[lindsayanng]

I decided that i would like to get a combo press. At first i thought about getting JUST a mug press, but i want to do so much more than that, and just do not have the money to buy two presses. I know that there are pitfalls, as someone mentioned..

if it breaks down, you are screwed.. and it takes a while for it to cool between plates.

that is not too much of an issue for me because we will not be pressing a lot of things at a time.. its for out own private business and we only decided to do it because printers dont want to give us a good engouh price with doing one offs.

So i am looking for some brand/press suggestions from you all

 

[charles95405]

rather than do a combo flat press with mug press attachment...get a good flat press and for mugs..use mug wraps..inexpensive and work well...google cactus wraps..or check with our vendors

 

[lindsayanng]

actually, i have seen those wraps, but the combos also do hats and stuff right???

 

[deChez]

I would suggest you revisit the idea of a combo press for several reasons:

If your combo press breaks down, you are out of business. Last month, I had an order of polo shirts to get out -- all of them had over heart, right chest, and sleeve presses. My t-shirt press broke, and although it was a simple and relatively inexpensive fix, it was down for 3 days while I waited for the part to be shipped. Because I have a cap press, I was able to complete the order for the polo's on that. If I had a combo press, I would have lost an order, and a new customer.

You can only do one thing at a time on a combo press, and there is wasted time while you're waiting for the press to cool, and then changing it over to the next function. If I'm doing a dozen shirts, and a dozen caps, I can have the hat press heating up while I do the shirts. I can also have someone else doing caps while I'm doing shirts, etc.

I think mug wraps are a great way to test the waters. In fact, I'm considering adding sublimation printing soon, and plan to use mug wraps to start. This will allow me to determine if I can generate enough sales to justify the cost of a mug press.

 

[lindsayanng]

I did think about those things. My whole train of thought is that the press will never be "in business" the way your guys are..

if we print a FEW things a month, we will be good for now.. and if a get a combo, and then get a full tee shirt press down the line, then i have TWO presses instead of one press and some mug wraps.. RIGHT?

There will not be lots of "wasted time" because it will be in our house and the printing is just a secondary part of our business.. If i have to walk away from the press for an hour, that is MORE than fine because I can work on the website more..

If i get a full press and mug wraps, i will eventually want a mug press likely.. which means i have to buy a second press.. if i start with the combo, like i said, i buy a tee shirt press, now i have one that can run tee shirts, mousepads, puzzels, ect.. AND another one that can run mugs, mousepads, puzzels, ect..

Like i said, i understand your concerns, but i really thought about them.. I just want some info on a combo press.. good package deals? a place to get them used?? i just dont know anything about what brand and what TYPE of combo..

 

[charles95405]

Just remember our advice...the combo press...especially the chinese ones are not up to standard...the Knight press being the exception...

Sounds like you have decided...good luck...let us know how it goes this is the only way WE learn

 

[lindsayanng]

well, i have decided i want a combo, but have NO IDEA which one to buy. thats why i came here for help. I'm not trying to pass you off, but i DID think about those things, and i want to buy a QUALITY COMBO press so that when i have more money, I can buy a large press and then have TWO presses instead of buying mug covers and a big press..

 

[deChez]

My t-shirt press is a Geo Knight, my cap press is a Stahl's Mighty Press. I'm very happy with the quality and perforamance of both.

Geo Knight was very prompt in getting back to me when I needed a part, and they shipped it promptly, so I would say I'm pleased with their customer service as well. I've not needed any service on my Stahl's press, but I have been happy with the customer service departments of their other divisions.

Go with a name brand...GeoKnight, Stahl's, Hix. Stay away from the Chinese presses you find on E-Bay.

 

[lindsayanng]

thanks..

Any suggestions on where to find some used ones??