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I need a new heat press

I currently have a GeoKnight 14. I'm in the market for a new heat press, preferably with a digital readout, and more accurate temperatures. I've been looking at the Hotronix 11" x 15" STX. I am wondering if this will be enough platen area to do shirts, mostly for contractors? I know I've been getting away with (so far) the 12"x 14" area on my GeoKnight. Should I be looking at the 16"x16" machine? I am on a limited budget (I run a signs shop and desperately need a laminator first). Any tips, or other presses I should be considering?

Thanks,
Gene

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Permalink Reply by Josh Ellsworth on October 5, 2007 at 8:30am
I would definitely get the 16 x 16 size - this will allow you more flexibility especially to accomodate the larger sizes of shirts.

You might google "craiglist.org phoenix phire" or "craigslist.org hotronix" and see what comes up as a used option if the budget is limited. By the way our Phoenix is the same as the Hotronix.

Or you can check with some different distibutors to see if they have any used or demo presses available that come with the warranty.

Keep in mind that if you are looking for a Phoenix or Hotronix one of its best features is the digital pressure. This feature was just added in May so make sure the used press would have this if it is something that you want.

One final option to fit your budget would be to jump to a 16 x 20 size in a non digital press like the Mighty press for $895ish.
Permalink Reply by Gene Crane on October 5, 2007 at 7:19pm
I bought a new Hotronix STX 16"x 16", and a laminator today! I got a great deal on both of them - I'm pretty excited! Thanks for your reply Josh, I guess I just needed somebody tell me what I wanted to hear ;)
It just makes the purchase so much easier... I'm getting ready to kick shirt production into overtime! I'll let you know how I like the new press.

Gene
Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on January 27, 2009 at 8:56am
Gene,
We have a 16 x 16 and a 16 x 20 and love both of them. Did you get one with the digital pressure readout? It makes a TON of difference in keeping prints consistent.
Permalink Reply by Jay Green on January 26, 2009 at 11:04pm
Hey I have a question. I do you get quality t-shirts printed what is your process, I have the heat press machine and I have been using basic ink but that does not work can you tell me what quality of paper and ink I need to use or if something else, I need to use let me know...........
Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on January 27, 2009 at 8:56am
Jay,
Can you give us a little more info on what process you are currently using? What equipment do you have availible to you and what printer are you using? That would help steer any recommendations for you.

Thanks
Permalink Reply by Ken Wagner on May 31, 2010 at 10:07pm
We have a GeoKnight 20 and while we would love to have a digital readout for pressure I can't justify replacing it yet. So far our best guest pressure settings (using our muscles) seem to be working okay. For now this is what we'll use. Unless anyone wants to donate one to us. :-)
Permalink Reply by muda coughlin on March 1, 2011 at 9:55am

 I need to buy a heat press as well, been looking at a 16x20 but do you think a 16 x 16 is good enough to start off with? I need to buy EVERYTHING and every little saving helps.

 

Muda

Permalink Reply by irving donaldson on March 1, 2011 at 10:22am
Muda the only way to answer the question is to know what you going to be printing.  I have a Maxx $800 plus - 15x15 press as a backup to my 16x20 auto hotronix press ($1500plus) - I hate the prices - for these large irons and have been looking at lower end items.  I do not like the 15x 15 because I like seeing more of the shirt to ensure I have good placement.  Most images will print - but try and stay away from multiple presses on the same shirt, unless in a different area.  The important thing is to have one that equally heat all of the platen .
Permalink Reply by muda coughlin on March 1, 2011 at 11:13am

Thanks Irving - I thought the 16x20 would be the best since I don't really want to "upgrade" in a few months - my VC supplier offered me a 16x20 for around 1,250 so I guess that's what I'll get.

Muda

 

 

Permalink Reply by irving donaldson on March 1, 2011 at 11:47am
I think you would like the 16x20 - I hate upgrades because usually you never recoup sufficient money on the 1st item.  16x20 will allow you to see most of your shirt and do large items even for 6x folks.  I am not good with prices but you can search around before you buy.  Just stay away from those that have bad support.
Permalink Reply by Kathy MacMannis on March 1, 2011 at 1:48pm

I have the hotronix fusion and a geoknight  both are 16x 20.  The fusion is nice since it has the digital pressure, plus it swings and also slides in and out.  I honestly didn't feel that I'd need the slide, but it really is great when trying to load the machine.  The digital  pressure readout was also a wake up call.   My idea of "medium" pressure was in reality much different that what we had been doing on the Geo knight, now all of us are on the same page and it doesn't matter who is using the press.   We got a great deal on the fusion when we went to a show.  Free shipping, and 3 free platens.  Saved us big $$$.    Don't go cheap as we did initially, you'll only end up reselling it for half of what you paid for it and then get the sting of the upgrade.  Good luck,

 

Kathy

Permalink Reply by Ken Wagner on March 1, 2011 at 2:07pm
Now I am feeling bad that we have a GeoKnight.  When we got into the DTG business it was suggested to buy the Geo.  Now that I am seeing pressure settings on my heat set items I wish we had known.  Live and learn.  Right now we are guesstimating on pressure settings and so far not doing bad.  Of course doing it to specs is always better.

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