Clamshell vs. Swing Away | Which Heat Press is Right for You?

[@rosanneheller6584]

Thank you. I have a swing away and am happy with it. Even though it opens with a swing, I wish there was a way for the swing away to have a platen that pulls out. I appreciate the way you compared the pros and cons.

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! That would be a great feature for a swinger to have. Maybe we'll have a chance to throw that concept @ProWorlds direction.

[@rosanneheller6584]

@@JustMightDIY I would be interested if it materializes. I am sure there would need to be some adjustments in terms of stability.

[@JustMightDIY]

Probably, but we'll leave that to the professionals if they want to figure it out!

[@jamemccall6958]

I am getting the clam shell. This was helpful. Thank you. I am debating between the stahl and this one. Such an important decision I feel paralyzed.

[@JustMightDIY]

We haven’t tried the Stahl but truly do love this press! Let us know where you land (and if you decide on this one, please use the link in the description, as we’ll get credit for sending you their way)!

[@kathyskaggs5806]

This was very helpful to me and I will be purchasing the swing away. Thank you.

[@JustMightDIY]

That's fantastic! You will love it!

[@Cee_Cee8]

so helpful. great content. Thank you

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed watching!

[@fromearthtogloryministry]

I got the 16x20 swing away. I love it but I didn't know that I needed that much space to use it. the only thing I don't like is you all need to find away to keep the cord away from the back of the heat platen on the back when you swing it around. My cord melted a little. Thank God I notice it before it burned all the way through, other than that I love it. I'll replace cord soon. I put electric tape on it.

[@JustMightDIY]

Glad to hear you like it! It does require a lot of space, but it’s so versatile!

[@ufoquilter86]

Not sure which one I prefer yet..I like both!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks for watching! We do love them both, too! :)

[@shanebernhagen5934]

This just helped me nail my decision! I have a $200 clamshell I bought on Amazon (no threading or pull-out drawer), and I burn myself all the time, I've noticed the pressure is uneven and greater at the back, and I'm short so to adjust the pressure when it's hot I have to walk around the machine to the back which is a hassle. Ordering this swing away now!

[@JustMightDIY]

That is an excellent choice! And the pressure distribution is fantastic! We know you'll love it! Thanks for checking us out

[@zainabplaystheflute]

Thank you!! It helped me so much! ❤

[@JustMightDIY]

Awesome!

[@tdodo3026]

Thank you so much for the video. You guys are very cute!! Super helpful video. I am very torn because i am short and the swing away helps avoid reaching but then it taks so much more room and doesn't have auto release so i have to go with the clamshell for my first one. Maybe i will get the swing away as my second one. By then, hopefully they will have the auto release haha. Thanks again.

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We’re glad this is helpful. Enjoy your clamshell!

[@uplayitIlisten]

swinger on Amazon ❤❤ ty

[@JustMightDIY]

Awesome!

[@eshaherboys9810]

Which one would be better if I want to do blankets, bathroom rugs, varsity jackets

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We’d probably go with the swing away, assuming that that bathroom rugs might be a bit thicker than usual apparel. Hope this helps!

[@Water-Horse-Prints]

Can you leave the clam shell closed when on but not pressing to conserve heat?

[@JustMightDIY]

Absolutely. We didn't time to see how long that would take, but we have some sublimation projects that want both the top and bottom preheated. Only suggestion is make sure what you're working on is cool with it. 😁

[@ufoquilter86]

Do you have a video on the process of sublimated on that wood plank?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We don't have a video on the process for this specific process, but we can tell you that the time and temperature were 380 degrees for 60 seconds. It's also really important to get a clear image of the lyrics - we bought that image on Etsy rather than using one of the low quality ones from a Google search. Hope this helps!

[@ufoquilter86]

@@JustMightDIY thanks. What did you do to the wood to get it to except the sublimation ink? I didn’t know you could sub on wood!

[@JustMightDIY]

All we did to the wood. Cut it to shape. Plain it to thickness. Sand it smooth. Didn't add anything of note. It's pine and maybe that helps. Happy crafting!

[@ufoquilter86]

@@JustMightDIY thanks

[@kaylalarson3322]

Do you guys recommend any other ones more affordable that do this for fun?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! If you're looking for a heat press that's a bit more affordable, check out this one! It also has lots of extra attachments for mugs, hats, etc.! link.justmightdiy.com/NewSCHeatPress (affiliate link)

[@JylovesJesus]

Hi, I’m a beginner and I was looking at both of these. I want to do shirts/clothing and venture into pillows and canvas/etc. which heat press would you recommend? I love your videos they are very informative!

[@JustMightDIY]

Hello and thanks for watching! As long as the items you want to press will be on the thinner side, the clamshell would be perfect! The auto open on that one is so nice. If you’re going to do thicker items in addition to apparel, go with the swing away. It doesn’t have auto open (but most swing aways don’t). Also, if you’re eyeing these specific presses (which we HIGHLY recommend), we’d so appreciate if you click from our link in the description when you purchase. That way, we get credit for referring you! Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@JylovesJesus]

Do you like one better then the other?

[@JustMightDIY]

Our set up has us using the clamshell more often. The swing just takes up too much horizontal room. For now!

[@JylovesJesus]

Okay thank you! I think I’m leaning towards the swing away only because I plan on doing thicker items and I don’t want to spend money on another press later on to be able to do that. I’m on the fence though because I like the auto open on the clam shell. 🤦‍♀️

[@JustMightDIY]

It's a lot to consider and no small decision. This is why we have 4

[@rctoyguy]

Love yall's videos.. I'm done fighting with my cheap Amazon swing away, and trying to find a nicer model.. How accurate do you find the temp reading on the digital display to be? I just watched a video review of another brand, and while the display showed 385, the thermometer they used to verify it showed 400-405. I don't want to have to check with a thermometer every time I press. Also, how even is that temp across the entire area?

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you! We don't check the temperature other than the first time we're reviewing a product. Generally we find the element to be heated fairly evenly across the heating element minus the last 1/4 to 1/2 inch to the edge on every press we have tried. These two in the video are the ones we use for everything now, except tumblers of course. It is more important to us for consistent temperatures. With that, we have set the temp to manufactures recommendations and have not had any issues. Hope this was helpful!

[@rctoyguy]

@@JustMightDIY I'll go look, but do you have the original review video of either of these? I just want to know that if I dial up 320, I'll actually get 320, etc.

[@JustMightDIY]

Other than the video connected to this thread, kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KnmKZnbNBlaMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGKZlqCvn6mqecU Are all the reviews we have done with these heat presses. I believe this was the debut for the swing away.

[@nikkitaylor8458]

What material or method are you using for your dark garments?

[@JustMightDIY]

We have a few options, on the garment in this video was supacolor kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWSylmmslLGhj80 But we could have kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4LNgJh7jL2riNk Or kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6HQmXaYfLGEh6c Or kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWTOqa2gor-jgJY Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@AtinaEstrella]

Question- just read a review of another swing heatpress and their complaint was that as you swing top, the heat so hot it burned their table, what do you guys have to say abt that? Any issues with the heat? And in honest opinion, for a newbie, which would you recommend? Which like more? Thanks

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We’ve never had that problem with any of the swing away heat presses we’ve used. As for deciding between the two, a swing away will give you more versatility, in that it works for a range of thicknesses. So, if you want to do more than t-shirts and other clothing, the swing is probably your better bet.

[@AtinaEstrella]

Thx you ❤@@JustMightDIY

[@AtinaEstrella]

For a newbie, (me🤣), which these types of heat press, which do you recommend , that is swing, reliable for sublimation and HTV, and not so expensive? I have 3 Cricut easy press, but wanted to try one of those due to making more sublimations now. Thanks@@JustMightDIY

[@JylovesJesus]

Does the swing away automatically open when the timer is up?

[@JustMightDIY]

No, it does not. If it did it would probably be a fair bit more expensive.

[@dianachau7857]

Thanks for comparison. Do I need to cover the top plate? I did the bottom only, but wonder.

[@JustMightDIY]

We always put a barrier between what is being heated and everything else. It's just good practice to protect the heat element. Thanks for checking us out!

[@neecegibbons6996]

Does the 15X15 clamshell have interchangeable platens as well?

[@JustMightDIY]

The TransPro 15x15 , according to ProWorld's website, does not have interchangeable platens. Hope this helps and thank you for watching!

[@neecegibbons6996]

@@JustMightDIY Thank you!

[@OldAlastair]

Swing Away

[@JustMightDIY]

What projects you do regularly? Thanks for watching!

[@OldAlastair]

@@JustMightDIY Want to get into Baby and Wedding Market using Chromaluxe blank photo panels. I know a Clamshell would be better but need that extra height for wood.

[@JustMightDIY]

That makes sense. Working with things of depth would swing a person that direction. Great market to be a part of!

[@TheSleepyCraftsman]

Howdy 👋

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey there, friend!