New to Newmans

[gotshirtz001]

So I worked a deal where I traded $1500 in equipment for the following:
-(77) Newman 23x31 MZX frames (all round)
-(48) Mixed Newman/DC 28x31 frames (1 square)
-ST-1E Tension Meter
-Tetko Mat Tension Meter
-Older Shur-Loc Stretch Table - flat and free spinning (just missing some small parts and needs a cleaning)
-(2) Newman MZX/M3 Combo Wrench
-Odds and ends like lock strips, extra mesh panels and tube clamp spacers

I run a 2016 M&R 6/4 Sidewinder manual with side air clamps and preparing to add a small auto at some point (12-24 months). Currently in the market for a 23x31 Tri-Loc.

While many of the screens have mesh, my plan is to go with Shur-Loc S-Mesh panels out of the gate.

Looking for:
1. Validation that it was (seemingly) a fair/good deal
2. Pointers for transitioning to rollers (tips and potential pitfalls)

I am focusing on the 23x31s so if anyone is interested in the 23x28s, let’s chat 

Thanks!




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[dirkdiggler]

Fair deal IMO, but not worth the hassle to use rollers IMO.  They are great and probably superior in the right situations, but after 20 years of doing this, I ditched rollers long ago for GOOD statics with S mesh.  Best thing I ever did.  MY OPINION!

[GaryG]

Don't worry, you will enjoy the higher-end feel daily with manual printing.
Stretched my first one in 1989. You will love them. They take some maintenance, but will last you almost a lifetime.
They will really show their value when you get an automatic.

Make sure you tape the rollers where the mesh will be contacting the side clamps.
You can also put s mesh in anytime you want. 

[screenxpress]

Personally, I think it's a helluva deal.

$1500 - $250 (rough estimate for value of the 2 meters) / 125 frames = $10 a frame. 

For comparison, I paid $15 ea. for my 25 used frames.  Not to mention mine had old mesh and really grungy tape and glue residue where I spent hours and hours cleaning them up to be usable.  Yours (wrapped in plastic) look to be a lot cleaner.

Everything else you mentioned is then freebies.  Oh and just one roll of locking strips is now $75+, when you can even find it available.

The only thing I'm unsure of is.....what works best for your shop?  All rounded or 3 + 1?  I'm manual, so my ideal Newmans are is 3 + 1.

I'd say you definitely came out on top.


 

[gotshirtz001]

Personally, I think it's a helluva deal.

$1500 - $250 (rough estimate for value of the 2 meters) / 125 frames = $10 a frame. 

For comparison, I paid $15 ea. for my 25 used frames.  Not to mention mine had old mesh and really grungy tape and glue residue where I spent hours and hours cleaning them up to be usable.  Yours (wrapped in plastic) look to be a lot cleaner.

Everything else you mentioned is then freebies.  Oh and just one roll of locking strips is now $75+, when you can even find it available.

The only thing I'm unsure of is.....what works best for your shop?  All rounded or 3 + 1?  I'm manual, so my ideal Newmans are is 3 + 1.

I'd say you definitely came out on top.

Thanks for that.
The screens seem very decent. All need to be at least reclaimed. Some still have plastisol in them. Many have tape but are not all gummed up.
My plan is to use the all round 23x31 since I have the side clamp press. Also, since the plan is to get the auto eventually, I’d like to work on a seamless transition.

Thanks again


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[gotshirtz001]

Don't worry, you will enjoy the higher-end feel daily with manual printing.
Stretched my first one in 1989. You will love them. They take some maintenance, but will last you almost a lifetime.
They will really show their value when you get an automatic.

Make sure you tape the rollers where the mesh will be contacting the side clamps.
You can also put s mesh in anytime you want. 

Thanks for that advice. I’m looking forward to an improved process.


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[screenxpress]

By the way, with that Shur-Loc table, I'll be amazed if you actually find a use for those MZX wrenches...outside of clubbing any intruders, lol. 

I think that table works with just a set of 4 crescent wrenches for tensions and a socket and ratchet to tighten/loosen the frame bolts.  Check out the Shur-Loc video unless the seller gave you a demo.  I built a DIY version several years ago that works on the same basic principle. 

Oh, you will also need a Torque Wrench to make sure you tighten the bolts to about 40 ft lbs after stretching.

Even a 19.99 one from HF will work

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-62431.html?cid=paid_google|*PLA+-+Low+Price+%28Main%29|Torque+Wrench|62431&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&mkwid=sWk9CHn6S|pcrid|274331137337|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|62431|&pgrid=55000445254&ptaid=pla-299277307118&pcid=1425851011&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyoHlBRCNARIsAFjKJ6BtmRxJAmnYx54n7UmcaJwDev8MP6AfE3kZ9wiTJTdM-77eHmiWtVwaAvF9EALw_wcB

[gotshirtz001]

Don't worry, you will enjoy the higher-end feel daily with manual printing.
Stretched my first one in 1989. You will love them. They take some maintenance, but will last you almost a lifetime.
They will really show their value when you get an automatic.

Make sure you tape the rollers where the mesh will be contacting the side clamps.
You can also put s mesh in anytime you want. 

Yeah, I have heard both sides and it seems like it simply comes down to preference... I may very well come to the same conclusion you did.


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[screenxpress]

For me, 25-28 Newtons (up to 305) is plenty for all my needs. 

You won't find much need to try for record stretch tensions.  But if you do, let us know how high you got before the mesh snapped 

[gotshirtz001]

By the way, with that Shur-Loc table, I'll be amazed if you actually find a use for those MZX wrenches...outside of clubbing any intruders, lol. 

I think that table works with just a set of 4 crescent wrenches for tensions and a socket and ratchet to tighten/loosen the frame bolts.  Check out the Shur-Loc video unless the seller gave you a demo.  I built a DIY version several years ago that works on the same basic principle. 

Oh, you will also need a Torque Wrench to make sure you tighten the bolts to about 40 ft lbs after stretching.

Even a 19.99 one from HF will work

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-62431.html?cid=paid_google|*PLA+-+Low+Price+%28Main%29|Torque+Wrench|62431&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&mkwid=sWk9CHn6S|pcrid|274331137337|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|62431|&pgrid=55000445254&ptaid=pla-299277307118&pcid=1425851011&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyoHlBRCNARIsAFjKJ6BtmRxJAmnYx54n7UmcaJwDev8MP6AfE3kZ9wiTJTdM-77eHmiWtVwaAvF9EALw_wcB

Yup. I spoke with Ron at Shur-Loc before I did the deal and he mentioned the wrenches. It’ll be a minor expense.
Thanks again!


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[Doug S]

I've got about 40 newmans that I use for mainly sim and 4cp.  If I take the time to retension before each job there is absolutely no registration needed and minimal dot gain.  The newmans that are finally work hardened, I protect like I would my family because when one of those pop for various reasons it's like losing a family member.    I would love to have only newmans but in reality, I know I would not have time to retension every frame when needed.  I'd never have time off.

[RICK STEFANICK]

Fair deal IMO, but not worth the hassle to use rollers IMO.  They are great and probably superior in the right situations, but after 20 years of doing this, I ditched rollers long ago for GOOD statics with S mesh.  Best thing I ever did.  MY OPINION!

I totally agree. Sell the roller package now before you get to into it. I think all you will gain is more time in the shop than running the statics like mentioned. Just my .02

[Homer]

Fair deal IMO, but not worth the hassle to use rollers IMO.  They are great and probably superior in the right situations, but after 20 years of doing this, I ditched rollers long ago for GOOD statics with S mesh.  Best thing I ever did.  MY OPINION!

I totally agree. Sell the roller package now before you get to into it. I think all you will gain is more time in the shop than running the statics like mentioned. Just my .02

while I am 110% on these guys team, I give you credit for trying to better yourself..so many shops get into the comfy zone and never try to better themselves, so good on ya for looking to improve - always in all ways.....

[gotshirtz001]

Appreciate the input from all sides. I am not opposed to statics and S-mesh but there is something appealing about having the flexibility to fix busted screens without sending them out. 

This is my side hustle and I only have 1-2 days per week in the shop.


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[Prince Art]

Appreciate the advice from all sides. I am not opposed to statics and S-mesh but there is something appealing about having the flexibility to fix busted screens without sending them out. 

This is my side hustle and I only have 1-2 days per week in the shop.


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Mine is a tiny shop, just me over 90% of the time. Having used Newman's at a previous job, I figured I'd eventually move to using them here. But the longer I'm at this, the more I realize how valuable my time is, and the more I see the need to streamline. It gets hard wearing ALL the hats! When weighing retensionables vs statics, I realized I'd rather outsource my screenmaking (by using statics) than add the maintenance of newmans to my own to-do list. For how seldom I bust screens, the price of replacements is pretty friendly considering the amount of time it saves.

So, I think you got a good price on the Newman equipment, but I encourage you to consider whether it's really the most productive choice for your shop.