I want to start screen printing for a new hobby, and plan to profit from it in the future. I will use the press if I have one! LOL!
Anyway, I know I don't need that kind of press being a newbie, I'm just wondering how everything went to those who have built the press themselves.
I plan to start my very first try probably in the weekends. I'm confused though on where to press the shirt. I've read a thread about platens and got a bit confused with the instructions mentioned there. Worst thing is, I can't do carpentry.
shamanQueen. This post is not a direct answer to your thread but just some suggestions.
If you are here I would suggest that you consider the line table system many of us used. But since you are not, I instead suggest that you consider
Lee's or
Jamie's system. Lee's package is about $220 without shipping and Jamie's are a little more expensive(depending on the platen size) but uses more metal.
It may be different from the rotaries you see, but it is cheap and you don't need a large space for it. It also enable you to start printing rather than tweaking a poorly made wooden rotary.
You may eventually shift to another system in the future, but for now that should enable you to get started with the least capital with a proven system. And believe me, even if you shift to another system (a rotary for example) the above-mentioned presses need not go to waste and will still have its use even if you are already printing.
Building a wood or metal rotary press is nice if you are a DIY kind of person and can devote the time for it. I am not sure if it will cost more or cost less to have one made but one thing for certain is that the carpenter may not get it right and/or it may entail too many tweaks here and there and that's a big problem for anyone without DIY inclinations.
Bob Mongiello has a 2 color metal rotary press to sells for $179(499 package). Personally I do not like the 2-color limitation but you can still do lots of wonderful 1-2 color prints.
Disclaimer: I do not know any of the above persons)Lee, Jamie or Bob) nor am I recommending any of them. What I am suggesting is you take a look at their products. You can also search Youtees and Bob Mongiello on Youtube.