[TWSdbd]

I have fibromyalgia, and there are days when my basic Hotronix clamshell is practically impossible for me to use for more than a handful of shirts because my back gets angry.

I'm starting to research a new machine. As much as an auto air compressor machine would be ideal, it's not in the budget at the moment as I want a swing so that I'm not bending in under the clamshell all the time.

Anyone used both of these? Which machine is an easier open/close, please? How does the "muscle" needed to open/close compare to my 15ish year old machine?

Thank you!

 

[splathead]

I'm not sure there is less bending on a swing-away as on a clamshell.

And closing a new clamshell (and swing away for that matter) should take the same amount of effort as closing your old one. Tho an auto-open clamshell would help on the opening part of pressing. I don't think you can get auto open on a swing away without it having an air compressor.

If you have a local dealer, or trade show, pay a visit and do test drives.

 

[TWSdbd]

I'm not sure there is less bending on a swing-away as on a clamshell.

And closing a new clamshell (and swing away for that matter) should take the same amount of effort as closing your old one. Tho an auto-open clamshell would help on the opening part of pressing. I don't think you can get auto open on a swing away without it having an air compressor.

If you have a local dealer, or trade show, pay a visit and do test drives.

Thanks. That's what I was afraid of. I'm trying to avoid sticking my face under the platen when trying to align multi-color vinyl as I'm struggling with vinyl alignment these days. So in that respect, I think I'll have maybe a little less bending with the swing away.

Where I am, there's nothing "local". I'll have to keep an eye out for some within the few hours around here. I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[danversatrans]

I too have back issues and being 65 pressing much is an issue. Make sure the height of your table or press is right, having it too low is really a pain and can cause back pain in just a few garments, where as one a little higher or the right height is a lot easier on the back...also a good cushioned pad to stand on can be a big help

 

[TWSdbd]

Thank you.

I should have said that part of the swing away want is based off not wanting to stick my head/face so close to the platen to line up multi-layer vinyl. I really struggle with that one & was thinking the swing away would be a better idea for that. So not bending over INTO the heat was more my concern.

As for the height, I'm having all sorts of issues with that. I actually need to be practically on top of the machine to be tall enough to push down the way I need to lock it in. So I have an old aerobic step in front of my machine. I load the machine & then I step up onto the step to close & open the machine. Not ideal, but I'm a home based business, so my set up is limited.

I appreciate the information. I was hoping after watching the demo videos that the opening & closing would be a little "softer" than what I have now because the videos make it look like the handles are shorter than my clamshell and potentially require less pressure to lock in. Maybe I'll keep watching videos for a while.

Thanks again for the replies!

 

[DrivingZiggy]

Might be time to go Chinese! There is an Air Fusion clone that so far at least one member here has bought and is happy with.

Air-operated Swing-away Heat Transfer Press Machine - XINHONG® Heat Press

 

[splathead]

I'm trying to avoid sticking my face under the platen when trying to align multi-color vinyl as I'm struggling with vinyl alignment these days.

I would go with a swing-away too if I was doing multi color vinyl. Besides easier alignment, the upper platen goes straight down rather than an angle; less chance of the vinyl shifting.

It also helps with alignment if you don't use any pillows or extra padding.

 

[pippin decals]

I have major back issues, I have had 3 surgeries with a Plate and screws in L4-L-5 from a 2004 work injury . And now just found out that i have 3 herniated discs from L-1 to L-4 with more pain added .I have the Hotronix Fusion 16x20 for the past year and its easy to use for me . I have it at a higher height than normal i think it should be .but it depends on how tall you are lol. Im 6'2 and i dont have to bend over at all using it. Just place the shirt etc ,Pull the handle and done . Makes my life easier for me.. Any questions ,drop me a pm.

 

[TWSdbd]

Might be time to go Chinese! There is an Air Fusion clone that so far at least one member here has bought and is happy with.

Air-operated Swing-away Heat Transfer Press Machine - XINHONG® Heat Press

I was reading about that yesterday. I wish I knew more than one person who had it. It's very tempting.

 

[chuckh]

We have both clamshell and air operated swing away heat presses. If I had a bad back and was still operating a heat press, I'd get the Geo. Knight shuttle press. Problem is that it costs a lot so I'd settle for the DK20SP which we have and LOVE! Worst case would be the manually operated swing away, but break down and go for the air operated press. That's the only one i'll ever buy again, but I may not have too. I have Geo Knight presses that are 30+ years old and still working great!

 

[Badgers]

From my experience, there's certainly more back movement required to operate a swing-away press than a clam press - However, the Hotronix Fusion has a draw function to easily slide the lower platen out which is much less strain that swinging the upper platen away. In addition, with regards to the lowering of the upper platen, it's much easier than a standard clam press as the handle is located further forward and required much less effort...

You could also consider a Hotronix Caddie Stand if the height is an issue, or if you're limited for space!!


Finally, I'd personally avoid the cloned Chinese presses if your budget allows, as from viewing several presses which are clearly reverse-engineered from the Hotronix equivalents, the build quality is not good enough for commercial use.