Full Version: Which Heat Press?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
29 Jun 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) 29 Jun 2005
In another thread, you said:
In the meanwhile I am considering adding dyesub to the mix. What made you decide to choose the Hix press over the GeoKnight? What other presses are available? I have already come to the conclusion that a swing press is the only way to go.
I didn't choose the Hix through exhaustive research. It was an old press, one of my trophy shop clients had replaced with a "Clam Shell" press. The shop primarily prints to aluminum plates and the Clam Shell press was quite adequate for their use.
After years of faithful service, the heating element of the Hix was working intermittently. This was about the time I was getting into dye sub and I was offered the press for the asking.
It was an offer I couldn't refuse and I used the press for my initial experimentation. The press continued to work intermittently, and, one day, finally gave up the ghost.
I took the dead duck to Quality One Engravers for an analysis of the problem. A new heating element and thermostat and I was back in business for about $350.
I thought that was quite an outlay for a repair until I realized a new press of that type would cost over twice as much.
If you're planning to image ceramic or glass tile, the swinger is the way to go. Clam Shell presses with floating platens are capable of printing tiles, but keep in mind, tile acts as a substantial heat sink and the swingers generally have a heavier heater block, which means the press won't have to cycle as often.
Insta, Geo. Knight, Hotronix, Hix and Metalnox are a few of the brands I'm aware of.
EDITED: 29 Jun 2005 by DGL
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#2]
29 Jun 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 29 Jun 2005
Next question,
How did you get that nifty little "quote" box?
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3]
29 Jun 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#2] 29 Jun 2005
Type or copy the text into your reply. Highlight what you want to be in the quote box. Then just click on the " " marking on the toolbar above the message. That's all.
Message 1529.4 was deleted
From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#5]
29 Jun 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 29 Jun 2005
Good reply David considering the last few days...
Chuck, considering the weight of all of the mentioned presses and your being where you are....I would consider running an ad in the local paper and see if someone doesn't have one sitting in the corner of the garage that you can pick up. Maybe you can get it for about what shipping will be. They tend to be heavy beasts.
If you don't find one or are determined to purchase new, you might want to look into the Phoenix brand. They are made at least in part from extruded aluminum which would cut down weight. Have not heard alot of reports on them though...
Doug