what supplies do we need to start up? sugestions?

[Youth Voice]

Hello all,

We are a small non profit youth organization that is focused on youth voice and social justice.
We are in Chicago.

We have a small budget to spend on screen printing supplies.
We have none and no experience but we will dive in.
What do you suggest we buy?

What do we want to do?: I am thinking 2, 3, 4 color gig poster looking pieces that we could use for campaigns as well as artwork and other youth driven expression.
We may make t shirts as well, but not in mass. Just a few at a time.

I was thinking:

• 3 or 4 screens
• light box
• ligh source
• 2 squeegees
• colors (what brands, colors,etc?)
• paper
• papercutter
• clamps
• any book ideas for instruction?
• other
• other

Where should i buy from?
Internet?
Chicago Screen Supply on Milwaukee or any other local spots?

I am sure that I am missing a lot?
Keep in mind that our budget is not huge?

Thanks

YV

[Youth Voice]

Just thought of drying racks and a heater

[windflame]

I suggest you take a class at Steve Walters' Screwball Press to make sure you know what you're getting in to.

[Youth Voice]

Great idea.
Actually I did take a class with Steve.
Amazing.
It was a while ago so now I am trying to remember what I should get.

[ImJustRickG]

You can live without a drying rack for now. Spend the money instead on building yourself a good vac table. You can get plans from your first purchase, which will be SCREENPRINTING TODAY: The Basics by Andy MacDougall. If you do ANYTHING ELSE before getting that book and reading it, you're in for a world of hurt.

Get yourself 3 more screens than you need, and bigger is better. Also get a scoop coater and a couple of squeegies. Avoid the speedball crap like the plague (which you already know, because you read Andy's book)

Then spend $20 to become a premium member of this website and get a bunch more help.

[SkatRadioh]

Define "avoid the speedball..". I've been using their inks with no problem. You talkin bout speedball's emulsion, screen print sets/kits? Then probably, yes.

Sounds like you're on the right track. A table, exposure unit, hinges, squeegee, scoop coater, and ink. Andy MacDougall is a really concise reference to use and recommend it.

I get everything shipped as it's convenient and not everything is nearby. I wouldn't be surprised if you can find your common materials at one or two places in Chicago. Might have your equipment/tools shipped in.

[ImJustRickG]

Define "avoid the speedball..". I've been using their inks with no problem. You talkin bout speedball's emulsion, screen print sets/kits? Then probably, yes.

That's what I meant. Anything they make that isn't ink is garbage.

[Youth Voice]

Thanks.

Before I read your reply I bought:
3 screens 25x31 w/ 180
1 screen 25/31 w/ 110
1 15" squeegie
1 15" scoop coater
Ink/water: BLK, Rer, Blue, Yellow, White. I think it is NazDar and not speedball.

I will definitely get that Andy MacD book.
Then I will build a light box. WDYT--40 watt floures tubes in a wood frame?

Thanks
If you have more advice let me know

[Youth Voice]

oh and 2 sets of clamps

[ImJustRickG]

Your screens are fine; expect to print about 16x23 or so, maybe less as you're starting out. Then again, with a 15" scoop coater you're going to have to either overlap your emulsion or stick to 14" wide prints. Which is fine.

Some day you're going to want at least a 230 mesh screen. For exposure, I would really point you away from building a lightbox yet. Get 2 worklights from home depot, remove the glass, expect burns in like 12 minutes. Spend the time and money on a vac table - that's priority 1 right now.