In the process of building a Hobbyist/ProAm screen printing shop need some advice :D

[TaylorRichie]

Ok, so my nephew and I are putting together a little screen printing shop in my garage.

We've built a vacuum table (24"X36"). I'll be building an exposure unit, and Spray Out Booth this week. Can you go through my list, and tell me what I'm forgetting, what I should consider, or any helpful advice you may offer

Things we need or want to purchase:

Hinge Clamps - Was going to go with some nice AWT micro Reg clamps, but now I'm thinking simple Speedball Clamps... Thoughts?

AWT - Sidekick (nephew says they're super handy to have)
Misc Squeegee sizes
2 - 25X36" Aluminum 200 mesh Screens
2 - 20X24" Aluminum 200 mesh screens
Emulsion - Would love your recommendations on brand, size (for best value) etc.
Emulsion Scoop

Franmar Chemicals - Emulsion Remover, Screen Degreaser, D-Haze, Scrub Brushes

And of course Inks... THis is where I have no experience... I personally have only used Plastisols, but we're not doing textile printing, so I'd love recommendations on good quality inks for poster and print making.

What am I forgetting?

What recommendations can you make to me, as I said we're just hobbyists with full time jobs, so this will be after hours fun, and maybe a few side jobs here and there.

Thanks so much! This forum has already proved to be an amazing resource.

Richie

[squeegeethree]

I recommend you do some searches here. There at at least a dozens threads devoted to any topic you can think of. Good luck and welcome.

[Nicholas Wilson]

I recommend you do some searches here. There at at least a dozens threads devoted to any topic you can think of. Good luck and welcome.

and go premium for the really good info.

[TaylorRichie]

and go premium for the really good info.

Oh yeah? what does premium get me?

I have been searching around, But it really would be easier if you guys could do the work for me totally kidding

Just thought someone might be able to say... Whoa whoa whoa... you're forgetting, this, and that, and the other. If I don't know what I'm missing, I won't know to search for it.

Thanks again! and I'm sure I'll go premium here shortly... as soon as I know what's behind the veil.

[40ozGraphics]

In premium you might find plans for a counterweight system that would work better than a sidekick and cost much less. Use water based inks for easy cleanup and no harsh solvents.

[halfmassive]

going premium also helps to support the site, so that the wealth of knowledge that is archived here can continue to serve us all.

[Andymac]

Oh yeah? what does premium get me?

Screenporn.


I have been searching around, But it really would be easier if you guys could do the work for me totally kidding

Use the search function on some of your basic questions now an in the future. there are threads on every subject imaginable, with a lot of valuable advice. Look for process threads.


Just thought someone might be able to say... Whoa whoa whoa... you're forgetting, this, and that, and the other. If I don't know what I'm missing, I won't know to search for it.


You'll figure it out. but going premium will save you time and money.


Thanks again! and I'm sure I'll go premium here shortly... as soon as I know what's behind the veil.

It's not so much what's behind the veil. If you really want to print RAWK posters, it will be the best $20 you spend.

[TaylorRichie]

It's not so much what's behind the veil. If you really want to print RAWK posters, it will be the best $20 you spend.

Thanks Andy... my searches say you might have a good solution for micro registration clamps... is that correct? And I'll be going premium once I'm back home.

I'm a member of a lot of forums with premium memberships... and I must say above all else, it's supporting the forum that makes it worth it. I'd be sad if some of my forums had to close down because operating expenses became too much.

Richie

[TaylorRichie]

I'm officially premiumified. Thanks

[Andymac]

cool.

Get the speedball clamps for now, they're cheap and will do the job. the micro reg clamps are on the backburner, couldn't get them fabricated properly.

the kick leg....you can rig up a counterweight system with a c-clamp, string and 4 beer cans taped together.

As far as the chems, you really only need an emulsion remover and a haze remover. I've stopped degreasing since I've been on waterbased inks - I learned this on this site, from Squee3. (I've learned a shitpile on this site)

A pressure washer for reclaiming is better than a bunch of chems and shitty water pressure.

I use Murikami pro, but Ulano 925WR, Lx660, there are a bunch. Make sure they are rated for waterbased ink resistance.

that's about it. If you have a specific question, try the search function. Print a bunch, then ask more questions.

Contribute - do a process thread - there are some real good ones

Good luck, and thanks for supporting the site.