[manan1551]

Hello,

I'm fairly new to this forum and also new to the industry. I have never screen printed before or seen the process in person. All I know so far is reading on this forum(which has been tremendously helpful..thank you all) and watching youtube videos. I want to start printing shirts but don't want to spend too much on a new machine. I found couple of good deals on craiglist in my area but am not sure what's going to be good for me and that's why want your expert opinion. Here are the 2 deals that I thought were pretty good.

1) Hopkins 6 color 4 station press and a 16x16 flash dryer for a total of $1100 and that's it.

2) Econo 4 color 2 station press with a 16x16 flash dryer, 500 watt exposure stand and pretty much everything that's on the starter package from ryonet for $1000. It's the same on SSS for $ 1500 and this one's been used only once.

SPHO Screen Printing Package w/ 4 Color 2 Station Press

Now I understand the hopkins is prrobably a better deal but I'm a total newbie and don't know how much more it's going to cost for all the other supplies, training DVD's and the exposure stand. Is it worth it to spend more for the hopkins? I like the econo one since it has the whole package and I don't have to worry about buying stuff separately in the beginning since I don't have much clue about what little things i might be needing to get started. But then I read some forums where people are just thrashing the econo 4 color presses. I'm confused cuz I don't know if I'll be disaapointed with the econo and then end up spending more buying another one in a few months. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thank You,

--Manan

 

[snackdaddy185]

Does the hopkins have micros?

 

[adivito]

Between those choices the Hopkins is a running away winner. Keep researching, and find the other things you need. I have never been a fan of packages because most of the time you get a bunch of extras you dont need or will ever use.

 

[manan1551]

I don't think so

 

[snackdaddy185]

I totally agree. But I would try to find a bigger flash unit. You won't be sorry if you start off with a 6 color press.

 

[tpitman]

Depending on the age and model of the Hopkins, some older ones that came without micros can be retrofitted. If you have time before you buy, get a picture of the printhead, and a model number if possible, and call Hopkins/BWM in Modesto, CA. They make parts for the old Hopkins International presses, and should be able to tell you if the model you're looking at could be retrofitted.
All else considered, even without the micros, the Hopkins would be the best deal as long as parts aren't missing that you'd spend money on replacing. Make sure the bearings aren't shot when you spin the upper and lower carousels. Missing springs on the printheads are no big deal. Missing clamps, shirt board brackets, would be.