The 'ideal' heat press setup is:
1 15x15" heat press (starting about $600)
An Epson printer - preferably the new 'C' series printers which use the Epson Durabrite Inks. (Starting at $70.00)
Transjet II heat transfer paper for heat transfers onto white and light colored garments. ($.60 per sheet)
White 100% cotton t-shirts- $.99 each Gildan, Hanes, etc...
The above is NOT for sublimation printing.
For sub printing, you MUST use sublimation ink and heat transfer paper specifically design for sub transfers. Due to the recent patent litigation, looks like Sawgrass now owns the patent (and market) for sublimation ink. Costs for sub ink cartridges have risen from a low of approximately $45 per cart (980) to roughly double or triple the price.
Sub transfers do NOT work on 100% cotton, thus the preferred fabric is the Hanes Soft'Link garment. Price runs about $4.50+ pert t-shirts.
No matter what kind of heat transfer you use, it is always best to place a blank sheet of regular bond paper on top of the heat transfer when you heat press it. This blank sheet helps absorb any blowout or 'offset' inks from getting onto the upper platen of your heat press.
If you desire a basic into to heat transfers, you are welcome to visit
http://www.fun-tees.com Heat transfers, presses, inks, etc... are discussed.
Hope this helps.
Fred