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[BongoT]

I narrowed my selection to a Hotronix heat press. I know I am going out on a limb here with the $$$, since this is my FIRST heat press.

I am on the fence between the clam or draw...my only concern is, if there is ample room under the Hotronix clam style to lay out work, using a T-square etc?

The draw seems to give you ample room w/o the risk of burnt knuckles.

So my ? is, does the Clam shell, when in open position, allow enough room for a novice to 'work'..

I do like the auto-clam release option of the clam. if anyone from Stahls is listening, it would be nice to see the auto-option in future draw/swing models

[boomerbabe]

Get the Big Pad from Lou and you can do all your prep work off the press and then just move it to the press. No worries about burnt knuckles if you decide to go for the clam.

[knifemaker3]

There is plenty of room underneath the clam to layout your work.  Just be aware that the heat will curl papers like jpss, but plastisol transfers I've never had to curl.

Only you can decide which press will work the best for you.  I have never burnt my knuckles on my press and have pressed hundreds of shirts in almost 5 years of running my clam press.  That being said, I'll burn my hand plumb off next time I run it! 

There are pros and cons to each type of press.  For me, I would love to have the auto open clam press.  But, I'm used to working with a clam press and have no problems at all with them.  It may be a nightmare for you........again, only you can decide which will work best for your particular situation.

Good Luck!

[COCHISE]

Sublimation paper does NOT stick to the garment or any substrait. The problem with auto open is that it will move the paper affording the still hot ink to create a ghost image where the paper lands. Just a heads up.

Another issue overlooked by most is the presses ability to float for proper even pressure AND most importantly for future sublimation of THICK objects, WILL THE PRESS EXPAND UP FAR ENOUGH TO PRINT THE 3/4" THICK AWARD PLAQUE? The comparison chart provided by Best Blanks and added to one of my earlier posts will clearly show many presses will not open far enough to imprint many of the Unisub award plaques. Just a heads up.

Every seller of imprintable tile suggests NOT using a clam shell press. I have printed many hundreds of tiles with my HIX Mighty Press. Identify, adjust/adapt, succeed.

While I am on my box, another thing many folks overlook is LUBRICATION OF THE ADJUSTMENT SCREW IN ALL OUR PRESSES. High temp grease is available and a little dab'l do ya.

ken

[knifemaker3]

Ken,
I don't do sublimination so I tend to forget about using a press in this manner.  I can definitely see your point about the clam not working as good on tiles or plates.

And I definitely agree on the grease!

[charles95405]

I have two clam presses...and routinely do tiles...up to 9 at one time...one is a hix press...old manual 400 about 8 years old and a 3 yr old Sunie digital time/temp...no problems so far  I do have a small (9x12) swingaway that I use for some odd ball sublimation...like doing wine bottle corks...where I sublimate on the top...So make a jig that the corks it into...and then lower the press...works great

[COCHISE]

Yup, that's what I mean.. identify the issue, adjust/adapt, succeed.............


 I made a jig to do 24 poker chips at one time.

Wine corks, great idea!! Thanks for sharing it.


ken

[BongoT]

Some well appreciated advice from everyone.

I do not forsee ever doing sublimination (can't even pronounce it.LOL). My intent is to do some nice Gothic/Tattoo transfers on some quaility T's like American Alternative or Port & Company. I plan on selling at a weekend vend I do. I already do tie-dyes which I personally dye myself, and have been for years.

I need to add some diversity, since not everyone loves tie, despite its long popularity.

[boomerbabe]

Nice tie dye, Bongo, What kind of dyes do you use?

[COCHISE]

MOST BEAUTIFUL WORK BONGO!!

I would suggest the biggest press you can afford so you can TRIBAL the whole shirt.

best of luck to you.

ken

[American logoZ]

Bongo - I LOVE tie dye but have never tried it.  Please please start a new thread and teach us!!

[MonkeyMeMe]

yes,, please do some lessons for us, i am going to post up a shirt bongo tonight too and please tell me the process of tie dyeing,,,
MMM

[BongoT]

boomerbabe: Thank You! I use Procion MX Fiber reactive dyes..long lasting, more vibrant than water based pigment...order from Dharma Trading

The shirt you see is a Gildan 100% 6.1oz cotton..was white, as all the shirts I use...heavyweight Gildan gives a better feel for quality, dependability, IMO...I call it, "Midnight Vee"

Cochise: Thank you! I have some questions about, "..the whole shirt". I have some tattoo designs in Jpeg. If i sent them to a pro, could they DTG the whole shirt, or does the image on the shirt come out to normal size (am I making that clear?)...I guess I am wondering, does file size matter?

AmericanLogoZ: Good idea, but whole different from what this forum is all about, I would think...

Here is another shirt, I call it "Midnight Rainbow"
Peace!

[boomerbabe]

AmericanLogoZ: Good idea, but whole different from what this forum is all about, I would think...

Here is another shirt, I call it "Midnight Rainbow"
Peace!

I beg to differ -this is an Apparel Decorating Forum and I would say that you have decorated the apparel beautifully. I too use MX Reactive dyes. So versatile.

[BongoT]

I beg to differ -this is an Apparel Decorating Forum and I would say that you have decorated the apparel beautifully. I too use MX Reactive dyes. So versatile.

Yes, you are right. I keep forgetting

[LEO]

Those are wonderful shirts !  Is there any way to tie dye the shirt but leave a nice area in the center chest for BLING?

LEO

[MonkeyMeMe]

I cannot wait for more info on this,,
I think a new thread needs to be set up , so we can keep track of the info,, what does everyone think,,?

Great idea leo!!!!!!
MMM

[COCHISE]

Any "pro" should be able to adjust a properly prepared image to any size. Having said that, it must be a vector image, not any photo image, jpg, png, etc. If you can't convert it, the pro might do it, for a fee.

You most likely could enlist the help of any decent screen printer on this forum to evaluate your design concept and offer an opinion as how to accomplish the mission in the most economical fashion.

ken

[BongoT]

Good Suggestion, Ken
Thanks