Cheap eBay Mug Press

[scrappydoo]

I have had a good read through the forum and wanted to get some opinions on the following mug press from eBay http://ebay.eu/19CZ6MK

I realise it is a rock bottom price and definitely at the low-end of the market but as I don't really plan to be doing massive quantities I don't want to spend more than I need to.

My main query is what does a more expensive press offer me that this one doesnt?

Hope I can get some opinions

[Paul]

as far as i can see this press has no temperature gauge? stay away imo.

[Justin]

That's pretty much the cheapest (quality) you'll find. It may well do the job perfectly ok but I wouldn't want to be using it for any more than occasional use. At that price it's not the end of the world when you decide to upgrade but I'd take a look at some of the more reputable suppliers first, Coralgraph spring to mind.

A more expensive/better built press will be worlds apart. Consistency is key, build quality will be far greater, spares readily available and so on.

I think the press you're looking at is fixed temperature which may limit you a little.

[scrappydoo]

Thanks for all the input, temperature control is not something I had taken into consideration. I have spied this on the coralgraph site http://www.coralgraph.com/heat-press/mu ... er-machine

Seems to be a big improvement over my eBay choice, £25 postage and packaging is a bit steep though, also found them on eBay from CoralGraphs account http://ebay.eu/1bazPeZ

Good choice of machine? Does anybody here use this model or has used it?

[pisquee]

This one looks better, and has temp and time controls.
We prefer using horizontal cylindrical presses.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-COMPACT-B ... 3381e6381c

[scrappydoo]

I hadn't considered a horizontal one, is the only benefit to this that you can print onto any cylindrical object as there is not bottom to the press?

[rossdv8]

I have a horizontal one and a vertical one. The horizontal one will handle mugs that have a slight taper. The vertical one really needs the best quality mugs with perfectly parallel sides.
My horizontal press is a cheapo chinese one, but heats faster and presses more consistently than the old one. My next press will be horizontal - and maybe a better quality.

[Renniwano]

I have gone over to a mug press and must admit looked at the cheap ones on ebay.. but after borrowing one from a member on here I went for the 'Genie' from Listawood..

Maybe not the cheapest option.. but I have learnt that sometimes it's better to pay out a little more on these things..