Looking to Upgrade my press On somewhat of a budget. Tips/Pointers/Feedback.

[galatieatthis]

First off, I'm "somewhat" newer to printing.
But I'm not brand new, Been printing for just under two years.
& I've spent several months in a shop as well, Printing & doing shop hand/bitch duties(you know.. The fun stuff)

I'm currently running a 4/4 Antec Tracer. (this is my 2nd press)
I've got kind of a love hate relationship with this press.
I paid a bit more than I should have for it. (or so I think)
I also drove 5 hrs(each way) out to get it.
Press was said to be "refurbished".
Everything is fully functional, But some of the micro's stick, Don't budge, & are just useless.
I also purchased it with The worst pallets in the world. (which I replaced immediately)

Aside from that, My biggest issue, is I can't stand the way the pallets mount up.
They have a mount on TOP of the arm. With a single bolt.
Leaving the option to torque the pallet, turn it, & just it comes un-centered.
It's inconsistent, So I end up using single pallets most of the time(which sucks so much)

Bottom line, I'm sick of the press, & I want to upgrade.
& I would LOVE a new Press, But I know it's not always realistic or smart.

I print 2-3 days a week, Only a few hundred shirts per week. (300-400 High end)
Nothing huge/exceptionally large quantities.

I'm looking for feedback.

I would prefer a 6/4, But I am limited to about a 7.5ft footprint.
Which I know is a bit tight, But I think it could fit.
(I don't use auto frames, Nor rollers, Nor do I plan on it)

I'm not necessarily looking for a press that will NEVER need to be upgraded.
Hell if I can work with something for the next 3-5 years that's fine.

If needed I can & will settle for another 4/4 as long as the quality is there.



What press should I get, New, Used
I was aiming for the V-1000 (but have heard SUCH mixed reviews on it)
It's within my budget, & although It's entry level, I feel like it'd work well for what I'm doing.

Aside from that.
I've been looking for workhorse, But have been coming up short.

I've got about $2000-$2500 to spend, Which I know is a little low.


Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[Baron265]

The V-1000 needs tools for the set up adjustments. It might be a step backwards (on set ups) for you. Tools free is the way to go.

[tpitman]

Patience pays off. If you've got up to $2500 for a 6-color press, I've seen Vastex HD-2000s and Antec Legends come down that low used. My kid's roommate had a good 6-color press on Craigslist a few months back for $1200 and let it go for around $900, I think (same brand Dan has, I can't remember the name of it offhand)*. Not often, but once in awhile and someone gets lucky if they've got cash in hand. Might as well be you. Watch Craigslist and forum classifieds.

*Rototex press. My kid runs one at his work. Likes it better than their M&R Chameleon.

[ericheartsu]

Antecs are solid presses, at least the legends are. We've had a lot of good luck with ours. just throwing that out there so you don't write off Antec.

[galatieatthis]

Right now i'm at about $1500, Waiting for Tax returns to come in, As well as whatever i get for my current press.
So I'm rounding it to about $2500 High end.


I've watched video's on Set-up & adjustment for the V-1000 & it hasn't turned me off enough to not consider it.
I'm not a huge fan of micro's. & I use them as little as needed. Several of my current ones don't work well
& my previous press, simply didn't have them.  It's a single wrench, Doesn't seem like it'd be all that bad.

I'm just sick of waiting around for the right press, sadly.
I'm so fed up with this press, & I hate using it.
I really enjoy printing, & it honestly it just makes it a hassle sometimes.


I don't want to knock antec what so ever.
I believe they have quality Machines.
But from the positivity i've heard of the Legend, & the near non-existent feedback on the tracer.
I just assume that the tracer wasn't of the same level.

The press i'm running has replaced head (not matching the other 3)
A few micro's don't budge, AT ALL.
The springs are all worn down(easy, easy fix).
But more than anything, the Pallets is what throws me off.
I don't see why you wouldn't mount the pallets around the arm.

[galatieatthis]

The V-1000 needs tools for the set up adjustments. It might be a step backwards (on set ups) for you. Tools free is the way to go.

Also, I've noticed The Micro adjustments that require the box wrench.

Seem to be standard hex head bolts, that you just tighten & loosen to adjust the micro's.
Seems as if you can get a knob, that fits around it bolt head, & make it fit, Glue it, etc.
To knock out 2 bolts that need tools.

[Baron265]

But more than anything, the Pallets is what throws me off.
I don't see why you wouldn't mount the pallets around the arm.

Do you change the pallets? Like from adult to youth or sleeve

[galatieatthis]

Do you change the pallets? Like from adult to youth or sleeve
[/quote]

Thankfully I do not,
If I did, I'd probably loose my mind.

I have larger pallets 18x20 & It's typically all I use.
If needed I'd have to cut sleeve/youth pallets.
But my clientele doesn't typically call for such

[Baron265]

There seems to be a spacer between the pallet and the pallet arm. Does the movement happen at the spacer and pallet arm connection?

[galatieatthis]

There seems to be a spacer between the pallet and the pallet arm. Does the movement happen at the spacer and pallet arm connection?

Yes.

Pallets are attached to a bracket.(with 4 bolts)
Bracket sits on top of the arm.
Arm has a slot going through it (most of it)
A single lag bolt goes through the bottom of the arm & into the bracket.

[ZooCity]

You can def grab a solid, used 4/4 or 6/4 press for that budget get to know all the classifieds out there and troll craigslist in your area (search tempest is nice for this) on daily or weekly basis. 

Off the cuff, I'd say a used Hopkins or Workhorse (damn near identical presses) would be a great fit.   A Rototex won't scratch the itch for tool-free adjustments but is an incredibly solid machine that will allow you to print tight registration and is almost zero risk to purchase used as the previous owner would have had to been a violent, methed-out gorilla to significantly damage it.

I wouldn't put any of the new presses in that price range in my shop, better to deal with used and get a solid machine, even if it needs a little TLC.  I completely refurbed and flipped, shoot...3 or 4 manuals on my way up to our current setup and made money when I sold all of them.

That mount sounds weird, can you post a pic?

[Prosperi-Tees]

Where are you located? There is a sweet deal on an 8/8 workhorse all heads down press in my area. Really clean and cheap.

[Baron265]

Yes.

Pallets are attached to a bracket.(with 4 bolts)
Bracket sits on top of the arm.
Arm has a slot going through it (most of it)
A single lag bolt goes through the bottom of the arm & into the bracket.

You need a fixed pin on the bracket that fits in the slot. The pin with the lag bolt would keep the bracket from pivoting. It might be an inexpensive modification.

That being said, I agree with some of the other advise being posted. A quality press (new or used) is the best option. A good press can last you your whole career.

[galatieatthis]

I'm Located in Chicago, IL.
& honestly willing to travel a significant distance to purchase a press.
Upwards of 8-10hrs(single trip)

Although some of the stuff can be fixed with this press.
I'm just set on purchasing a "new to me" press.

I want to make the upgrade & would love a 6/4 rather than the 4/4 i'm running.


The 8/8 may be a little large for the area I print out of.

[Baron265]

Although some of the stuff can be fixed with this press.
I'm just set on purchasing a "new to me" press.

Copy that.