Completely New

This is the place to talk about what it takes to get started. This would include what equipment to buy, space requirements, electrical needs and anything related to getting ready to begin screen printing. Have a question regarding what it takes to screen print tee shirts? Please post them here...

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lcmarie714
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Joined: Sun May 05, 2013 5:40 pm

Completely New

Post by lcmarie714 »

I've been reading through these forums and other sites as well. I'm just starting out in the silk screening world and I'm looking for something that can do a bit more than one or so color... Anyhoo, I'm not sure what exactly I'm looking for, but I'm thinking about something like this..
Any advice? What do you think?

http://dingword.com/store/index.php?mai ... 74e92c17ea
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Leadfoot
Master Screen Printer
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Location: Tennessee
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Re: Completely New

Post by Leadfoot »

The one thing I have found in my starting out a few years ago (and still using the used table top 4 color 1 station press I bought from a friend) is that quality is key. That package has a lot of great items you would need to start out but at that price I would be weary of its quality. A new 4 color 4 station press alone by a reputable company new runs about that price on the low end. And a flash dryer you definitely want to buy quality so you would be looking at probably $400-$600 minimum for that. I may be wrong and maybe it is quality equipment. I would definitely do some research though before buying it, you will thank everyone including yourself later on if you took it slow and didn't rush into anything. There are tons of cheap chinese made pieces of equipment floating around the internet.

Your press is definitely not something you want to skimp on. If I could do it right now (main thing is room to put one) I would easily be willing to buy a name brand press to ensure I am getting a quality press even if it meant more money in the short run. The last thing I want to have to fool around with is a press that was poorly manufactured and where quantity and not quality was their chief concern in making them.

I am sure Jon and others here will be able to give some better advice but that is just what struck me right away. You might also look around craigslist in your area, there always seems to be at least some screen printing presses available in many areas.

Please keep us updated in your findings and what you end up getting. If you are just starting out and money is an issue you could look into a table top press for the time being. Mine is great, just wish it had more stations. :)
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Shamax
Master Screen Printer
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Re: Completely New

Post by Shamax »

Welcome to the forums, lcmarie! Leadfoot nailed it - a quality 4-color 4-station press alone usually retails for that price or slightly more, so I'd be wary. Just looking through the list of what's included though, the screen-stretcher isn't that important, I'd say. The exposure unit and drying cabinet look nice though. For less than the price of that kit, though, you can purchase one of Jonathan's "Lap Cat" kits: it's a 4-color 2-station tabletop press with exposure unit, flash dryer, screens, squeegees, inks, chemicals, and everything AND it even includes extra pallets of various size. The ones Jonathan offers are Ranar equipment, so it's heavy-duty stuff that will last.

http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/ca ... -kits.html
Andy Barker
Owner/Operator of Fragile Branch
Store: http://fragilebranch.storenvy.com
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Catspit Productions
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Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Completely New

Post by Catspit Productions »

Yeah this is a very common problem with screen printing equipment. The fact is Leadfoot and Shamax hit it on the nose. This kit really gives you a lot for the money. And I mean A LOT.

Therefore you must question the quality. If it retails for that price and they are making money on it then how much did they spend to make it? Not much. Also it gives you items that would be a luxury and perhaps a hindrance for a beginner.

A screen drying box is a luxury, it would be awesome to have one but you can get by without it. I made my own form a screen rack.

The screen stretcher will give you more headaches that it is worth. You’ll need to learn how to get the screen stretched properly otherwise it will print like crap. I would suggest buying premade, pre stretched screens because they are very economically practical and they will give you an advantage in learning how to print.

You will have your hands full learning how to create artwork, coating screens and printing as well as learning other things. Premade screens will eliminate a lot of potential problems and wasted materials.

The washout “sink” will have you bending over and emptying the water often. If the water cannot drain out of it while you are working it will fill up and ruin what you are trying to do especially if it is during screen making.

Many of the Chinese chemicals and inks will be subpar compared to American screen printing products. This is not to say bad things about the Chinese, rather they have a different value in production then we do. To them they are producing a very high quality product at an amazing price. To us it may be the case that you get what you pay for.

Also the customer service would be a concern for me as it is a company run from China. The product also ships from China so you could have issues with damage if it is not shipped properly.

Now I am a RANAR dealer but I am not trying to sell you anything. If you need to set up on a small budget with big equipment then you may want to check CL as Leadfoot suggested. But be very wary of machines that are used a bit too much. Especially when considering the press. You may want to buy a new press and then fill in the blanks with used equipment. That way you’ll know the press will do the job right.

If I can help in any way just let me know. You can contact me through the website:

http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/co ... ctions.php
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
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