Author Topic: Automatic Presses  (Read 7706 times)

Offline prokegler

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #15 on: January 11, 2017, 03:59:44 PM »
I encourage you to add the Workhorse Sabre to your list of contenders.
I will look into this at Long Beach if they are on site.
Thank you for the info!!


Offline prokegler

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #16 on: January 11, 2017, 04:05:12 PM »
The standard reply is going to always be "buy the biggest press you can when it comes to number of heads. AC heads are typically considered superior to air heads. Parts, service and tech availability are massively important. Try to see the press options in person if possibly by visiting shops in your area that use them. Ask as many questions of those owners as possible. Etc..."

Based on everything I have read over the years if I was buying new right now I would look at M&R first, then ROQ, then workhorse and if for whatever reason I was unhappy with those for some reason MAYBE RPM and MHM. M&R is hands down the leader when it comes to service etc and make super solid presses. ROQ is kind of the new kid on the block with probably the best combination of awesome modern tech and add-ons but doesn't have the long history of great customer service yet just by virtue of being so recently available in the states. Workhorse has been around a while and is a solid company and the Sabre is a step in the right direction press wise, but they seem sort of just a little smaller and a little behind the top dogs if that makes sense. I have heard great things about the RPM and MHM presses, but reviews of their service and support seems pretty hugely mixed.

Like I said, just the opinion I've developed over the years reading countless threads on the subject.
Many things to consider. Thank you for your input. All info helps.

Offline prokegler

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #17 on: January 11, 2017, 04:13:32 PM »
To also repeat what is always said in these threads:
Buy AS many heads as you can fit/afford (and by afford we mean finance, they will pay for themselves!)

I was a longtime manual shop that went auto this summer. Got an 8/10. Will regret not getting a 10/12 before years end for sure.
If buying used - not all brokers are your friend. If buying used, like a car, the best maintained, lowest mile, latest models will cost more coming in the door BUT they'll BE WORTH THE price premium.

Best advice I heard was "you want a press that WORKS and works well! When it is your first press you need to know when the issue you're having is YOU or the press (it's you). When you get an old beat javelin for 5K cause it was cheap, you'll never know if the problem is your understanding of the process or a flaw in the press itself."

Pierre wasn't kidding with his "what brand of car." The brands you mentioned are all good press builders. But the presses (and the BUSINESS that sells each) have different plusses and minuses that are A) Personal and B) determined by what kind of work you do/how you run your shop. No true way around reading all you can here and TALKING to each of the sales people. (and visiting shops in your area that have one or the other).

[i bought a used RPM. they tell me it's a very solid press, but I've never had anything else, so I wouldn't really know. no complaints. just know changing the infrastructure to support an auto takes time and money that needs accounted for - compressor/chiller/air lines. larger screens, squeegees, platens. Larger coaters, screen storage, larger dryer, larger washout booth and dip tank. floodbars.]
Thank you for your input. All info is welcomed for me to be able to make an informed decision. As for Pierre's comments about the type of car, it left me a little confused because to me it was apples to oranges when I asked for input and not a question to my question. We learn from mistakes and I'm retired and don't need to make mistakes at my age. Lol..

Offline im_mcguire

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #18 on: January 11, 2017, 04:18:22 PM »
I encourage you to add the Workhorse Sabre to your list of contenders.
I will look into this at Long Beach if they are on site.
Thank you for the info!!

Come see me at the Workhorse booth.  Ill be on the cutlass, but we will also have the Sabre, and fellow board member Ace Screen Graphics will be running that one.  Come say whats up.

Offline Printficient

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #19 on: January 11, 2017, 04:19:46 PM »
I would answer your question with a few questions of my own.  What quantity are you looking to run?  What is your "normal" print?  Can you feed the beast?  Are you going to be a 1 man shop?  But the most important question of all is..... what dryer do you have?
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Offline prokegler

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #20 on: January 11, 2017, 04:20:39 PM »
also, biggest word of advice that I received was to talk to owners who have owned multiple presses (preferably multiple brands of presses).

first-time auto owner opinions are pretty much worthless.
Unfortunately 99 % of the shops in my area are manual and the one local that has auto is probably 20 yr old equipment and don't share info... UGH! Hard to get info from locals as they think (and rightly should) you're out to steal their business, as would I and do.
I was in sales for 28 years in the soda industry and it was cut throat just as most businesses. I'm happy with the replies I'm getting here because most if not all of you are very established and aren't worried about me for the most part. This is a great forum for answers and opinions and I hold them all to a high regard. Thank you for your input.

Offline prokegler

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #21 on: January 11, 2017, 04:23:11 PM »
also, biggest word of advice that I received was to talk to owners who have owned multiple presses (preferably multiple brands of presses).

first-time auto owner opinions are pretty much worthless.

I don't know about that statement there, I've only own one auto but I been under around many brands, but I understand it what your saying, but advice can come from everywhere so you can make up your on mind.  I will say talking to people that run and work on the press's daily can give you more insight, but this place is a very good start of advice and opinion's ;)
Thank you 3Deep... All advice accepted!!

Offline prokegler

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #22 on: January 11, 2017, 04:36:49 PM »
I would answer your question with a few questions of my own.  What quantity are you looking to run?  What is your "normal" print?  Can you feed the beast?  Are you going to be a 1 man shop?  But the most important question of all is..... what dryer do you have?
I am a one man gang at the moment because I'm retired and didn't intend on this (9 year garage to small shop hobby) escalating to where I need to hire people (2500 shirts, fronts and backs is no fun manually as most you already know this). I currently work when I want to but am thinking about increasing my biz and putting my son on and pass along to him. Yes, I will need to upgrade my dryer as well. these are all things I'm weighing in this decision. I want quality, efficiency and a great company with great customer service, that's why I'm asking for input on best machines without all the sales pitches. I was in the sales field for 28 years... I've heard most if not all and delivered a few myself... UGH, I feel guilty... :o :o

Offline Printficient

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #23 on: January 11, 2017, 04:49:52 PM »
Not knowing where you are but there is a great deal on a small gas dryer.  16' x 36" Cincinatti.  Mint condition. $7500
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Offline Printficient

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #24 on: January 11, 2017, 04:56:23 PM »
Also There is a used Diamondback 8 color for $12,500 in CA.  There is an 8 color MHM E Type for sale in GA
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404-895-1796 Sonny McDonald

Offline 3Deep

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #25 on: January 13, 2017, 12:34:33 PM »
Also you might like to check out an Anatol press, I might be the only one on here that speaks up for the company but I have had mine for awhile now and they have been great.  They have a Volt all electric press which is not my taste but I know it's selling pretty good for them and I will say I like it over the Brown electric press and that's not a knock on Brown maybe just the style of both.  Big blue  has maybe the best service, but needing no service might be a good thing to, just something to think about, but like I said before great advice can be had here many good people with different opinion's. ;)
« Last Edit: January 13, 2017, 01:51:49 PM by 3Deep »
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Offline Sbrem

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #26 on: January 13, 2017, 12:47:17 PM »
The 3 brands you mention are all good brands. We have an old Gauntlet, and a 10/12 MHM that's 13-14 years old, runs great. But when we had to order a part or two recently, each one took two weeks to get from Austria. I've ordered parts from Europe before, and hand them the next day. So, we probably won't go that way, as much as we love the press, next time. Strictly based on bad service, and I'm not the only one who feels that way. A shame really, because they are great presses...

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Offline blue moon

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #27 on: January 13, 2017, 02:13:55 PM »
To also repeat what is always said in these threads:
Buy AS many heads as you can fit/afford (and by afford we mean finance, they will pay for themselves!)

I was a longtime manual shop that went auto this summer. Got an 8/10. Will regret not getting a 10/12 before years end for sure.
If buying used - not all brokers are your friend. If buying used, like a car, the best maintained, lowest mile, latest models will cost more coming in the door BUT they'll BE WORTH THE price premium.

Best advice I heard was "you want a press that WORKS and works well! When it is your first press you need to know when the issue you're having is YOU or the press (it's you). When you get an old beat javelin for 5K cause it was cheap, you'll never know if the problem is your understanding of the process or a flaw in the press itself."

Pierre wasn't kidding with his "what brand of car." The brands you mentioned are all good press builders. But the presses (and the BUSINESS that sells each) have different plusses and minuses that are A) Personal and B) determined by what kind of work you do/how you run your shop. No true way around reading all you can here and TALKING to each of the sales people. (and visiting shops in your area that have one or the other).

[i bought a used RPM. they tell me it's a very solid press, but I've never had anything else, so I wouldn't really know. no complaints. just know changing the infrastructure to support an auto takes time and money that needs accounted for - compressor/chiller/air lines. larger screens, squeegees, platens. Larger coaters, screen storage, larger dryer, larger washout booth and dip tank. floodbars.]
Thank you for your input. All info is welcomed for me to be able to make an informed decision. As for Pierre's comments about the type of car, it left me a little confused because to me it was apples to oranges when I asked for input and not a question to my question. We learn from mistakes and I'm retired and don't need to make mistakes at my age. Lol..

as you have probably figured out by now, my question was posted since you did not give us any information about what you are looking for. Presses are like cars, there are Porsches, BMWs, Fords and Yugos out there. Even Yugo was a right choice for a particular market segment.
So, without you explaining what you are trying to do, the easiest decision making tool is to buy a press that matches your taste in cars. Your choices there are a reflection of how you think and personal preferences. Having grown up in Europe (although I was born here) my preferences are for European engineering and  thinking. We run two ROQs and an older MHM (which while a nice press, we would not buy again primarily due to service issues with the MHM. Hirsch really was not bad for us, but the main manufacturer did not stand behind a defective product). For somebody who will only buy Ford or Chevy, M&R is probably a better choice.

Next time, if you ask more specific questions and you'll get more specific answers . . .

pierre
« Last Edit: January 13, 2017, 04:36:40 PM by blue moon »
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Offline bimmridder

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #28 on: January 13, 2017, 04:15:23 PM »
Yep, a lowly Chevy owner here, so I have M&R.
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Offline Ross_S

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Re: Automatic Presses
« Reply #29 on: January 13, 2017, 04:42:11 PM »
YUGO (Dad had one for a work vehicle), LMAO