I am looking to make the jump into some small scale screen printing. (Currently looking at this setup: http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bfs/2386962160.html)

Is this a good deal?

Also, what are the must haves, do you need to have a flash dryer and wash out tank or can you get by without them? I am debating on how to make this jump. People make it sound like you can get into it relatively cheap but I have a feeling, which maybe some of you can verify, that if you don't go all in and get the right stuff it will cause more issues than the savings is worth.

What are your thoughts and suggestions? Also, is there a safe mesh size and color that is better to start with that can be sort of a catch all?

Thanks for the advice,

Wade

Thought about making this unit http://www.printingplans.com/index.html for personal use but haven't researched it's feedback to see if it's worth while to put together.

Any opinions?

Maybe there is an open market to screen print BURKAS  LOL

i agree 

You can get started with just a flash dryer for curing but you really need an oven.(You won't be able to turn jobs around fast enough without it)  I would just be nervous about screen printing commercially without an oven.  You definitely need a flash dryer for flashing between multi color jobs and any white plastisol on dark garments would require a print flash print...(And white is almost every other job so you don't wanna do without it the flash)  You can build a washout booth for pretty cheap and can find plans online.  Its hard to go without a washout booth of some kind for reclaiming screens.  A pressure washer is nice especially if you are going to print with both water based inks and plastisol because the hybrid emulsions require a pressure washer to reclaim screens because they have water resistant properties.


That press would be fine to start with...I started on worse.  You can start cheap.. I did, but you really have to want to stick it out because it stinks until you have all the right equipment.  When I look back at it I'm proud of the way I started with nothing and built it up but Its way easier to save up money and get everything you need to get the jobs done right with fewer headaches.

need screens 230 and up. contact me with cost and availability,
  thanks, billwood46@aol.com. or 336-682-5820

You might want to talk to mountiangraphic.  He has one of the four color presses from Silk screen supply.  A used press is worth looking into.

Is there any preferences of using a wood vs metal frame on a screen? I would assume it is only for warping purposes or keeping a tight mesh.

You're right on it.  Wood frames will warp.  If you are holding your scree flat against the exposure unit using weights, a warped screen will cause problems.   Both wood and aluminum will hold the mesh the same (if they are stretched and glued properly).  I prefer roller frames.  A little more up front cost but well worth it.

Hey! I will chime in for a moment as I have the four color 1 station from ryonet(silkscreeningsupplies.com). Things I have learned: Get a used unit as you will save a lot of money and it will already be setup for ya lol. Also get atleast a 2 station with micro reg since you will need to be productive in printing and need to have it setup for a flash dryer. Also stick with aluminum frames over wood or even better as Amipro mentioned go with newman roller frames as they will serve you better in the long run with retensioning. Umm also you will need film positives, ink, cleaning chemicals, squeegees of all diff sizes, frames, a printer, exposure unit, flash dryer,software and possible rip, scoop coater and a mutlitude of other items Im sure im leaving off..Not to discourage but stuff that a lot of websites dont tell you bout.

Cold hard fact is that just because you have the equipment doesnt mean you will be printing shirts right off the bat! You still need to learn off contact, how to push or pull a squeege and temp/fabric stuff..

Also it is impossible to be competative with automatics these days..Prices are extrememly low but doesnt mean you wont have business..It all depends on your market area and who you can appeal to.

As mentioned as well go with a used setup..You can get great deals on used,refurb,or out of box yard sale stuff to learn on..Or even build a setup your self however you will want tight registration. I seen a special ryonet had for the same setup I have for 400 off just because it was a demo..lol