Hi All, from the Midlands

[Tony4415]

Hi All,

Only joined today so just to introduce myself really, thanks for accepting my registration Justin.

I've been working in the print industry for 20+ years as a Graphic Designer/Prepress/Digital Printer and have always run a small business in my spare time designing and printing for friends and family, especially my Sister-in-Law who has a Bridal business. Having become interested in sublimation I've done a lot of research (including making my wife go to an Expo at the NEC and to Xpres!) and am getting ready to purchase my first kit, to include dark t-shirt printing as well.

Xpres have impressed me with their quality. Has anyone else dealt with them? If so, I'd be interested to hear your feedback.

I was originally interested in acrylic blocks and found that Nova Chrome in Wales did them. Again, any feedback would be welcome.

Kind regards
Tony

[Justin]

Hi Tony and welcome to the forum It sounds like your'e bringing a wealth of valuable experience with you.

I've worked with Xpres for many years and still buy from them (as well as other suppliers) They certainly have the best showroom/demo facility you're likely to find in the industry. If you join our Premium Members scheme they'll give you some great discounts along with Listawood (10% off everything there) and others.

I use a company called Sublicity that specifically work with acrylic blocks and they've been excellent in the past but I haven't had the need to buy in recent months.

I won't bog this intro down any further as you'll find info on these companies in the forums

Justin
DSF Admin

[Tony4415]

Hi Justin
Just a quick note, for the membership scheme.
Do I get 10% off my first equipment purchased at Xpres (heat press, printer and mug press etc?)
Also do you know anything the Adkins Beta Maxi Multiplex Press 20"x15".
I told them I was interested in Acrylic Blocks, They said the above can do this.
I just want to double check.
Are Adkins presses any good?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Tony

[Justin]

Xpres don't give 10% off all equipment but if you're spending that much they'll do you a good deal

Not sure about the multiplex, I have an Adkins Beta and they're no use for acrylics as they don't open wide enough to allow the platen to lock over the acrylic. You can swap the lower platen at an increased cost but you're then into Pressmech territory which are far better for acrylics.

Adkins are generally excellent presses.

[Justin]

BTW.......Supplier discounts apply to all purchases not just your first -)

[Tony4415]

Hi
Sorry for any daft questions, what press do you use for Acrylic blocks?
Nova Chrome tried to sell me this:
http://www.novachrome.co.uk/equipment/h ... ct-a3.html
When I showed this to Xpres, they laughed, and said 'did they make that with their spare parts'
Thanks

[Justin]

I use my Pressmech bag press, huge opening. I also have a £100 Chinese press that does acrylics perfectly well.

Whoever said that about the Nova press needs to learn a little more about the industry, thats a Presmech and is very hard to beat. Excellent British build quality and superb backup from a small midlands supplier :- ). If you've the budget for one if those speak to Dickie at Pressmech and tell him I sent you.

[Tony4415]

Ok Thanks for the advice.

[Tony4415]

Hi Justin
I'm being cheeky now, whats the £100 Chinese press for doing the acrylic?
can you send me a link please?
I understand if you don't want to.
Thanks again

[Justin]

PM sent