well, it is made in China.

Hearing things from fellow printers would make a fellow printer more comfortable rather than hearing it from a salesmen.

yeste

· #14 · Jul 27, 2010

here i come from China,usually the english version is little expensive to standard,

for example, a standard machine 38*38cm can be as cheap as 150$,so the english version is 195$, CE passed,and 2 year guarantee.

like pic shows

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BroJames

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jul 27, 2010

yeste said:
here i come from China,usually the english version is little expensive to standard,

for example, a standard machine 38*38cm can be as cheap as 150$,so the english version is 195$, CE passed,and 2 year guarantee.

like pic shows

What you posted is not only called "English version" but also "high pressure"(Because of the handle and the press arm). Here, it retails for about $260-280, is about the same price as a standard high pressure with the knob at the rear.

This cheaper model has the knob at the rear. This type of handle on a tubular arm is referred to as a shovel handle here and cost about $190 or so.

I wish we have your European standard heat press with 2 years warranty. The better quality China press here retails for almost $500 with only 1 year warranty on labor I think. Or is it 6 months?

Would you happen to be familiar with which design is more durable if both have the same type of arm and only different placement of pressure knob?

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yeste

· #16 · Jul 27, 2010

in my opinion, the durablity do not depend on the pressure knob, but the quality of accessories, like the temperature and time control, the heat plate.

the tutular arm is not as durable as the english version handle.

yes, of course, we can supply u the machine,both standared and english version. with 2 year warranty.and in a good price.

may it be helpful.

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2

BroJames

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 27, 2010 (Edited)

"some" say that the top heating platen wobbles and by its very design is not as sturdy as the standard one. Of course US made heat presses and maybe your CE passed heat presses have very durable parts. But the english version sold here at more or less the same price range as its standard version counterpart, proved to be less durable (some claimed). This is making it confusing for some interested buyers.

Can you PM me the specs and cost of the unit and the shipping cost?

Unfortunately though, the problem with your 2 year warranty would be how to exercise that warranty here. The shipping back to China (and return shipping) will render the warranty useless unless you have a distributor here or unless you will shoulder the shipping (which then will be impractical on your part).

PS. One thing I just noticed. The 2 presses you posted both have the knobs at the rear.

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jsf

· #18 · Jul 27, 2010 (Edited)

BroJames said:
"some" say that the top heating platen wobbles and by its very design is not as sturdy as the standard one. Of course US made heat presses and maybe your CE passed heat presses have very durable parts. But the english version sold here at more or less the same price range as its standard version counterpart, proved to be less durable (some claimed). This is making it confusing for some interested buyers.

I was the one who said that actually because I have seen one with a detached head, of course the only fix they have done with the detached head was to weld it. Thus who knows how it can actually be detached again in the long run....????

yeste

· #19 · Jul 27, 2010

BroJames said:
"some" say that the top heating platen wobbles and by its very design is not as sturdy as the standard one. Of course US made heat presses and maybe your CE passed heat presses have very durable parts. But the english version sold here at more or less the same price range as its standard version counterpart, proved to be less durable (some claimed). This is making it confusing for some interested buyers.

Can you PM me the specs and cost of the unit and the shipping cost?

Unfortunately though, the problem with your 2 year warranty would be how to exercise that warranty here. The shipping back to China (and return shipping) will render the warranty useless unless you have a distributor here or unless you will shoulder the shipping (which then will be impractical on your part).

PS. One thing I just noticed. The 2 presses you posted both have the knobs at the rear.

the price of us ,are bothe cheaper compare to your local price.

i have send u the mail,check pls.

yeste

· #20 · Jul 27, 2010

jsf said:
I was the one who said that actually because I have seen one with a detached head, of course the only fix they have done with the detached head was to wield it. Thus who knows how it can actually be detached again in the long run....????

the pressure knob is detached?
i never see it. maybe you can show a clear pic of your problem

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