Heatpress for Tote Bag printing recommendations

[paulamoo]

Hi Everyone, I currently have the HP3805 heatpress from BMS however I noticed just before Christmas that the metal on the base has split so the press isn't clamping down as hard as it should and my print quality is crap.

I'm now on the hunt for a new press - I pretty much only transfer print on to tote bags, occasionally cushions, and currently fairly low volume at around 200 bags per month (though hoping to increase this). I've upto £1500 budget and want something that is idiot proof as I know very little about printing and have been totally winging it for the last couple of years lol.

I've looked at the Adkins range and just wondered what other brands are comparable that I could look at.

Also, where's good to buy from - somewhere with good aftercare preferably?

Bonus points if you can recommend a press that doesn't weigh half a tonne as I have to somehow get it down my back garden in to my studio

Thanks!

[pisquee]

Press Mech Press Mech Press Mech

[socialgiraffe]

I know that Press Mech are pretty good but having never used one for any length of time I can’t say too much about them.

However I have used Adkins for many years and have found them to be almost bullet proof.

In terms of the bags, if you are doing that qty I presume you are using laser transfers which means you need decent pressure. You will need to get a good “heavy” press I’m afraid so hopefully you are not “Billy no mates” when you receive the delivery

In terms of suppliers

The Magic Touch or Adkins direct both have excellent after sales and come highly recommended. I would give them both a call to see if they have a second hand one available which would probably be my chosen route to purchase.

I have had one of my Adkins for over ten years now and in that time it has printed thousands of bags.

It did break on one occasion but Adkins provided diagrams and the part I required within 1 day. Having had this for a while I find them very easy to adjust/repair although I do hear the same about press mech


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[Justin]

Press Mech Press Mech Press Mech

What he said lol.

[pw66]

Pressmech. If you buy from Nova Chrome you can get it without all the extra platens, so it will come well under your budget.

Most of the mechanical and electrical components are available 'off the shelf' from various sources in the UK, so spares will never be a problem. The guy who makes them is very helpful.

[JMugs]

Pressmech for me. I have the A2 press and the bag press.
The bag press makes t's and bags so easy if you want to print on front and rear.

Janners

[pisquee]

Dicky (Mr PressMech) is super helpful for servicing and repairs - well priced if you want to send it to them, or can talk you through repairs/testing over the phone.
Yes, mostly standard parts, so can be sourced from PressMech themselves, or other suppliers - standard industrial controller modules.
We have 6 of the standard A3+ models, and have loved these machines for nearly 10 years now (after having tried lots of other presses expensive and cheap) these are definitely our preference.
The bag press version sounds ideal for your needs.
You shouldn't need the optional extra platens - wonder if anyone actually uses them.

[pw66]

You shouldn't need the optional extra platens - wonder if anyone actually uses them.

The polo shirt platen is useful if you print garments, but it isn't part of the kit.
Anything that uses the small detail platen is better being done on a cap press.

[JMugs]

You shouldn't need the optional extra platens - wonder if anyone actually uses them.

The polo shirt platen was really useful when I had a batch of polo shirts and the customer wanted things on both breast. The long slim platen was ideal for sleeves on some hoodies. So, useful on the few occasions I needed them, but haven't used them often!

Janners

[pisquee]

Fairly new looking one in Leicester
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265244437263 ... SwuGVg-TRP
£950 and open to offers

They often pop up on Ebay just as "heat press", no mention of "PressMech" so often worth a look on there, sometimes they go for under £100!