If you are going to be creating your own t-shirts and graphics, you are going to need a heat press. There are a plethora of different heat presses on the market which can make it difficult to decipher one from the next. To help you with your decision, here are four questions to ask yourself when buying a heat press.
1. Automatic or manual?
The first question to ask yourself is whether you want an automatic press or a manual. An automatic press is going to generate the pressure by using air pressure that is regulated in pounds per square inch. These are going to have a viewable pressure Heat Press gauge to make things simple. Manual on the other hand allow you to adjust the pressure so you can feel the difference between the firm, medium and light. If you are going to be using it a lot, you may want to spend the extra money and go for an automatic.
2. How much do I want to produce?
As mentioned above, you want to determine how often you intend on using your press. This will play a big role in how much you spend and what type of press you look at when buying a heat press. If you are going to be pressing a number of shirts for quite a long period of time, you need to make sure the machine operates consistently and produces enough heat. If you will be pressing a few here and there, you will be able to get away with a lower cost machine.
3. Who is using it?
It is important to keep in mind who will be using the press when buying a heat press. Manual presses can become quite strenuous over time if you are not used to the pressure or do not have the strength. If it is just a few t-shirts, you can get away with a manual. However, even the strongest can begin to tire after awhile with a manual heat press.
4. What power options are available?
The last thing to look at when buying a heat press is the power that is put into each machine. The higher output machines are going to require a 220 volt connection, which is similar to your washer and dryer. Although it will save you energy costs, it will have a hefty price tag. Typically you are going to go with a heat press that requires less than a 220 volt connection.