[gapipkin]

I'm a bit torn. I'm thinking about buying Vastex HD2000 for 5K and then building or buying used other equipment like the flash, conveyor and exposure for a total of 7K.

Or should I get the Complete Vastex 1000 shop setup for about 5K. It would be all new equipment, but I might grow out of it quicker.

I guess the question is do I put the money into the press or spread it out over the entire shop setup.

 

[Alan Buffington]

A lot of what you buy depends on your 5 year plan, right, I never had one either, but wish I had. Too often you can blow your capital on inexpensive start up equipment. Looked up the Vastex HD2000 but many models. Just make sure your pallets can rotary load and not a fixed station. This speeds up production a lot since you can print while you flash. Looking at the 1000 I'd go with the HD2000.

The other area you need to really look at is your exposure unit. Get the best you can afford, with the highest wattage and good UV. Spend too little here and you will have a frustrating time making screens and as you grow you will wind up replacing it for one that actually exposes emulsion well. Their UV fluo tube system isnt bad, just know your exposures will be long.

 

[mustangFWL]

I actually just purchased a vastex press the v2000hd 6x6. Getting it on Friday

 

[gapipkin]

I actually just purchased a vastex press the v2000hd 6x6. Getting it on Friday

When you get it set up, please post a review! Everyone that has one loves it.

 

[mustangFWL]

When you get it set up, please post a review! Everyone that has one loves it.

I had planned to write something about it when I get it

 

[gapipkin]

I had planned to write something about it when I get it

Did you get a chance to set it up yet?

 

[beanie357]

Since the vastex hd2000 is so stoutly built, I suggest perhaps a used one, and stretch you budget for more items in the same quality level.

We had a 6/4,4/4, and another 6/4 we kept and made into an 8/4. So I know the new models are out there if you are patient on the used side.

Patience got us in nicely monetarily, and for 5k you should be able to get a quality press, oven, flash and perhaps a washout booth if you go with used. Be forewarned, vastex does seem to hold it's value better, so you have to be patient and hit when it first shows up if the price is right.

 

[cremaster]

... I suggest perhaps a used one, and stretch you budget for more items in the same quality level....

+1 on buying used. A good, old Vastex, M&R or Rototex will perform fine at half the price, or less.

 

[mustangFWL]

Did you get a chance to set it up yet?

I actually did, and I have been looking for this post for a few days to post a reply.

I have it all set up, and I will be doing my first run tomorrow.

So far just getting used to the press, it's awesome. Heavy duty, really smooth movement. Setting the off contact(now that I know how to). Is really easy and the micro reg is awesome too. Real easy to manulipiate.

Set up was easy too, took just under an hour for my 6x6. Unpacking was a pain though, but it was only a lot of unscrewing.

I will come back and post how my firs t run went