[macman29681]

Yesterday Riley Hopkins came out with a bench top model. I was looking at getting the Vastex V-1000 but this appears to be at the same price point. I am not looking for a review I understand it just came out, however, I was trying to understand the quality of the build of the Riley Hopkins from somebody who has one of their floor presses. Here is a video it appears to be well made. I appreciate everyones opinion. My business model right now is short run vinyl, and sublimation. I have gotten some orders for 50 and one for later in the summer for 200. I want to print it myself. I do not like transfers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfrJvrU7DBk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJXFwHJlZLc

 

[Dtag1971]

The one thing I DO NOT LIKE about the v1000 is how they have the micro tuners setup on the press. I just saw the hopkins jr on youtube. Looks like a decent press. Anyone know what the 4x4 jr is going for?

 

[deepbluex]

The one thing I DO NOT LIKE about the v1000 is how they have the micro tuners setup on the press. I just saw the hopkins jr on youtube. Looks like a decent press. Anyone know what the 4x4 jr is going for?

I have a V1000 and I do agree that the micro tuners are a hassle. You need a 9/16 wrench for some of the adjustments.
I'd prefer a knob. That being said, the micro system does work just fine and is very precise.

However, more important than that, the Riley machines use fairly lightweight wood platens whereas the Vastex use rubber on steel. The Vastex platens are the best in the business. The micros are much less of an issue than a good platen.

 

[Greatzky]

I have a V1000 and I do agree that the micro tuners are a hassle. You need a 9/16 wrench for some of the adjustments.
I'd prefer a knob. That being said, the micro system does work just fine and is very precise.

However, more important than that, the Riley machines use fairly lightweight wood platens whereas the Vastex use rubber on steel. The Vastex platens are the best in the business. The micros are much less of an issue than a good platen.

although I was happy to see the Riley Jr finally released I think I'm still going to save up for an M&R Kruzer. main reason being that the kruzer comes standard with aluminum platens. The 6/4 Jr isn't listed on the site, but I would assume it will be at least $200 more than the 6/2. add in the screen cart for a base and 4 aluminum platens and you might as well just get the Kruzer!

 

[macman29681]

although I was happy to see the Riley Jr finally released I think I'm still going to save up for an M&R Kruzer. main reason being that the kruzer comes standard with aluminum platens. The 6/4 Jr isn't listed on the site, but I would assume it will be at least $200 more than the 6/2. add in the screen cart for a base and 4 aluminum platens and you might as well just get the Kruzer!

How much is the Kruzer?

 

[Greatzky]

Should be about $2,995 plus crating last time I checked. I don't have the crating charge in front of me.

 

[sben763]

List is $2995. Don't think you'll see much less due to it popularity and incredible value although maybe possible for a small show price but since there is a waiting list I doubt it would be much if any at all

The Kruzer makes both the Riley(no matter what press) and the V 1000 seem like child's play. I have a M&R sidewinder 6/6 and if the Kruzer was made in a 6 station I would consider it as I wish my sidewinder had side clamps. I think I may end up spending the $1800 to add the side clamps.

I'm not saying the Riley or the Vastex V-1000 are junk by any means but they are starter press. The Kruzer is a starter press on steroids.

 

[LoneWolf2]

As stated before, I would honestly save up and get a kruzer. I just spent the day at the ISS show checking out all the new stuff from vastex/Riley/Workhorse/Anatol/M&R, and the Kruzer is leaps and bounds above all the others in every facet.

 

[Dtag1971]

One thing to consider is the footprint of the press. I would love to have a m&r kruzer. However I print out of my home in a small bedroom. Ain't no way it would fit in my work area. Be realistic about how many shirt you are going to print....type of printing and so on. The hopkins jr. 4x4 would work fine for me at the moment. What I am using right now is a 4/1 oddesey press. Print mostly hot split transfers. But would like to do some direct printing.

 

[sben763]

Very true Dave. I know about small work space. I have a 16x20 garage. A M&R sidewinder 6/6 short arm version just under 9ft footprint. A 3612 Lawson dryer, national 34x48 exposure unit converted to metal halide, a screen storage and a screen dryer cabinet, washout booth, Newman strech table and a work bench. Its tight but is very funtional. I tried a auto and that didn't work so now I have 2 autos sitting.

The Hopkins Jr 4x4 is 84" and the Kruzer is 96" 6x4.

 

[valleyboy_1]

Which one of these presses will be suitable for heat transfers? Plastisol transfers? I need a press for that purpose only. And I need like a full solution for plastisol transfers. From printing the films, burning the screens, washout booth, to the press and dryer. I like the vacuum press set up from Workhorse Odyssey. Do M&R or Riley Hopskins offer anything similar? What are some suggestions for equipment for printing the films, and exposure units for plastisol transfers? Conveyor dryers or flash? Thermography machine for powder application. Will be doing lots of transfers. Any info will help. Thanks!

 

[sben763]

Any press can be fitted with a vacuum pallet. I personally prefer just using the standard pallets with low tack adhesive so I can do 6 transfers at a time. With a vacuum pallet you can only do 1 at a time. Although you could also install stops. Print all 1 color while sending though a conveyor on low temp. Then back on the stop to print the next color. I have tried the stop and its ok but I just print and flash each color and move on to the next so I am producing 6 transfers. The final gel cure (189-220)should be done though a conveyor. I tried with a flash and too inconsistent which will affect the adhesion to the shirt. When I do transfers we do the adhesion powder outside. I dip them in powder shake off what I can and use dry compressed air at about 5psi to remove any excess.

Most of your common screen printing stuff work for transfers. If your not doing halftone transfers and epson printer will do for spot colors. The best halftone printer is the 1400/1430 halftone transfers are done best with a final clear or white base over the entire image.

 

[sben763]

As stated before, I would honestly save up and get a kruzer. I just spent the day at the ISS show checking out all the new stuff from vastex/Riley/Workhorse/Anatol/M&R, and the Kruzer is leaps and bounds above all the others in every facet.

Everyone should go kick the tires at a show. ISS and the NBM are 2 that have a big presence by most the larger manufactures.

 

[valleyboy_1]

Think I'll get the workhorse odyssey press with vacuum pallet. I plan to only do one color transfers. Would prefer an auto press but a manual will probably do. Yes my design will all be spot color so I will probably be straight with just a regular epson printer. Need recommendations on exposure units and conveyor dryers. Vastex has a portable one I like.

 

[Dtag1971]

Is vastex going to be updating or adding any new presses. .... like m&r or the hopkins line? By the endof my airbrush season ill have thr cash to get a 4x4 press. Ill be selling my oddesey then. The vacuum table I built myself. Works great though

 

[sben763]

Is vastex going to be updating or adding any new presses. .... like m&r or the hopkins line? By the endof my airbrush season ill have thr cash to get a 4x4 press. Ill be selling my oddesey then. The vacuum table I built myself. Works great though

Vastex has their HD-2000 for their upgraded press but side clamps are a option. Did you put those side clamps on that Oddesey? My 4/1 has rear clamps, I hated that press, but side clamp may have changed my mind some.

I did talk to a Vastex guy awhile back and he said they had done some improvements to the V-1000 and started rattling them off, but I didn't listen much cause once you have tool less adjustments you never want to turn a wrench again.

 

[macman29681]

Is vastex going to be updating or adding any new presses. .... like m&r or the hopkins line? By the endof my airbrush season ill have thr cash to get a 4x4 press. Ill be selling my oddesey then. The vacuum table I built myself. Works great though

Vastex updated the V-1000 in January to make all the adjustments wrenchless.

 

[deepbluex]

Vastex updated the V-1000 in January to make all the adjustments wrenchless.

I wonder if the updates can be retrofitted to older models?

 

[Dtag1971]

Those side arms were ordered off of ebay. For printing transfers this setup works great. Direct printing multiple colors..... not so much. Especially on black.
Next question for me would be, which inkjet printet should I get the epson 1400 oe the 1430 or are rhey pretty much the same printet. Fixxons is the film I plan on using.

 

[sben763]

The 1400 was discontinued and replaced with the 1430. They have they same print head. Although the print engine is slightly different there is no noticeable differences in the printing itself.