Just begining...

[DNA_Vinyl 262]

My brother and I are looking into making T-Shirts. I have questions. I hoping there's there already a thread somewhere that you all can point me to.

What's some good pointers for a start-up?

Like temperatures for pressing the HTV on...or what type of shirt is good?(100% cotton, or Polyester blend)

Stuff like that. I already have a cutter I've been making decals for a white now so. I think I'm good there. Unless...do I need different blades for HTV? I'm starting to look at all the different heat presses now.

Thanks for any input.

[Dakotagrafx 7,297]

time and temp is specific to each brand and specific product of HTV .  personally I prefer heavy cotton shirts but betting they are not as popular in the deep south.  many people today like the moisture wicking material but that is a harder sell for those of us that grew up in the 60's and the polyester craze - so again depends on your target market and location.

the section of the forum you posted in has hundreds of threads to look thru on tips, issues, etc - research is your best friend.   doing research and educating yourself is best so you are educated in what you are about to expand into

[Wildgoose 4,200]

Same blades and generally same pressure as regular vinyl but a sharp blade is best, dull ones will sometimes skip across the HTV particularly with any stretchy variant. Mirror everything though or you'll be sad. I got so I mirror all my HTV files when I save them so I don't have to remember. 

Like Dakota said, each vinyl uses very specific heat, pressure and time. I tend to use Siser Easyweed and Easyweed Stretch so I run at the same temp, pressure and time. Lots of articles out there and videos too. I would highly recommend picking up an infrared temp gun to check your platen temp when you get your press. Even my $2000 Fusion was off enough I had to calibrate it. I don't know if you can calibrate the budget cutters or not. My original was a cheap swinger and it was way off. I just tested it and figured out what each actual temp I needed was in the machine and taped a conversion chart to the box so I would remember. Check your whole platen and set the temp so the coolest spot is at the proper temp.