Budget upgrade. How's this Adkins?

[MikeJB]

So I've decided to up my heat press budget by over 50%. Considering this Adkins press:

https://www.xpres.co.uk/adkins-studio-a ... 0cm-x-40cm

Any users of this press here? Pros & cons?

[Justin]

The Adkins are a great machine. Used to be built in UK but now only assembled here, still good though.

That said, this is very expensive for a clam style press. I would only ever recommend a clam if you really don't have the space for a swing press. Clams are ok but don't apply the heat evenly straught away as in a swing away. Also, do you really need an auto release? I had a cheap Chinese auto release which was fine, I guess on liong runs it reduces fatgue but otherwise more of a gadget imo.

As long as the auto release is gentle, Chinese presses for example can be quite violent when opening! it woukld be fine. Otherwise you can get ghosting freom it lifting too quickly and bringing the transfer paper with it a little.

My advice would be to get a second hand Adkins swing away. Should be around £500 max if you can find one. Dark greay upper platen is the newer version, same coloured upper platen is the older, better machine but either would be good. Also speak to Xpres to see if they have any ex-demo presses.

If you can find Pressmech second hand I'd put that to the top of your list. Far wider opening for deeper items, very useful, cracking biut of kit.

[Justin]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xpres-heat-p ... SwqvVexS-~

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRINTERS-T-S ... Swz2BdsxuK

[MikeJB]

Thank you for the advice and links, Justin.

[MikeJB]

I kind of have my heart set on a new machine. I get what you're saying about a swing press, and I'd love to have one, but firstly my budget won't quite stretch to it, and secondly I have very limited space in my workroom.

Is there any love for the Adkins 38x38cm Studio Clam Press?

[Justin]

The clam press would be perfectly ok, just not as good as a swing lol. 38 x 38 may be a bit on the small side. You'll find t-shirts need the bigger platen, also larger jigsaws etc. may need more space.

[raydavies]

The title's a bit offputting!

[FONT=&quot]T - SHITS PRINTER { XPRESS SWING HEAT PRESS}[/FONT]

[Justin]

Haha, brilliant. Ideal to find a bargain with a mis-spelling on eBay! Although if it doesn't work, they kinda warned you

[pw66]

You are very close to the price of the Stahls Maxx (£858 from MDP, or £745 for the 38x38cm), which is a totally different kettle of fish to the Stahls Basic.

If you can get away with 38x38 then TMT have their own branded press at £599 (looks identical to the Galaxy presses). Chinese made, but from a reputable UK based supplier. Comes with slide out platen which is nearly as good as swing away.
https://www.themagictouch.co.uk/product ... 8cm-x38cm/

+1 for the Pressmech, best money you will ever spend at £250 - £400 used. (£925+vat new from Nova Chrome).

[MikeJB]

Thanks for the info. I quite like the Maxx presses. I think that's where I'm going to plant my flag!