Moody Blue 505 Posted February 27, 2014 Hey everybody I have been doing vinyl work for several years and as a graphic designer I am no stranger to screen printing either. Well in an attempt to broaden my business a bit I have been toying around with getting into shirts and also offering koozies and other apparel, mostly going to be for car clubs and groups that I already do work with. Being that I have worked in a screen print shop before I know that is not the way I want to do them. I found an inexpensive kit that comes with a 9x12 Geo Knight Jet Press and wondering if that is a good machine? I know nothing about heat presses but again small runs of stuff and still learning how to do them I don't feel it is necessary to have the biggest baddest top of the line press...yet anyways lol. Also if anyone has a better recommendation than the Jet Press I am open to suggestions...this is just what I saw as the best bang for the buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted February 27, 2014 I would hold off for a bigger press. 9 x 12 is pretty small. Watch Craigslist, they come up on there all the time where I live. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 27, 2014 I have this one and it's been in service for a year now http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-15-X-15-Digital-T-Shirt-Heat-Transfer-Press-Sublimation-Machine-Swing-Away-/390629129990?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af34f7f06 Gets turned at 8am and off at 6pm Monday thru Friday and still going strong. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moody Blue 505 Posted February 27, 2014 I would hold off for a bigger press. 9 x 12 is pretty small. Watch Craigslist, they come up on there all the time where I live. I was thinking a bit bigger might be better too. I have this one and it's been in service for a year now http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-15-X-15-Digital-T-Shirt-Heat-Transfer-Press-Sublimation-Machine-Swing-Away-/390629129990?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af34f7f06Gets turned at 8am and off at 6pm Monday thru Friday and still going strong. Hmmm this may be the answer to my prayers right here lol. Just want something large enough to do simple designs and get a feel for the whole garmet printing thing. Right now my main canvas is trucks so im curious to see how different this is. What materials do yall use? I want some that I can cut on my plotter and also will be interested in looking into printable sheets later on as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 27, 2014 I use siser easyweed along with some misc. specialty stuff like decosparkle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted February 27, 2014 started with this one -was a good press till I found a hotronix on cl $269 free shipping 2 year warrantyhttp://sunie.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1&zenid=vmkds6dhi6i56qmou76gi1dfj3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeeJaysPlace 476 Posted February 27, 2014 i have a 15x15 clam shell that just collects dust i would get a swing away if you get anything! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted February 28, 2014 I'm probably going to get a new one next year but I want to find a swing-away or drawer style that has auto open (without air). I hate having to run over to the machine to open it back up and there is a lot of time wasted setting there at the press. I might even consider getting an auto open clam just for that feature alone although I now have an older hix and noticed the swing away is more user friendly for getting the layout right. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeeJaysPlace 476 Posted February 28, 2014 I'm probably going to get a new one next year but I want to find a swing-away or drawer style that has auto open (without air). I hate having to run over to the machine to open it back up and there is a lot of time wasted setting there at the press. I might even consider getting an auto open clam just for that feature alone although I now have an older hix and noticed the swing away is more user friendly for getting the layout right. This is the one i got last year https://www.signsplusbanners.com/itemdetail.php?sku=JP14&p=Garment+Application&c=Cutters%2C+Heat+Presses%2C+Software&s=Heat+Presses Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 28, 2014 I considered something like this but in a 15x15. Might get 1 yet. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jessefisher4 35 Posted February 28, 2014 I bought the 15x15 swing away that uscutter has for $350. I love it! seems to be holding up well and fairly accurate for the digital temp. Swing away is def nice! Thanks to Jaybird for recommending that a few months back! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
security802 686 Posted February 28, 2014 I considered something like this but in a 15x15. Might get 1 yet. Do you have a link Jay. That maybe my next one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moody Blue 505 Posted February 28, 2014 Thanks for all the feedback! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 28, 2014 That 1 is on uscutter.com. They used to have a 15x15 on there but I don't see it any more. The picture I posted is just for the table attachment then you have to get the press or adapt it to your press. Used to be a red 1 on the site for between $1000 and $1500 if I recall but the table alone is over $500 so I may have to hunt up a new source for them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted February 28, 2014 Found this one on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/15x15-Air-Control-Double-Location-Heat-Press-Heat-Transfer-Machine-220V-New-/271222158035?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2619b2d3 2 issues with this 1 versus the one uscutter carried is 220V and air operated which for me is not a big deal but some don't have any way to run 220V or air. Oh yeah and it's almost $2k but it does look pretty solid from being from china Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
