Where to start or rather what with! Adkins? Supplier choices?

[mr-gobby]

Hi all, we are looking for some suggestions from those who have gone before really. New to it and having done a bit of homework there are a few things coming up a lot like brands and supplier names which if you've opinions on I'd really welcome them. We are looking to brand apparel like T shirts, workwear, schoolwear, bags caps, run promotions and so on (mainly locally until our confidence grows) and using cut material with maybe some inkjet printed sheets too and use a quality heat press to affix. Have seen Adkins Beta Maxi (38x50) or the smaller Mini 20 x 15 I think suppliers called Xpres and The Magictouch sell them as part of their line up. Any views on these suppliers or the press itself or any alternative suggestions? Might also look to get a cap press too for smaller jobs and items either now or later. As a cutter I was looking at Roland GX-24 which I think is now changed to a GS-24? and/or Graphtec CE6000 which I assume would be about right for what we are looking to do, again these two suppliers appear to sell them. Software I dont know if we should be using what comes with the cutter, buy coraldraw or some other software so what does everyone else use? Are there issues with 32 and 64bit operating systems and drivers or does everything go together nicely? We might move to a laser printer in time or maybe a professional inked printer but you have to start somewhere and work up so with this in mind the purchases are hoped to compliment future purchases rather than clash or create duplicates. Any replies gratefully received. Thanks, Mark

[Justin]

Both reputable suppliers, Xpres offer discounts to Premium Forum Members (£10 a year) so well worth checking that out. Adkins presses are excellent, Stahls are also very good as are Pressmech. Go for an A3 straight away if you can.

I use the Graphtec 6000-60 and it's a superb machine. I've used Roland in the past and they're also very good.

Coreldraw is a must for me.

[mr-gobby]

Thanks Justin, I watched the new Roland GS-24 video - its here with 84 views to date (10 would be me!) and I think I'm sold on it, though I also watched other Roland videos of their fantastic printing equipment and if money was no object,,,, Anyway, I maybe getting to the NEC Birmingham tomorrow or next day to the Sign and Digital UK Show for a look around and can see some things in the flesh. Can you highlight some advantages you see for for going for an A3 press straight away. I could try the software it came with and move onto coreldraw or whatever else when I'd mastered the basics as the cutter includes some software I believe. Not sure on whether I need a stand though which is an extra three hundred notes and seems a lot. For a press I was told a swing was good and easier to set garment and not get burnt in the process, I'll take a look at the other brands you mention. Mark

[AlanD]

The items and suppliers you mention are all good and you won't be disappointed. One of my plotters is a Graphtec and my press is from Jarin/Euroleisure and you may want o look at that especially the sports press which allows threading of the garment. I'm at the sign show tomorrow, say hello if you see me (Alan Drury Signwriting on the badge)

[mr-gobby]

Thanks Alan I'll look out for you if I make tomorrow and my badge says Mark Robson, Tabcom if you spot me first. Threading being where you thread one side of the garment over the press plate only, a family friend showed us theirs which was an Adkins, don't know the model but think they had one threaded over the plate okay but it's a consideration worth checking for sure, I was hoping if I get to the show that I can try or rather be shown a few, thanks for posting, Mark

[AlanD]

Threading is as you describe and also consider a press that has interchangeable sized base platens as this can be useful for things like polos where you would not want to press on the buttons, with a smaller platen this part of the garment can fall to one side. I don't know much about the Adkins press but it enjoys a good reputation and I can vouch for Adkins customer service. I also have a cap press but I use it as much for the back of collars and also sleeves as I do for caps:)

[mr-gobby]

Having been watching videos on youtube and there are a few done by Adkins, they mostly seem to lay the T shirts on rather than thread them but the one we saw was threaded and she hada smaller plate too and a cap press for smaller jobs same as you do, doing baby clothes were mentioned, we'd like one but unless a stonking deal is on offer collectively we might postpone that one a while, it's all adding up! What do you press on your collars though?

[Justin]

My Pressmech is the bag press which means it hsa the extra space underneath and is extremely useful. I have different sized platens which again can be invaluable.

[mr-gobby]

Pressmech, yes I checked that out on their website which was a bit limited and not found any other pics vids or many reviews but I can see the space is plenty and the different plates a nice addition. Do you have the stand too or is it on a table? Was the space under it that drew you to it at the time of purchase?

[mr-gobby]

I have considered going toe in water and buying less costly eBay and/or Chinese presses and cutters etc but having read most comments of buying twice and repair and performance compromises and issues I figured buying the real deal stuff will be the most reliable option and resell easily and at a good price if things don't work out though I think it may take a long time to recoup the outlay now I see how its adding up! Leading me onto asking which cap press makes and models do people recommend and use on here and also mug presses? Ive not yet looked into mug side of things, how do you cater for all the different sizes and shapes? Looking like Thursday will be my show visit day now. Mark