[Fat Tire]

I have a tiny apartment and am wondering whether it would be practical do set up a printing operation there. I want to do vinyl cutting with a heat press. Would heat pressing in my cramped living room heat up the whole apartment suana style? Is it a bad idea to do this sort of thing somewhere besides a garage? Am I missing something?

 

[Fat Tire]

One thing to keep in mind when looking at cramped conditions is the type of heat press - clam or swing-away style. The swing-away presses will take up more working space because you need room for the top platen to swing.

But in general they don't take up all too much space; depending on the size of the press, a large microwave is a pretty good comparison (but make sure you also have room in front of the press to work).

I was hoping to get a swing away press because I'm a clutz and would prefer not to burn my face off or something, but maybe I'll have to get a clam with the small space.

 

[Fat Tire]

Okay, stupid question, but is a heat press a major fire hazard?

 

[Fat Tire]

see my videos.

Hi, I did watch your videos. Very interesting. Can you comment on the fire hazard issue? It appeared that you had the press in a different room than your printer. Was that your garage? Also, what do you have the press set up on? Thanks.

 

[Fat Tire]

One thing I will add. Actually pressing either with vinyl, or plastisol; does give off some fumes. I live in a fairly large apartment, and had to move my press to my work, set up with a fan blowing away from the press out the door.

Some may think I'm being too cautious, but I think you should take measures to minimize the toxins we breath.

Check out this book: "Artist Beware"
http://www.epinions.com/content_228689219204

So in a smaller apartment, I would set your press up near a window, at the very least, and have a fan blowing out .

Eh, I was worried about this...

Between the lack of space, fire hazard and fumes, printing in my apartment looks unappealing, but I don't see any other options, so i guess I'll just have to take as many precautions as possible.

 

[Fat Tire]

make sure you check the electrical specs for your heat press. It may require a 20amp dedicated circuit which you may not have available. Most household plugs will be 15amp (USA). This shouldn't be a problem but you should at least know where the breaker box is for the times you trip the breaker because of too much load.

Also, your apt. manager may not like you running commercial equipment in your place.

I'm curious...what sort of heat press would require 20amp? I was browsing here http://www.blankshirts.com/Resale/botmenu.asp?src=heatpress.asp and it seems every single one requires 15amp or less. Are we talking huge super duper mega presses that would require 20?

 

[Fat Tire]

Both of mine are 20a

what kinds do you have?