DSF

Do I need a Swing away press to do thick substrates or Clam Shell can handle them too...I would like to do Glass Frames , Tiles and even Acrylic Blocks ...Thanks guys

The clam shells just enable easier access for lining up which with garments is more critical. Least that's as I understand it.
Mark

mr-gobby;99596 wrote:The clam shells just enable easier access for lining up which with garments is more critical. Least that's as I understand it.
Mark

no, clams are worst for being able to line up prints, and not great for even pressure either.
swing aways do as they say and swing out of the way so you easily get to the whole press bed without burning your hands, and have a more even pressure across the platen.

Ideally you need a swing away press for thicker items. If you look at the way a clam press closes it isn't parallel to the bottom platen until it gets there. It can be done but you need to incline your thick item that is being pressed so that it is parallel to the upper platen when they come into contact.

Janners

Even with a preferred swing away press, you need to check the gap. I have an excellent Adkins press but it won't press 20mm acrylics. My Pressmech on the other hand will press much thicker items

Yep I meant swings allow better access not clams - it's the first thing I learnt but I wrote it down wrong there lol - think it's been corrected by subsequent posts :redface:

Justin;99603 wrote:My Pressmech on the other hand will press much thicker items

a pressmech will open wide enough to print the bases of mugs, if you can find suitable mugs that is!

i own both, clam shell and swing away press. I don't agree with Tim this time. as for garments i always prefer my clam shell as lining up is so much easier. I actually doing youtube video about this
so little test soon.

Paul;99608 wrote:i own both, clam shell and swing away press. I wont agree with Tim this time. as for garments i always prefer my clam shell as lining up is so much easier. I actually doing youtube video about this
so little test soon.

Will be interested in this

Wow..great inputs..thnks all for your valuble advices...