Full Version: Press Recommendations
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#1]
22 Dec 2004
To: ALL
With all the talk lately about the Geo. Knight press is there a recommendation you folks would give for a new comer to this aspect of the business? I am looking to buy all of the associated equipment it takes to begin sublimation printing. I suspect my main emphasis will be with trophy & placque plates plus tiles & coffee mugs. I have got a catalog from Geo. Knight on their Digital Combo which looks like it would do most every application with one unit and the different attachments available for it. Or is a combination one like so many other pieces of equipment that yeah, it does everything, but it doesn't do anything very well? Is there another manufacturer I should be cosidering? I also got a catalog from HIX Corporation that I am looking at.
I live in a small recreation area so I need to start a 'small scale' until I can build my clientel but I am excited about this process.
The other thing I am looking for answers on are do buy a laser printer or a ink jet then also what might be the best supplier realizing that I won't have the large volumn many of you folks might be doing.
Thanks in advance...
John
Lakeshore Engraving
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
23 Dec 2004
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#1] 27 Dec 2004
John,
The (Knight) combo press is versatile enough, but keep in mind that you can only do one side (at a time?) of a mug with it. It's also one of the models which people have complained of wiring harness problems.
From some of the comments in the DK20S thread, it seems Knight may be putting their new presses out with improved wiring harnesses (I don't know).
If you'll mostly be printing metal plates and tiles, you could get by with a clam shell press, with a floating bottom platen. The clam shells presses are generally less expensive than swing away-style presses, which are designed to accept thicker substrates.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Pete (AWARDMASTERS) [#3]
24 Dec 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 24 Dec 2004
John,
If you are on a budget and do not need to press an area greater than about 8x11, the HIX Hobby Lite is a dependable small swing away. Hix also makes a 15" in the same style.
I personally recommend mug wraps over mug presses
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4]
22 Mar 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#1] 23 Mar 2005
John,
This is probably a day late and several dollars short, since we have now met in Las Vegas and actually SEEN the sublimation equipment out there,
but, here is my two cents worth.
When it comes to tools ( and I wish I would have followed my own edict when I bought my laser) I have two rules.
1. DON'T BUY CHEAP TOOLS
2. BUY MORE TOOL THAN YOU NEED.
Number one is self explanatory, number two is simply that you WILL grow into it. I've already done that with my laser. ... (sigh)
Anyway, have you already bought the press? ( my research says the swing away is better, even though the sales rep told me clamshell is best).
What equipment did you end up getting? If any?
From: UncleSteve [#5]
23 Mar 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4] 23 Mar 2005
Chuck,
Sales people aside, for those looking for a new press, a swingaway is more flexible in the height of the items it can press. They usually have an adjustable height/spacing between the platens and the upper platen is often a floating platen. The downside is the bigger the press, the more space you need to swing the upper platen out of the way. Figure at least twice the width of the unit.
Clamshells take up less space and SOME have a floating upper or lower platen to allow even pressure across the press, but many have a problem with thick items due to the hinge not being able to accomodate the thicker blanks.... each press is different so check the specs and then check them again!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
23 Mar 2005
To: UncleSteve [#5] 23 Mar 2005
Steve,
Another difference between the two styles of (clam shell/swing away) heat presses, is weight.
The swing away presses (usually) weigh more; partly because of a thicker heater block; partly because of a heavier base.
Speaking of heater blocks, thicker heater blocks (upper platens) will lessen the need for the press to "cycle" as often as a press with less mass in the upper platen.
Makes the effective temperature more constant and saves on electricity.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 23 Mar 2005 by DGL
From: UncleSteve [#7]
23 Mar 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 23 Mar 2005
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
23 Mar 2005
To: UncleSteve [#7] 23 Mar 2005
Steve,
Portability is a good point. I use an old Hix 15x15 swinger, which takes two men and a boy to lift :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#9]
23 Mar 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4] 23 Mar 2005
From: UncleSteve [#10]
23 Mar 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8] 23 Mar 2005
David,
I have been using a "cheap, too small swingaway press" also known as a Hobby Lite.....
I don't miss the digital timer since most of them are just stuck on and not wired into the press. You still have to open the press when the alarm/timer goes off so............. I use a nice Radio Shack count up/count down, repeatable timer that I picked up for around $10. It has a belt clip and a magnet so I can put it wherever it is convenient.
I love the press! It is portable, reliable, accurate and does all I need subject to its limited size. For subbed tiles, anything smaller than 12x12 works like a charm.
I also have an old 16x20 National press that works pretty well but takes forever to heat up.
It isn't always the size or the price of the tools, it is how you use them. :~)
From: Michael [#11]
24 Mar 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#1] 24 Mar 2005
Morning, John,
I'd like to pass on an update concerning my Digital Combo and Aaron Knight's latest response to an ongoing problem.
First, my credentials: I've been working in the electical trades since 1969, and currently am employed full time as an Industrial Maintenance Electrician for an Integrated Steel Maker.
The short story: there were numerous reports of the heating elements burning up due to the wires runing from the heating element to the control head (happened to mine, too). The method used then violated National Electic Code (NEC). Because the problem started the first time the machine was used and it takes time for it to become apparant. Mine failed after the 1 year warranty. It took awhile and a lot of insults from Aaron Knight but he did eventually replace at no charge all my heating elements that were manufactured in that manner. That was about a year and a half ago.
A month ago the replaced flat heating element burned up after warranty period, but with less than 1,000 press cycles. Again, the problem was one of manufacuring deficiencies that caused the problem to begin with first use of the press, but is not something readily seen without removing the the heating element cover.
Aaron Knight replaced this heating element at no charge. Aaron Kight, once again, was insulting and displayed an unearned arrogance. His written response is available to anyone who would like to see it. I'd post it here but his response is pretty long. Just ask and I'll forward it to you along with my initial request for remedy. This way nothing can be taken out of context. Also available are a series of high res photographs of the damage.
I have heard of similar incidents with the new wiring design, but cannot verify them. Using only what happened to my press, I believe the digital combo press still presents a safety hazard.
Attached is a photo of what happened with arrows and writing (shades of Alices' Resaurant!), and in about a week I'll have report from an Electrical Engineer on suspected/most likely causes, but I can say now that normal use is not one.
Michael
EDITED: 24 Mar 2006 by MICHAEL
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#12]
24 Mar 2005
To: Michael [#11] 24 Mar 2005
Michael,
I am sure that you recall a while back that I filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) on this very subject. It is appearant that my effort has fallen on deaf ears.
The USCPSC is another typical under-funded government agency that was created to serve an important need of U.S. citizens. The politicians obviously don't see the importance of providing adequate funding to assure a prompt evaluation and response to all concerns, many of which can result in death or serious injury.
I agree that this issue remains a serious one and requires a continual pursuit for some resolution.
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#13]
24 Mar 2005
To: Michael [#11] 25 Mar 2005
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14]
24 Mar 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#13] 24 Mar 2005
John,
I read on DSSI, where a DK20 (16x20 swing away model) user, out of the blue, received a new wire harness (or other electrical component) for his/her machine.
Without admitting a defect, it seems Knight is addressing the wiring issues. That's in no small part (IMO) to the pressure exerted through the online forums.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Michael [#15]
25 Mar 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#13] 25 Mar 2005
I've forwarded the entire communication to you John.
As to any other presses manufactured by G Knight I cannot say because I have no experience with them.
Michael
EDITED: 25 Mar 2005 by MICHAEL
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#16]
25 Mar 2005
To: Michael [#15] 26 Mar 2005
From: GBengraver [#17]
25 Mar 2005
To: Michael [#15] 26 Mar 2005
Michael,
Can you also forward me the communication you had with Aaron?
Thanks
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
25 Mar 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#16] 26 Mar 2005
John,
I haven't requested the exchange between Michael and Aaron Knight.
I'll wait for the reviews from those who have.
The reason I'm not so curious? I can already picture the conversation, based on the many stories I hear, every day, regarding companies who treat their (valued?) customers like small potatoes.
Painfully familiar story - just a different company.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Michael [#19]
26 Mar 2005
To: GBengraver [#17] 26 Mar 2005
Sure will, but you'll have to give me an email address.
Michael
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#20]
26 Mar 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18] 26 Mar 2005
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