Full Version: Press recommendation?
From: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#1]
6 Apr 2006
To: ALL
All recommendations appreciated! Thanks,
Jim
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
6 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#1] 7 Apr 2006
What items do you expect to be pressing?
Obviously, if you don't have a firm answer to that question, the versatility of the Combo would give you the greater latitude.
From: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#3]
7 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 7 Apr 2006
I guess I want to do the most I can or the greatest variety right out of the box. I don't know what my market will take but I think its ripe for everything. I want to give myself the greatest flexibility for the money going in.
The two machines without any accessories have pretty much the same capabilites, slightly different size capacity but basically the same style. One you can add compnents to as you need them, the other is standalone and you have to buy whole seperate machines if you want to expand to mugs, caps, etc. One you can double capacity for flat items with a sliding tray, the other you cannot.
The probable answer is you can't go wrong with either, but I was wondering if folks who had looked at either of them and then went to a different machine, or anyone who bought one or the other had reccomendation or regrets to pass along. I think I'm leaning toward the DK20S with the stand on wheels and then add the twin shuttle.
Thanks,
Jim
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
7 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#3] 7 Apr 2006
Jim,
Some people have complained of wiring problems, with both of the models you're considering.
Others have said they've experienced years of service, without incident.
The Digital Combo (DC) is the model that received the highest number of complaints.
Not trying to slam the company; just passing along information. Maybe Geo. Knight has addressed those problems by now. <shrug>
Although the DC has the ability (with attachment) to press coffee mugs, keep in mind that you can only image one-side-at-a-time.
The majority of mugs that I produce require imaging of both sides, which I accomplish in a single pressing, using a full wrap mug press - A friend's Novachrome Mug Pro.
EDITED: 7 Apr 2006 by DGL
From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#5]
7 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#1] 7 Apr 2006
Jim...First, I'm a fan of George Knight, despite the negatives you will be fed both here and the DSSI forum.
I'm a owner of the DK 20S and have never pinched my fingers by operating it improperly, nor burned myself. I've never had any problem other than a blown fuse which was quickly remedied by the extra that GK included with the shipment when purchased. I have not heard of the big wiring problems that they had/have with the combo model.
I'm not a fan of the Combo. More because you have to allow the elements to cool off to change them out, and the single side imaging capabilities of the mug press attachment.
If you are considering this as an entry level press and are considering the smaller platen size of the combo, why not take a look at the newer DC16?
Doug
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#6]
7 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#1] 8 Apr 2006
Jim .. after looking at both myself a while back ago I concluded the 20K with utilizing a handfull of mug wraps offered the greatest flexiblity for me. I felt the combo suffered from the proverbial: "can't do any one task great' was a downside, plus I like the size of the platen much better on the 20K and all the product (tiles, specificallly) I can put in at one time. As Doug stated, the smaller version could be an alternative as well but I would much rather buy the 'right one' the first time rather then buying another one later and if you are even considering the sliding table add-on for the 20K there is probably no reason to go other than with the 20K.
Good luck on your decison!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
7 Apr 2006
To: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#5] 8 Apr 2006
The "negatives being fed" are first-hand accounts of people who have experienced the issues.
Granted, not everyone has.
Over the time I've been involved in sublimation, (6 years) and a member of DSSI, I have yet to read the negatives of those using Insta, Hotronix, Hix, Metalnox, Printa, Phoenix, Astek, etc., etc.
Probably just a coincidence.
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
8 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#1] 8 Apr 2006
Jim,
This is a timely thread, as I just finished replacing the switch, AC cord receptacle, AC cord and all internal wiring on my DK20S.
My press is about five years old and had limited use the first couple of years I owned it. The balance of time it has had fairly consistent use.
On March 30th, I fired my press up for a job and the display came on like it always does. I created my transfers, cut my metal and was ready to press, then discovered the display was off and the temperature was warm at best.
I checked my breaker switch and determined that wasn't the problem. I then loosened a couple screws to access the internal wiring and discovered a lead had arced and melted part of the switch. I have discovered that over time, the amount of amperage running through these presses, along with the heat generated, takes its toll on the connectors.
I talked with Aaron Knight about my problem and he sent out a $25 kit with all new wires, connectors, a switch, receptacle and cord. It took me all of ten minutes to switch everything out and be up and running.
There have been some frightening experiences with older models of this press. In the opinion of people with more technical electrical knowledge than I, there were some older models that had a fairly inferior wiring design, which has now been cleaned up in the newer models.
Would I buy a Knight Press again? In spite of my issues with some of their past products, it would likely be at the top of my list.
Choosing between the Combo and the DK20S, I would choose the DK20S, which excels at flat pressing. If you want to do mugs, get a serious full-wrap mug press.
EDITED: 8 Apr 2006 by DATAKES