lapsey 16 Posted February 18, 2014 1st heat transfer project. I did a dumb thing, forgot to cut as a mirror image and had to re cut. Then I did another dumb thing, the temp sat at 300* for awhile, I kept checking it, and I got the 'geeky' positioned and pressed it, I lifted it and it was a little bubbly, and had scorched the fabric a little so there is a discolored square, I looked and the temp had climbed to 400*! The rest came out ok. Lessons learned.Gotta figure out how to use my vinyl scraps now, I have some decent sized pieces after doing this project. I tried cutting on the left over smaller pieces and didn't turn out that great. kept moving a little, I guess that will be something I'll get better at too. Anyways, I think the bag turned out pretty dang good for a 1st try! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joker 618 Posted February 18, 2014 Make your self a note and post it by your machine stating MIRROR HEAT TRANSFER...lol 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted February 18, 2014 I bet every single one of us has done that at least once. I have done it many times. You should be able to save all kinds of scraps on the HTV. I save anything that is big enough to cut and you will be surprised how many little misc names and numbers you can find a use for it. It's a good idea to pick up a quality infrared temperature gauge or I've heard of someone closing the pres with a meat cooking thermometer in there to double check your heat settings. The digital presses are notorious for being off. Mine is somewhere between C and F in la la land. I just use the gun to check and now I know where it needs to be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrznFire07 217 Posted February 18, 2014 I honestly can't count how many times i've forgot to mirror HTV, usually though I start cutting, look at the material and OH CRAP! lol. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 18, 2014 Forgetting to mirror is bad but forgetting when you hit cut for 5 shirts and walk away is REAL BAD. Been there, done that. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arty-rc 719 Posted February 18, 2014 Pick up a carrier sheet and you'll be able to use your small pieces of htv 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted February 18, 2014 Forgetting to mirror is bad but forgetting when you hit cut for 5 shirts and walk away is REAL BAD. Been there, done that. For multiples.... I always cut one by itself.... then weed and check. Just to make sure everything is perfect. THEN, I sill set up for multiple cuts at the same time 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 18, 2014 Now you tell me... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ravenwind / One Off Grafx 187 Posted February 18, 2014 That came out well. I don't know how many times i have forgot to mirror or un mirror for that matter. What font is the tavern in? Really makes the name. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lapsey 16 Posted February 19, 2014 Forgetting to mirror is bad but forgetting when you hit cut for 5 shirts and walk away is REAL BAD. Been there, done that. Yikes! That came out well. I don't know how many times i have forgot to mirror or un mirror for that matter. What font is the tavern in? Really makes the name. Gushing meadows Just ordered some shirts, a few in my size to practice on. Gonna be so addicted to heat transfer... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joker 618 Posted February 19, 2014 It is addicting but it is not cheap 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lapsey 16 Posted February 19, 2014 Pick up a carrier sheet and you'll be able to use your small pieces of htv Ok thanks, don't know what that is but I'll look into it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ravenwind / One Off Grafx 187 Posted February 19, 2014 Ok thanks, don't know what that is but I'll look into it like what the circut cutters use. like this http://www.heatpressnation.com/multitack-carrier-sheet-11-yards.html?gdftrk=gdfV27783_a_7c2327_a_7c10363_a_7cPF_d_1200&gclid=CPWb1uiy17wCFYqPfgod1xsAzw Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arty-rc 719 Posted February 19, 2014 Ok thanks, don't know what that is but I'll look into it I got mine from Walmart. Look for the "Cricut Cutting Mat". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeeJaysPlace 476 Posted February 19, 2014 Not Mirror the image .. yep been there done that.. I have only done it once on a BIG image.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted February 19, 2014 Not Mirror the image .. yep been there done that.. I have only done it once on a BIG image.. I have only done it once too... (that I will admit to) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lapsey 16 Posted February 19, 2014 I got mine from Walmart. Look for the "Cricut Cutting Mat". ok cool thank you I will take a look next time I'm at wally world Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arty-rc 719 Posted February 19, 2014 ok cool thank you I will take a look next time I'm at wally world They have them on their online site also. Free shipping to your local store!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJennings 4 Posted February 20, 2014 I just purchased some of the Heat Transfer Vinyl from US Cutter and I do not have a Heat Press machine yet,,, Is it possible to use a Regular Iron, set at the highest temperature ?? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Go-C Graphics 856 Posted February 20, 2014 I just purchased some of the Heat Transfer Vinyl from US Cutter and I do not have a Heat Press machine yet,,, Is it possible to use a Regular Iron, set at the highest temperature ?? Thanks Yes that'll work Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joker 618 Posted February 20, 2014 Yes JJennings it will i use an iron right now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 20, 2014 Watch that highest setting part. I burnt a bag experimenting with an odd location. Just make sure to keep the iron moving and not hang out in 1 area too long. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ravenwind / One Off Grafx 187 Posted February 20, 2014 I just purchased some of the Heat Transfer Vinyl from US Cutter and I do not have a Heat Press machine yet,,, Is it possible to use a Regular Iron, set at the highest temperature ?? Thanks Yes you can use a iron but have to press hard. if you are a hand at building things there is a plan on youtube to make a press from a hot plate. was going to do one myself but got a order i filled and bought a press. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShowMeCleaning 53 Posted February 28, 2014 Hi name is Paul, I am a rookie at this with lots of questions. Does the pressure of the heat press effect the out come of the letters on the shirt. I have the heat press 15x15 Clam Shell has heat control which works great. Time don't seem to want to work for some reason And it doesn't have a pressure gauge. How can you test the press?? Clam shell. http://www.uscutter.com/Clamshell-Heat-Press-15-x-15 Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted March 1, 2014 Hi name is Paul, I am a rookie at this with lots of questions. Does the pressure of the heat press effect the out come of the letters on the shirt. I have the heat press 15x15 Clam Shell has heat control which works great. Time don't seem to want to work for some reason And it doesn't have a pressure gauge. How can you test the press?? Clam shell. http://www.uscutter.com/Clamshell-Heat-Press-15-x-15Paul There isn't a very good way to test the pressure. It's somewhat by learning curve. If you are using Siser Easyweed then the rule of thumb that is safe is to get it pressed good enough that you begin to see the shirt fabric pattern in the vinyl. If you can see that then you are in great shape. Good idea to figure out a way to check your press temperature too. A lot of the cheaper presses are off on the temp and this can foul up your job. I bought a decent infra-red thermometer gun. IF you get on of those it's worth buying a good one or your back in the same boat as trusting your press temp gauge. I've heard of people sticking the end of a candy or meat thermometer in the press and close it without too much pressure but haven't tried that method. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites