I understand the laser temps are not accurate for heat presses due to the teflon and aluminum. They both disperse heat differently than other materials. Since the laser reads the heat wave, I think.

A pyrometer (Heat Probe) would be the best solution, from what I understand.

https://www.heatpress.com/product.php?cat=accessories&pn=199

 

I use a laser temp. sensor made by Raytek. I measure the upper platen surface on my press. I can't comment on the teflon/aluminum issue, since I don't have aluminum surfaces and I don't try to measure through teflon sheets or covers.

The Raytek I purchased was available on Ebay by various sellers. I paid about $40 for an above-basic model. I think others can be had for about 25-30 dollars.

 

If you have a Harbor Freight near you, they have them in stock 'probably', they do at mine.
Local Retail Stores

I do have to say, like in AMV's link, that is probably true, I bought a Harbor Freight thermometer and it would not give me the readings I thought it would.
So for seeing how I got readings as far off as 30 degrees F, I would tend to go with another way to get an accurate temperature reading.

I checked my digital thermometer (as was suggested by a member here) to see what a pot of boiling water would show, the reading was almost dead on, 212 degrees.
That showed me that it was pretty close to reading temperatures, but, on my heating elements it was way off, so it doesn't do a lot of good I'm afraid.
I got mine for $29.00 (USD) and I know that the $85.00 shown in that link is higher, but it's probably what you'd need.

This thermometer 'might' work, it's cheap, and it may be a weird way of checking it, but carefully done, it would be a really cheap alternative.
There is also this type that 'might' work, you might already have one in your kitchen, if it reads only up to a certain degree, if it matches, then it would 'probably' be fairly accurate up in the higher temperatures too.

I don't know if this is worth it to you, it's just an idea, and may not be at all what you are wanting.
If you do try one of these last two above, make sure to protect your lower platen from being indented by a thermometer.

I ain't sayin' it's the best way, just a 'way' to try, the link that was provided earlier is what that is made for, so whether or not you can get that locally, I don't know, but if I had to know, for sure, I'd get that, personally, I like to experiment.

Randy

 

Hey, thanks for the info but I don't need it to check the temp of my heat press. I cure my plastisol with a heat gun and it was recommended to me by another helpful individual here to get one... Made sense what he said so that's what I'm doing. I was hoping someone in the Los Angeles, West L.A. or Santa Monica areas would know of a store that I can walk in to to purchase the gun from. I don't like to order online. I prefer to see what I'm purchasing, handle it and then buy it. I will purchase one if I have to online but I'd rather try a walk in first. In another post Harbor Freight was mentioned and someone got a good deal there (so did a few others) and they were happy with it. If all else fails, I will go online to Harbor. I've never heard of them before so my guess is there isn't one around or at least not close. So if anyone still knows of a place local to L.A., please let me know...

Thanks again everyone!

 

i got my laser therm from sears. craftsman 33.00 works great for me.

 

McLogan in Downtown LA may have them.
mclogan.com

 

I would think there is a harbor freight in your area somewhere, I am in the southbay and I know there are a couple near me, one in Lomita. I just looked
and there is one in woodland hills, that is not too far from you.

 

Found a harbor freight that is not too far away so I will be shooting over and getting one later this week. Thanks for the help.