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Picking out equipment - Heat Press & Cutter for Vinyl Sublimation

1353 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  DrivingZiggy, 
L
I finally made up my mind and purchased an Epson Artisan 1430 with sublimation carts. Now I must pick out a heat press and cutter. I currently have a Silhouette Cameo, which the large 12x8.5 board was a great idea, but was terribly engeried. The base isn't solid enough on the machine to maintain stability and after running about 4-5 cuts (even same vinyl/design) I must readjust the blades (I've tried 3 different types of blades and had the same result with all, so it's not a blade issues.) At any rate, I share this because that is my reasoning for wanting to purchase a higher end plotter.

As a newbie I am on a budget of about $1000 (but would like to be closer to $700 if possible) for the 2 items and everything I'll need to go with them. I know this type of question comes up often but that's because there is a great need. I've read through the forums, fb groups, and done my own research at the different vendors websites, but it's overwhelming for me. I have a serious difficult time making purchase decisions due to anxiety, so before beating me for asking your opinion on what's the best current deal, please just help me.

What would you recommend buying when you want a really good cutter that comes with solid software and also needing to buy a heat press? I know the heat press is important, but I'm not nearly as considered with that. I don't mean I going to get some cheap chinese one, just saying I don't need anything fancy (a swing or pull out drawer would be nice, but not really a deal breaker if it means I'm saving a few hundred bucks.) Everywhere i read, i need a 16x20 or larger and a larger cutter as well.
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LoveLeothena said:
I finally made up my mind and purchased an Epson Artisan 1430 with sublimation carts. Now I must pick out a heat press and cutter. I currently have a Silhouette Cameo, which the large 12x8.5 board was a great idea, but was terribly engeried. The base isn't solid enough on the machine to maintain stability and after running about 4-5 cuts (even same vinyl/design) I must readjust the blades (I've tried 3 different types of blades and had the same result with all, so it's not a blade issues.) At any rate, I share this because that is my reasoning for wanting to purchase a higher end plotter.

As a newbie I am on a budget of about $1000 (but would like to be closer to $700 if possible) for the 2 items and everything I'll need to go with them. I know this type of question comes up often but that's because there is a great need. I've read through the forums, fb groups, and done my own research at the different vendors websites, but it's overwhelming for me. I have a serious difficult time making purchase decisions due to anxiety, so before beating me for asking your opinion on what's the best current deal, please just help me.

What would you recommend buying when you want a really good cutter that comes with solid software and also needing to buy a heat press? I know the heat press is important, but I'm not nearly as considered with that. I don't mean I going to get some cheap chinese one, just saying I don't need anything fancy (a swing or pull out drawer would be nice, but not really a deal breaker if it means I'm saving a few hundred bucks.) Everywhere i read, i need a 16x20 or larger and a larger cutter as well.
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Do your plan is to print on sub paper, sub to htv vinyl and then vinyl on your shirts?

Out of curiosity, why not sub directly to the shirt? Is it because it is a dark shirt?

I'm new to the sublim space too, hence the question.

As for cutters, look at the table-top graphtec units. We do signs/vinyl and I started with a 6000-40, and now have 64" FC8600 and Summa S2T.
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tjk said:
Do your plan is to print on sub paper, sub to htv vinyl and then vinyl on your shirts?

Out of curiosity, why not sub directly to the shirt? Is it because it is a dark shirt?

I'm new to the sublim space too, hence the question.

As for cutters, look at the table-top graphtec units. We do signs/vinyl and I started with a 6000-40, and now have 64" FC8600 and Summa S2T.
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A bit of both. I don't want to be limited to white and I also have some seasonal money makers that are not related to clothing that use vinyl (like back to school boards).

I'm thinking that the graphtec might be the way to go for me too. What software do you use?
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LoveLeothena said:
A bit of both. I don't want to be limited to white and I also have some seasonal money makers that are not related to clothing that use vinyl (like back to school boards).

I'm thinking that the graphtec might be the way to go for me too. What software do you use?
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For our sign business, I use FlexiSign that handles our wide format printers and our print/cut machines for decals.

For vector work, we use the Adobe suite.

Thanks for the info, in all my reading/learning, I didn't understand why people would sublim vinyl instead of direct on the substrate.

I assume for sub to vinyl, you need a HTV type of vinyl and not a standard oracal 651 type?
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J
I will say this Holly, get a quality heat press! Meaning one with a reputation for using quality parts and customer service that can support you if/when it needs servicing in a jiffy.

I can't tell you the amount of clients that contact us in a pinch when turnaround times are the most critical (holidays, summer leagues, trunk shows, etc) and their heat press has failed them.

Focus on what is the backbone of your business. How easy and cost efficient is it to get transfers, vinyl, etc outsourced if a printer or cutter goes down? How easy and cost efficient is it to get product imaged? #Exactly

Both are very doable, as we cover these bases as our core business model BUT transfer printing is easier to swallow in your profit margins than the abrupt and unexpected heat press failure.

Trust me, emergency outsourcing 100% of your product production will flush your profits down the toilet when you haven't quoted for that expense.

All in all, choose your heat press carefully. It's the foundation your bottom line rests on.... I.M.H.O

Jae
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DrivingZiggy
Check out Proworld. Proworld Ed is a member here and he can help. They really have everything you need and from just checking it out for a couple of minutes, it looks like you can do this with brand new equipment within your budget. I don't know how much stroke Ed has over there, but maybe he can put together a package just for you!
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