14" wide platens??

[xcelr8hard]

I am currently using a 6/4 manual press with 16" wide platens. I am in need of new platens and will be going with aluminum with the rubber top. Is there a down side to running a 14" wide platen?
Most of my designs are in the 11-13" wide range so I don't think that will be an issue. My thought is that if I get a thinner platen I won't be fighting as much with size small and smaller size fitted shirts.
I am always battling the tightening knob on the bottom with my current 16" wide wooden platens.
Is this a good idea, or am I missing something?

Thanks,
Butch

[rusty]

The only downside I can see is if you do a lot of tote bags. I do a lot of tote bags and use a 10" pallet but would be better if I had a 12"  so people can go for larger images which is sometimes an issue.

I don't know what type of press you have but if you're current pallets are wood, I would look into making your own. That way you wouldn't be limited in your choices. And it will save you money.

[Nation03]

I used to run 14" pallets on my old press. If you aren't doing oversized width prints then you're good. Definitely came in handy on youth size shirts.

[Sbrem]

on our manual we have 6, 10, 13 and 16, for infant through 6X... the 13 is for totes.

Steve

[Prince Art]

We started using 14" pallets on our manual this year. I wish I'd tried is a long time ago. Since these accommodate all the way down to a standard Youth Small tee, we rarely change pallets anymore. (Just for sleeves, & other special locations.)

Bonus tip: We use 23x31 screens, and we blockout the edges w/ emulsion - no tape. With squeegees matched to pallet size, there's very little ink mess getting on the frames. Deinking & cleanup is a lot easier, and the elimination of tape has greatly improved setup & teardown times.

[RICK STEFANICK]

I think 16" pallets make loading adult shirts easier. Especially the larger sizes and seen to be fine with youth small 6/8 also. I would keep the 16" as your standard unless your running a ton of youth and or ladies fitted tees. Also with the 16" you can lay totes right on top a lot of times doing 1 color prints.