Dryer options ... MD8 vs MiniSprint

[jvanick]

First of my new equipment for our upgraded shop posts...

We'll start with the dryers first...

Short list:

M&R Sprint2000 - 48" belt, 8' heat chamber

-vs-

MD8 with a 48" belt, 8' heat chamber

not sure if the M&R can be 'field' upgraded with additional length in the chamber, but having that option does appeal to me.

would like to have a 48" belt if at all possible due to potentially feeding both autos into it, and/or just the ease of 'throwing' shirts on the belt quickly.

Side question... does anybody know if you can vent these somewhat horizontally out a side wall? or do they have to go vertical through the roof.  One landlord is sketchy about 'roof penetrations' but is ok with sidewall penetration as long as it's done to code.

[blue moon]

I don't have any experience with M&R, but I would not buy another interchange.

Pierre

[mk162]

really pierre?  I can tell you that Winston has been impressed with ours except for a few minor things.

I would buy one again.

[TCT]

I looked at dryers for a bit and SHOULD of bought one in Feb. In my looking and research, I talked to a handful of people and got a lot of feedback. In comparing the two dryers in question the Sprint won out...

[sqslabs]

Side question... does anybody know if you can vent these somewhat horizontally out a side wall? or do they have to go vertical through the roof.  One landlord is sketchy about 'roof penetrations' but is ok with sidewall penetration as long as it's done to code.

As long as you have it properly angled, you can run it up and out a side wall no problem. 

[Printficient]

I would encourage you to get the widest belt you can get.  A 48" belt is a little narrow for 2 autos running full length prints.  A 60" minimum a 72" would be best.

[Binkspot]

Sprint with 60" belt, 12' of heat, 6' in and out.
I believe there are drones for the sprints but like the press get what you need and be done with it.
M&R would have to confirm but I have been to a few shops with mini sprints that the exhaust went straight up, 90 turn and out the side of the building, sometimes they would take out a window and make an insert to run the exhaust.

[Binkspot]

I believe the sprints are more efficient using less gas due to the insulation and air flow of the units.

Add cool touch shell not throwing heat into your shop

[TCT]

Code here is 1.5' vertical for every 1' horizontal.

[Printficient]

Might I also throw out there a refurbished dryer from Winston.  Like new but at a reduced price.  904-343-0848

[mk162]

I would ask winston before buying one.  I do wish I would have had the bottom part of the interchange insulated...it would have made sense to do that at the factory.

[Underbase37]

I defiantly would go with a 60" for two presses, 48" is just two small for two presses running....sometimes its to small for one.

[mk162]

48" works for an auto and manual.  more important than width though is length.  8' of heat and you will be running that belt slow.  The longer the chamber the faster the belt...the more throughput.

[blue moon]

60" at a minimum.
MD-8 is not insulated on the bottom and is spewing fumes left and right. While no dryer is fully contained, I specifically asked about running it in air conditioned (contained) space and they said it would be great! That's a bunch of BS. The dryer is running so hot we had to insulate it which in turn burned the paint off. The flame is orange and no amount of tweaking can help it. I've talked to Interchange and Winston without any resolution. The only thing that's left is replacing the plenum which would require cutting the dryer open (go figure, no access point big enough to work on the inside of it!!!). So we put up with the dryer needing to be opened and flame rods cleaned/replaced once a month.
I will say that is holds the temperature well and it does exactly what it's supposed to without any drama, but heat and fumes are just not acceptable. Air Jet might be better, but after seeing the M&R dryer and what it has in it, there is no comparison (at least in the design). To be honest, the Sprint was twice the money of the MD-8, but being told things that are not true just does not sit well with me even if it did work right. . .

pierre


EDIT: duh, called Winston wilson!

[mk162]

the MD8 could be insulated WAY better...no doubt.  I wish it was.  Our flame is perfect(knock on wood).

We've had virtually zero problems with ours...fire it up and go.  I am going to get with winston about insulating the bottom from the inside a little bit...it will requite taking the whole thing apart though...a good winter project.