ghost1

thanks for this file

Nice work! I built one very similar and it works great...true story about the regi marks though. I found that the better the hinge you start with, the less problems you'll have in the end when its crunch time. You will be able to make enough money with that one to buy a really nice one if you hustle. You can bang out quite a few single color shirts with that simple set up.

@ lablover - sorry man, I didn't read the op well enough...did not realize that you were thinking about building a press to take on work. in that case what dj said is spot on. It's a learning curve for sure and even though I had my screens made for me at first, I've since learned all of those things he spoke of and now do everything myself. It's work, but I do it for myself mostly so it's worth it for me. if you're serious about screening shirts there's money in it, but practice first because you will make mistakes. *EDIT* here are the pics of my "homegrown" silkscreen press. anyone can make one... so I started with this: http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_762265.png and this: http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_7947.png and this: http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_847445.png We wound up with this...this pic is just before I finished it. I sanded and painted it completely with a good oil based stain (overkill??? it works...) http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_1074558.png had to learn how to make these...it was a PROCESS http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_34626.png Here's the finished product...water based ink that we let air dry and then tossed into the dryer (inside out) for about a half an hour. http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_544616.png Like I said...we make tees over here strictly for funsies. I have seen REAL presses and they are built to last for commercial use. IMHO this is geared more towards the hobbyist, but as another wiser member pointed out - build one of these on the cheap, do a few jobs for friends who aren't gonna bust your stones about bein' perrrrrrfect...and before you know it you'll have enough to buy a good one for production.

I downloaded the plans from screenprinting.com and with a few mods made a four color four station press for next to nothing. I will post the pics here if you want. it was easy to build. even for a dummy like me...basic carpentry skills here, I'm not a pro at all. I say go for it! the plans are free and if you have a bunch of scraps of wood laying around even better.

damn, I missed that!

Good morning all, newbie here from Detroit! I'm TOTALLY new to vinyl cutting/signmaking but eager to learn as much as possible. We just bought a commercial building here in the D and lo and behold there was an Allen 824 sitting in the corner. Removed the cover and found a pretty decent machine (albeit, rather old...) and a manual for flexisign pro. I picked up a lightly used pc off craigslist and got a buddy to install flexi...Houston - we have liftoff! I have just been practicing so far, cutting a few designs that my friend worked on before setting me up. It's fun, but now I am absolutely chomping at the bit to learn so I can start making my own stuff. So, I will be around here asking questions and seeking advice from those in the know. No experience WHATSOEVER with any of this stuff, so take it easy on the new fella, okay? Thanks in advance for any help. Jay ps - as soon as I figure out the site and how to upload pix I'll post a few...

sweet ...

@skeeter -Rodney Dangerfield maybe...'cause I get no respect! Hahaha. Just kidding. I don't think so, is he a Jew from Brooklyn?

Having trouble uploading pics atm...I'll get it Big ups to SkareKrow! He is a true professional gotta go make some more decals - finished up a couple of original designs today so I am PUMPED! now I just have to keep putting in the hours on flexi. Awesome Krew here, love it! Jay okay, figured it out...here's some pics! I will put up some of the original work I'm currently doing http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_259344.png http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_663373.png http://forum.uscutter.com/uploads/gallery/album_261/gallery_94932_261_783466.png Awesome! You guys rock..thanks again to all who have helped. Jay

congratulations on your new hobby! Hahaha it's addictive...my only suggestion, as a TOTAL noob of course, is to keep on reading through this forum's instructional threads. Many informative posts and you should find anything you need. Good luck!