what to start with - table top or rotary press?

Definitely? I would agree if the beginner has the funds or is serious about screen printing, and for almost all people in the US, rotary is the way to go. However, don't count other printing systems out like the platen-less long table or the in-line/line platen system. Why?

For one, let's see you print these on a rotary
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwLtf3A-RGM&feature=related[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XKFoRBHGhI&feature=related[/media]

In some countries, most people think that a rotary is the only way to print. That is far from the truth especially for people who started with a line table and/or long table system which is simply simple to setup and tremendously flexible. Even when line/long table users later purchased a US made rotary press, some find it difficult to abandon the line/long table not because old habits die hard, but because they know how flexible it can be (first hand). Actually, some who started with US-made rotary presses later find themselves also adapting a line table or long table setup. Some needed the flexibility of such setup while others simply added it to increase production.

A rotary press is indeed a good investment and I think many table system printers dream of one. However, if a beginner lack funds, is not yet that certain to make a jump into screen printing, or wants the capability to use regular waterbase inks, then alternatives like those by youtees and knight manufacturing, especially the 2 production proven table systems mentioned above, are worthy alternatives.