Info on ProvoCraft/Cricut YuDu Screen Printer

[kevinjplee]

Am thinking about testing the water in Screen Printing but before splashing out on a carousel I came across the above machine.
Anybody have any info on it, and also who is the UIK stockist as I can't find anyone anywhere.
Cheers

[socialgiraffe]

Never heard of it before but looking at it and my knowledge from previously owning a large screen printing firm would say steer well clear.

For a start the whole thing looks a bit mickey mouse, secondly I can not see how you would be able to print garments, from the videos I looked at the bottom platen does not move and you need to be able to slide a platen in to the garment and not have the whole garment sit on top.

I also have a feeling that with this system you may well be tied into their chemicals which is a big no no.

[FairyD]

Kevin....Provocraft, who do make this, are enormous in the crafting industry for their products and notorious for making items that have no cross-over with other products, so as Socialgiraffe says, you're tied to their chemicals. They also work to the 'keep it simple' mantra and make it break within a year or two so that the customer will come back for more!!! Crafting ladies worldwide will swear by their products but I assume you don't want to be considered in the same vein!?!?!?

[kevinjplee]

Thank you socialgiraffe & fairyD, for your replies, your points are noted.
I did have doubts about the Yudo, due to it being conspicuous by its absence on UK sites
Could you recommend a basic 2 colour kit which I can add to as I am going along, and one that is not too expensive if it goes pear shape.
My problem is that I live in Highlands and if I have to sell it I would not be able to do so from up here, an experience I have encountered with cars and other items.

Cheers

[FairyD]

Hi Kevin..I'll jump out of this one as I'm currently saving up again for my carousel...but I feel your pain about being remote in the Highlands....we lived in Elgin for 2 years and while it was wonderful when my kids were young nobody came to visit us unless the weather was good because of the drive up from Glasgow!!!! ;O)

[John G]

How are you going to make/expose your screens (exposure unit needed)
How are you going to wash your screens (wash out booth needed + water inlet/outlet and power hose)
How are you going to dry your prints (tunnel dryer or flash needed)
Where are you going to store your inks and thinners (cabinet needed)

You'll need more than a table top 2 colour carousel as shown above.

All the above need space to house them - Paul may be the best person to ask as he has a DIY set up in the garage and he'll be able to tell you the space needed. The equipment I have certainly wouldn't fit in a standard garage without some modification to the equipment and a major rethink on the way the equipment is used.

[FairyD]

John, the YUDU has it's own 'on-board' exposure 'bulb'!! It's a film instead of an emulsion. It recommends it's only inks...not too sure what they are.....!! NOT a great unit.

I'm currently looking into getting the electricty to our summer house that has lay unused for 2 years...was meant to be my studio for drawing in but in Scotland we don't actually get summers!!! But with a bit of 'heat' it will make a world of a difference!! Size is very much an 'issue' for screen printing, but I have seen a 4 colour unit that sits on top of the screen storage unit (all from Ryonet) just the one station mind you, but if space was limited it could work....the rest of the 'gear' though is a different issue altogether!!

[Paul]

yudo is good for one off tees for partys and friends etc.. I would not invest time and money in it tbh... I do have small set up that i have make myself and as John just said, you will need lot more stuff then table top [press and lot more room. i have all garage for myself but this is not great space. so if you planing to do more then one color you will need lot more stuff and room.

[John G]

John, the YUDU has it's own 'on-board' exposure 'bulb'!! It's a film instead of an emulsion. It recommends it's only inks...not too sure what they are.....!! NOT a great unit.

Sound very similar to an xpres system I used years ago - that was utter crap! :biggrin: and cost £3000 at the time. It'll be water based plastisol for a film like that.

[kevinjplee]

Thanks for all your help, it is much appreciated.
Have decided that the Yudu will notdu for me!
Another option for me, albeit a lot more expensive is the Dalesway Printa 770 which is for sale locally. It is a couple of years old and guy wants £2500 for it (New it is £5300) This is a self contained unit and has exposure table, 4 colour one station carousel, flash dryer and storage etc etc.
Would I be better off with something like this, or buying units individually