Rookie In Need

[JSR]

I hadn't done much printing for awhile, but suddenly got a sizeable mug order. As I was very busy with the other side of my business at the time, I didn't want to spend time breathing life back into my old system, so decided to look at a new bundle of printer & press.

At first I looked at buying from Listawood due to the 10% discount, but they didn't have the printer in stock at the time. So I went to BMS, and bought this package:

http://www.printerowners.co.uk/hardware ... ackage.htm (select "SG400 with Subli carts" from the drop-down list for the package I went for).

It came in £100 cheaper than what I was going to buy from Listawood, despite no DSF discount at BMS.

If you move into printing a larger quantity of mugs, you may want a better mug press and the larger printer (because it takes larger/more economical ink cartridges). But if you're just starting out, the package is fine.

[Quinsfan]

I second the BMS service and quality. I hadn't mentioned them as you were asking about the discount but I do tend to get most of my blanks from them.

[rgarner]

Thanks JSR, but I would rather buy the 5 in 1. I don't believe in buying things twice, I would rather spend more now and get the higher end stuff. That way when it comes to expansion, I'm covered.

[Quinsfan]

You will find that having a flat bed and mug press as one a problem. If the main unit breaks you will not be able to produce anything. Mugs take up to 180 secs to press so you would not be able to be pressing any phone covers while you wait. As I said I don't know of anyone who uses the plate attachments with any success, or even the cap attachment. I am willing to be proved wrong though.

If you want to spend more now and buy the higher end stuff then how about looking at Xpres or The Magic Touch to see how much you could spend.

[rgarner]

It is a 5 in 1 mug press, which means it presses 5 mugs at the same time. It doesn't do anything else. I was going to buy a A4 press later on down the line..

[Andrew]

Thanks JSR, but I would rather buy the 5 in 1. I don't believe in buying things twice, I would rather spend more now and get the higher end stuff. That way when it comes to expansion, I'm covered.

That way you will be eventually buying twice. Stand alone presses will always be preferable if things start to go well enough. Keep an eye for second hand packages as well. Plenty of people dip their toes but don't go any further.

[rgarner]

Thanks Andrew, but you have misunderstood - see my above post

[galerion]

The presses that do 1 mug (standalone) are considered better units than the ones that do 5 in one go. If you bought 5 single mug presses and one stopped working you could still produces 4 mugs but if your using the 5 mug press and it broke you couldn't make anything.

[rgarner]

I'll take that into consideration, thank you.

Quick one... after I take my mug out of the press, do I immerse it in hot water or leave it? I have seen people do both but I'm not sure which is better.

[galerion]

I'll take that into consideration, thank you.

Quick one... after I take my mug out of the press, do I immerse it in hot water or leave it? I have seen people do both but I'm not sure which is better.

There is a thread about this that was posted recently but as your just starting out I would say buy a cheap fan and try that before looking at dunking, you really won't know what's best until you have your mugs and start printing.