Screenprinting rebuild
Current status
Press - garment
We have one mid-tier press from future space, mounted to a board.
We have one DIY setup made from pieces of a cheap 4-head rotary setup.
Potential wishlist items:
This one looks interesting for 2+ color without the space requirements of a rotary head setup, IF it works well: https://www.screenprinting.com/products/pigskins-pigtails-screen-printer-starter-press#stamped-main-widget
A Riley Hopkins 150 would be nice, but it's $275 new: https://www.screenprinting.com/products/riley-hopkins-150-1-color-1-station-screen-printing-press
Press - paper+
We don't have a "flat work" setup.
Could use standard butterfly clamps, but these look interesting: https://neverthelessscreenprintingsupplies.com/collections/presses/products/ntl-adjustable-off-contact-screen-printing-hinge-clamps-pair
Screen coating & drying
Coating: Unsure of what if any troughs we have re: width and condition.
Drying: has been done inside a 4'x4'x8' tall tent enclosure. It takes up a lot of floorspace, seems like a more space efficient option should be possible.
Exposure
I believe it's been done via clip light with UV bulb, possibly in a cardboard enclosure. Last I heard there was still need for lights off, and a need a better method of coordinating "lights off" time.
Washout
Done in 1FL shower with pressure washer. Water supply is via T under bathroom sink. Electric supply via extension cord running to kitchen. No washout structure has been made to hold screens, or filter outflow.
Curing / Setting
We have a wheeled heat unit for setting, as well as heat gun.
Reclaiming
Also done in 1FL shower. Totally unclear on what we're using for reclaiming. No outflow filter.
Screens
Large variety of salvaged screens, some have patterns burned in that we want to keep, but they're not noted.
Garment press
A single color press will be more space efficient. I've been told we will never get a cheap 4 head machine to register well.
We could start with one, and even maybe get another. Having two might be good for teaching/skillshares etc.
Riley-Hopkins seems to be recommended:
https://www.rileyhopkins.com/collections/riley-hopkins-150-presses/products/riley-hopkins-150-1-color-1-station-screen-printing-press
Specs from site:
- Platen Height: 4.5” (31 cm)
- Platen Size: 16”x16 with neck
- Max Frame Size: 23”x31”
- Base Configuration: Tabletop
- Color/Stations: 1x1
- Footprint (with 16x16 Platen): 20"x40"
- Weight: 28 lbs
Maybe could be set up to bolt down when in use and get hung up when not?
Flat work
Butterfly clamps for flat work, on 1/2" ply.
Maybe poly finished, or a polycarbonate laminate?
https://victorysfactory.com/products/butterfly-hinge-clamps-2-pc-set
https://www.screenprinting.com/products/awt-hc-101-screen-printing-hinge-clamps
For a 20x24 screen, am recommended 26x32 or so (vs a more conservative 21x30)
These could have holes in them for hanging, or be shelved, or slot into a rack.