[Tourino]

I'm looking to buy an inexpensive introductory heat press machine. I was going to get the Transpro 15 x 15 but they are out of stock so I have to find an alternative new heat press. I have had NO luck searching for a used one (craigslist, ebay, amazon, etc.) I am UNemployed and a recent graduate (tech school) in the field of graphic and web designing. And so I have 3 questions:

1.) Can anyone tell me about a 15 x 15 or so heat press machine that you are personally using that was UNDER $350 by chance? Unfortunately that's my budget that I have for this given the other materials and cutter that I have to buy as well. I just bought a mac and adobe creative suite CS5.

2.) Does anyone know of a TRULY good deal on starter package for the Silhouette vinyl cutter. I found a couple but I am not 100% sure of what else I will really even need to do these 1 off t shirts and small orders 6, 12 up to 25 pieces?

3.) Does the amount of pressure make a big deal in purchasing my heat press machine? If so, how much pressure am I supposed to make sure that the press that I purchase has?

 

[wormil]

1. Probably one-third of the posts on the first page are the same question.

2. I don't know who has the best deal but I would probably buy from US Cutter as they have active forums. The problem is the Silhouette only goes up to 12" wide material and t-shirt vinyl is sold in 15" or wider widths.

3. I'm not sure how to advise you on this other than to say buy from a reputable company with a good warranty and make sure the press is intended for garments.

 

[Heatpressinc]

There are several places you can get a new 15x15 heat presses for around $350 from a reputable company

 

[magiceel]

If u are not worried about using a China one, u can PM me for the contact. I just bought one close to your budget and so far it works fine.. *cross fingers..

 

[HeatPressNationJ]

1.) There are quite a few 15"x15" heat press machines available at this price point. The most important thing is to purchase from a reputable retailer that knows the product well and is able to support them with readily available replacement parts.

2.) The Silhouette Cutter will be priced approximately the same across their network of dealers. Wormil is absolutely right that most heat transfer vinyl is made in 15" width. Silhouette America does produce a heat transfer vinyl material in a 9" width and from what we hear will have the 12" width available in the future.

3.) The pressure is an important factor in heat transfer applications. Try to avoid heat presses with relatively small diameter handles, as this is the main factor in its ability to apply adequate pressure. The large majority of manufactured heat presses will be able to provide ample pressure for all of the applications you throw at it.