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Hi, does anyone have any advice on testing my heat press plate for cold spots. I have a swing away press and the plate does not look completely flat, it looks like very light indentations that go in slightly. Hope thats makes sense.
Haven't purchased a temp gauge yet, thought i'd ask for advice first :confused:
Any advice appreciated.
I use the infra red thermometers and they work a treat, £10 should get you one off eBay.
ah thats good to know, thanks Justin, will give it a go!
What justin said
how accurate do the thermometers need to be?
maplin sell one for about £25 that is +/- 3c but the £55 one is +/- .25c so loads better and laser accurate too.....
I have an interesting take on one of these...
I recently took delivery of a heat press for testing. The press came from TMT and is a new clam shell with a slide out platen. A review will come shortly but one thing I did notice was that the temp was set for 165 degrees yet my thermometer was reading over 180. I spoke with Adam at TMT and he said that this was fine. He said that although digital thermometers are okay, to get a proper reading then you need to get temperature strips and put them under the presses press.
Logobear, I think the £25.00 will be more than good enough. Think of it like this, if you have a bit of vinyl to press on a garment which is recommended at 180 degress for 15 seconds. It will press just as well using 185 degrees at 15 seconds. so +/- 3 is more than accurate enough I think.
S>
Surprised to hear that, I didn't think the strips would be as good but I'm prepared to stand corrected :-) I used a very high quality laser therm and tbh not much difference to my £10 unit which seems very accurate.Quote:
Originally Posted by socialgiraffe
We make the assumption that the garment and the medium we are using are consistent, they are not. They will both vary from batch to batch. Lets pick 180 degrees for 180 secs .... is 190 for 190 going to be a problem ... no ..... what about 170 for 170.... probably not. There is a degree of latitude. Consistent heat and pressure across the platen is more relevant. This is where the strips score over a thermometer. The strips are giving a reading indicative of the effects of both.
I add that this is as I see things in my little world. Your world may be different.
Janners
some media is not as critical as others, wow 7.2 (the old one) was super fussy, but i think the issue of uneven heat will make a difference, just like uneven pressure !
the paper temperature strips are VERY accurate, half a c i think.....
Temp strips sound like a good try too. I do have a feeling that some parts outside of the central part of the plate are not hearing efficiently. However I hope to be purchasing a new press in the near future. I'm thinking a nice clam shell.
Princess Jen, what do you say when you talk to your press :biggrin:Quote:
I do have a feeling that some parts outside of the central part of the plate are not hearing efficiently
The one I am testing at the moment is very good and a review will come within the month. Also, it is backed up by The Magic Touch who have an excellent reputation. Lastly, if you can hold off purchasing then I recommend a visit to FESPA. You should get to see all the different manufacturers there with the various machines.
Haha oops...early morning error...lol....however it probably does hear me...those times when i've burnt myself i think the rest of Essex must hear me haha!
Ooh let me know how you get on with your press SG, I tend to use magic touch vinyl, mainly 123flex as its quick and easy.
I have had my FESPA ticket printed and on the board for the last 6 weeks, roll on the end of June.... I was thinking Stahls initially for a heat press as it is a reputable brand but also thought about second hand...anyone got any views on second and heat presses??? :rolleyes:
I was looking at a Stahls as well (the Fusion), glad I didn't as I would rather the money in my bank than theirs!!!!
A secondhand press is a gamble. Its a bit like purchasing an iron. Depending on how many times it has been used could mean a good one or one that the elements are about to go.
yes thats very true SG, most these days have a lifetime warranty on the heating element if the previous user has kept all the paperwork. I will definitely be going to check them out and get some advice at FESPA as i have some potentially huge and regular orders that I would need a reliable and consistent press for and at the moment my three oaks swing away combi is ok but I really need to acquire a clam shell this SUmmer! Is the fusion the one where the bottom platen slides forward? That one looks sooo good! a lot less hassle but a lote more £££ like you say! :smile:
Yes that is the Fusion.
The one I am testing does exactly the same
ooh nice, you say testing? have you borrowed it or bought?? let me know how you get on anyways :-)