By lontom on
Jan. 15, 2007
Hi everyone,
I am a longtime artist now trying to break into the business of silk-screening t-shirts. My artwork consists of detailed, one-color ink-on-paper drawings and logos. I am in the market for a device that will transfer these drawings without too much loss of detail. I have a budget of around $1000. The machines I've looked into handle multiple colors, which isn't necessary for my work. Does anyone have a recommendation for a quality screen-printer? I'm partial to used equipment since it seems to be the best value.
Thanks!
Re: New to the business-- need equipment advice
Hello,
With a budget of $1,000 bucks...your best bet would be to get into e-bay's used screen printing equipment. There are a few one color printing systems that are very cheap. Your exposure unit and laser printer is going to be your biggest issue.
You don't want to lose detail in your reproductions. So, don't look for an "Xante" laser printer..."Gcc Technologies" makes that very same printer for less than half the price. It's the Gcc 20/60, or 40/60, Xante puts thier name on it. Don't use "vellum", use "mylar" film to run thru and make your transparency. Vellum will block light from passing thru and your photo-emulsion on your screen will not cure right.
The light source is the most important. The brighter the light, the less "under-cutting" you will have in the fine details of your artwork. Also, the light needs "UV" rays in it. Photo emulsion only reacts to ultra violet.
There is nothing easy about it, if you don't know someone that can be there and help you with all that, then learn as much as you can before you buy anything.
Hope this helps..................Greg
At the edge of dreams lay the far-flung ideals of true creation.
Re: New to the business-- need equipment advice
Thats nice posting Greg! I appreciate your views and advice.........May be i also need something same but little different!
Steve
Embroidery Digitizier and Color Separation
20 Years Experience
(Price : 10 USD Flat OR 1.5 USD/1000 Stitches)
First Two designs Free to Try
gnizitigid@gmail.com
Re: New to the business-- need equipment advice
Well Steve,
If you or anyone else would like some advice on printing techniques I would be glad to help with any question. I started screen printing back in 84' and have helped to pioneer a few of the advanced techniques used today. Such as "four color process" on "discharge white" as an underbase.
Due to a disabling car accident, I lost my business and I now sit in front of my computor and blabber on about screen printing. If need be...I can send detailed drawings and instructions of equipment on "how to build it" and "how to use it". So, you or anyone else on this fine site can e-mail me and I'll be glad to help if i can.
(groegoryhamrick@netzero.net)
..............................................Greg Hamrick
At the edge of dreams lay the far-flung ideals of true creation.