[crackerjackshack]

We're going to purchase a heat press today. I've researched quite a bit, but there are still some things nagging at me about which one to get.

We are primarily an embroidery business that outsources screen printing. We are wanting to get into heat transfers as a way to keep smaller jobs in house, and also to offer more tackle twill and rhinestone transfers.

We buy almost all of our tackle twill supplies from Stahl's and although customer service has been more miss than hit with them, I do like both the Hotronix AutoClam and the Draw style presses. What I can't figure out is why there is such a difference in price between those presses and the Sunie presses - and everything in between.

I've read many of the posts on this forum regarding heat presses, and we plan to keep our press for a long time, so here are my specific questions:

1. Is a Hotronix press that much better than the others out there - or are there perks to buying from Stahl's that make the purchase more enticing? (I know you get the 3 additional platens by placing the order before July 31 - is that worth the higher price for the press???)

2. Which do you think is more beneficial, the draw style that doesn't require as much space and provides a heat-free work surface; or the AutoClam with the Auto Open feature?

3. What "starter" supplies do I really need to get to do routine heat applications?

Thanks so much!

 

[IYFGraphics]

We buy almost all of our tackle twill supplies from Stahl's and although customer service has been more miss than hit with them, I do like both the Hotronix AutoClam and the Draw style presses. What I can't figure out is why there is such a difference in price between those presses and the Sunie presses - and everything in between.

I've read many of the posts on this forum regarding heat presses, and we plan to keep our press for a long time, so here are my specific questions:

1. Is a Hotronix press that much better than the others out there - or are there perks to buying from Stahl's that make the purchase more enticing? (I know you get the 3 additional platens by placing the order before July 31 - is that worth the higher price for the press???)

IMHO the short answer is yes it is that much better, kinda' like the difference between a hobby press and a commercial press.

2. Which do you think is more beneficial, the draw style that doesn't require as much space and provides a heat-free work surface; or the AutoClam with the Auto Open feature?

Both have their merits, if you have the space a swing-away is nice to get an open space to position your shirt, but if I had to choose the auto-open function is of more value to me.....ever been busy and the phone rings?

3. What "starter" supplies do I really need to get to do routine heat applications?

Thanks so much!

Really, a teflon cover sheet is nice to have although parchment paper works just fine, make sure what ever you buy has digital controls for your temp/pressure/timer settings, makes a big difference if your going to be using it doing a lot of transfers. IMHO

Only other thing I'd add is to make sure you have a adequate electrical outlet for your heat press they draw a lot of power and really should be on a circuit by themselves, extension cords are a big no no unless it's very heavy duty like for a AC unit.

Hope this helps.

 

[chobay]

I have the Hotronix auto open clam, and it's pretty nice. Check coastal business in the preferred vendors links to the left. I think I got a discount and free shipping.

After having the auto open, I kinda wish I got the draw press. If you press quite frequently, the heat on your eyeballs as you load/unload shirts is annoying..

 

[crackerjackshack]

All great information. I think we could house a swing-away, but our shop is fairly small and the heat press will be a definite side-line operation so that's why we shied away from it.

I do think we're going with one of the presses from Stahl's, so I'll also check out the link you referenced. Thanks so much!

 

[DTFuqua]

A lot of people sell Stahl's equipment. Mine is made by Stahl but rebranded with another name. You can get their dependability and save some money by shopping around.

 

[crackerjackshack]

Any suggestion on sites to visit for research? Everything I'm finding has all the same pricing.

 

[DTFuqua]

I just used search engines. Its been a couple of years so I don't even think the place I bought mine from is still around if I could remember the name

 

[BroJames]

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[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KqFYbbxtOM&feature=related[/media]
Hotronix should be "better" but from what I've read here, sunie seems to be a good deal.