posted
avoid teh cheap hinese devices. I have one here. It is nice all except for one thing. There are hot and cold spots all over the platen.
The temps vary as much as 15 degrees. I use a infra red heat device and measure the temps.
When I went to a place get a better press I tested them all first and saw how much they were out. Almost all of them had cold spots. All except the better name brand presses.
There is nothing worse than to press an image have part of it perfect and another part of it refuse to stick.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
We've used Hix for several years. About the only thing that goes wrong is the timer or the thermostat. Easy to fix.
-------------------- Nancy B. Bennett Walldog Public Art 317 N. 13th St. Centerville, Iowa 52544 Posts: 95 | From: Centerville, IA, USA | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
I have a Stahl's Hotronix 15" I think- I have had a couple of Hixs for many years- I just sold one this summer, but the other one I bought used in 1985- I don't know about the 16x20 models, but I would spend a little more and get one that will last
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1735 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
Hix-we have an ancient one, and Nancy's comments are right! I use a digital timer, and an infrared thermometer just to be sure-the temp dial isn't too bad though.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
I have used Stahls Hot tronix Hot clam , 16 x20 platten I have used it a lot for 14 years. It is a workhorse. never a problem, no hot spots, temp has stayed accurate Tha clam shell type (pull down) use less space than the swing away type., and less likely to burn your hands
Diane
-------------------- Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 12020 518 885-9899 signs@balchsigns.com http://www.balchsigns.com Posts: 1695 | From: MaltaNY | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted
I've been using a Black Maxx 16x20, made by Stahls, for 13 years or so and it works very well. I also have their cap press by the same name which is just as ruggedly built. They have basic dial thermometers and non-digital timers which always seem to work fine.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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posted
I got an old Hix off e-bay, and it's worked very well for the last 3-4 years. Had to replace the switch a few months ago, but that's it. At times it would be nice if it had an automatic timer, and popped itself open. With a lot of pressure, my wife sometimes has a hard time closing it and popping it open. Don't really do enough to warrant a really nice one.
Have heard stories about the cheap ones on e-bay, with the uneven heat and pressure.
-------------------- Ace Graphics & Printing Camdenton, MO. USA
posted
Wow thanks for the responses. I've been eyeing the Stahls presses, yea they are a bit more, but I've bought stuff trying to save $ and gotten burned (pardon the pun). My partner was looking on ebay and was sending me all kinds of crazy cheap prices, but was trying to explain they would probably have cold spots and suck Thanks for the backing on my argument.
Scott
-------------------- Scott Eckland Chelsea Signs web: chelseasigns.com email: scott@chelseasigns.com 734.475.9704 Posts: 198 | From: Michigan | Registered: Jun 2002
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Thanks for the backing on my argument.
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