Author Topic: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?  (Read 14294 times)

Offline Prosperi-Tees

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4297
  • Common Sense - Get Some
any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« on: February 16, 2012, 08:50:06 PM »
I suck at loading! I know I will get better with time but any tips from the experts? The Javelin has 23 inch platens on it which I never understood since it can only print 16 long.


Offline jasonl

  • !!!
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 582
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2012, 08:55:51 PM »
I used to make my new guys load and unload the press while it indexed but not printing.  When they got used to it, we would turn on the heads.
"We Make Blank Shirts Look Awesome!"

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7866
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2012, 09:03:33 PM »
haha, I was saying the same thing about the M&R today.  It does make lining the shirt up a lot easier.  I would just keep at it.  I loaded/unloaded and spray tacked every platen, every time on a run of fleece today.  Sucks, but it had to be done.

Still ran at over 300 pcs an hour.  They are such a pain, I had to have a folder and boxer to keep up.  Also, I had the backs that I ran earlier to stack for front prints.

It comes with time.  Just keep pushing yourself.  I used to be able to load at around 80 doz an hour.  I can't do it anymore.  It's aweful on the back.

Offline killergraphics

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2012, 09:08:01 PM »
Until you find it.

Drop the shirt, square it...and watch the weave of the shirt as you pull it on the table...before long you won't even think about it anymore.

Old vid

loading

Offline Prosperi-Tees

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4297
  • Common Sense - Get Some
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2012, 09:19:33 PM »
It was frustrating because I felt like I coulda got it done faster on the manual lol.

Offline bimmridder

  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1889
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2012, 09:25:25 PM »
Remember the good old days when there were center lines on the shirts?
Barth Gimble

Printing  (not well) for 35 years. Strong in licensed sports apparel. Plastisol printer. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7866
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2012, 09:29:55 PM »
There still are center lines.  If you have a loose definition of center.

Offline Prosperi-Tees

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4297
  • Common Sense - Get Some
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2012, 09:34:27 PM »
Center lines? What are those lol. Their is a line but it is definitely not center. I think getting used to the long square platen will be a breakthrough for me. Also getting used to the platen height as well. It sits a bit higher than my manual.

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7866
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2012, 09:36:47 PM »
your back will thank you.

get some comfort matting from Global industrial.  Your legs will thank you as well.  A lot more rocking back and forth on an auto.  Actually, the same amount, it just happens faster.

Offline Prosperi-Tees

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4297
  • Common Sense - Get Some
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2012, 09:42:30 PM »
I have a foam anti fatigue mat and it does make a big difference but I'm not sure if that was the reason I was getting static shocked like crazy.

Offline RICK STEFANICK

  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1925
  • INDUSTRY CONSULTANT-OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2012, 09:45:41 PM »
I find it much earsier to flip as I load. then you can stick both hands in with the shirt flat, pull it toward you and load it on. doing it that way I can average 400 a hour loading and unloading by myself.try it.
Specializing in shop assessment's, flow and efficiency

Offline Prosperi-Tees

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4297
  • Common Sense - Get Some
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2012, 09:52:12 PM »
What do you mean by flip? Like having your shirts stacked opposite of the side you are printing on?

Offline Prosperi-Tees

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4297
  • Common Sense - Get Some
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #12 on: February 16, 2012, 09:53:32 PM »
Until you find it.

Drop the shirt, square it...and watch the weave of the shirt as you pull it on the table...before long you won't even think about it anymore.

Old vid

loading
nice vid Johnny, I always enjoy your vidz! I need to watch more and pay attention to techniques.

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7866
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #13 on: February 16, 2012, 09:58:11 PM »
I can do 400 an hour regular, but with sweats and having to spray tack each shirt, it was tough.  I HATE spray tack too.

I actually did about 250 an hour.  I normally can go around 360-420 per hour on short sleeve tees.

Offline killergraphics

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: any tips for loading shirts on an auto?
« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2012, 10:07:34 PM »
If you clock it the vid is 300hr on a semi auto and that is as fast as it will print on a double print.

I'm much faster on a full auto. ;)

Man it was hot that day.
« Last Edit: February 16, 2012, 10:47:53 PM by killergraphics »