Homemade Screen Printing Press Build Specs

[@grassroots9304]

I built one of these after watching this video and writing down the dimensions. I built mine a little over 3 years ago and I've printed shirts for myself, shirts I've sold, and even printed a PCB etchant mask (plastisol ink) with it (making my own PCB's). For something you can build over a weekend (including finishing the platen with polyurethane or similar and dry time) this is awesome. And you can go to Home Depot or Lowe's or similar and find everything you need today. I have no problems getting off-contact adjusted or printing/flashing/printing with consistent registration. If you have even basic hand tools like a wood saw and a drill and have a clue how to use them, you can build this. I would recommend you get a tight-fitting hinge as the only trouble I had with slop was due to the hinge I used being a little wiggly. I see this guy is now selling plans for this thing. I would encourage you to buy them as it will save you time in case you write a number down wrong, or miss a dimension, from the video. Plus, the guy took the time to share this information and put it together in a PDF, why not pay him? If he'd been selling these 3+ years ago, I would have bought them. I got it done from just watching the video, but a PDF would have been very helpful. Thanks to this guy for sharing this information, it has served me well and I've made way more money with this than the materials and time cost me.

[@claireandbjbj]

You weren't lying when you said how easy it is to build this! I built the same press in an hour and a half by watching your video. I only had a problem with the clearance between the c-clamps and the two uprights used to stabilize the screen arm.

[@progfellow]

Definitely looks like a one-color version of the four-color press on Printing Plans d com. Looks really nice!

[@Stavros71]

Thank you! The only problem I've had was my main 2x4 arm has warped a little, If I were to build it again I'd use a hard wood for that particular piece. The warping only effects wide prints and I can level it out by placing a wedge between the platen and the arm before tightening the platen. I've printed thousands of shirts and it's still working great!

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

Hats off to you for running a shirt business with a 1 color screen. I built a 4 color screen on a rotating head. I also made a drying box (for freshly coated screens) which holds about 7 screens and also a light box to expose the screens. I have yet to get a business up and running. I guess that takes a whole other talent . Nice vids by the way, I especially like your dryer set up.

[@Stavros71]

Hi everyone, I have a very detailed set of plans I spent a lot of time creating. The plans are in a .pdf file with a step by step build guide including pictures and material list. I'm asking $5. if interested please e-mail me [e-mail] Otherwise, I recommend writing down the measurements I list in this video. Thank you, Steve

[@Soaponrope37]

Does the .pdf file have the dimensions of the Tshirt Pallet you print on top of? I cant seem to find the right size.

[@eraimage3847]

Hello can you email me [e-mail] do you have multiple color press

[@imac6]

great video, just finished one of my own. now all i have to do is make the pallet and im going to make some shirts, thanks!

[@melshel2009]

thanks Steve....I have looked at many, but I think this will be the one I build! Wish me luck.

[@showmejapon]

Best one I have seen so far. Looks great.

[@blackwolf1066]

Thank you for your plans! I hope you are still here as I am now off to make this screen printer. I was going to make the four screen printer but realise I do not have the room in my workshop, so I spotted your plans. I am adapting the table from the four screen printer and using your design to attach your designed screen printer to it. Cross fingers lol as I am no expert but made shelving and a gate last week and put together many self assembly furniture items with the double dutch Chinese instructions. (Which always have bits missing). Well off I go to make the screen printer, workshop[ shelving and work desk for leather work etc.

[@Stavros71]

That's awesome, make sure you post a video of your build. I'd love to see it. I've never used my cutter to make stencils. I know I wouldn't get as detailed resolution and the vinyl could possibly lift off the screen - I don't see it lasting for more than one run. I have screens I've washed out 5 times with no deterioration in the emulsion.

[@abbaskhan6238]

Thanks a lot brother for giving a great idea to build a one color Tshirt press . I myself am a professional screen printer with an experience of 30 years experience in total screen printing and I keep on looking to see great Ideas from other Professionals and you are one of them .Thanks once again for the great idea to build a great press I am one of your Fans . M.A. KHAN

[@theprintbazaar]

Abbas khan dear sir i am from chennai possible to get your mobile number

[@abbaskhan6238]

I live in Kuwait brother my no is 96596045527 but i am from Bangalore

[@theprintbazaar]

bro i need diy stand blue print possible to give idea

[@Stavros71]

I have several but the most universal is my 13"W x 15.75"L pallet, kids XS tees - Adult sizes fit nicely. I use melamine shelving material and tape the cut sides with painters tape to avoid snagging the t-shirt. The melamine is great since you'll get build up from the tees & tack spray - a little gu-gone cleans it off perfect.

[@Stavros71]

@adonisrottweiler I hope my answer is what you're looking for. When assembling, the bottom layer is held together by the 2nd layer. I used drywall screws, screwing down into the 1st layer, countersunk and used wood filler to hide the holes. The same thing was done on the 3rd layer, screwing down into the 2nd.

[@mellosays]

I only wish you had shown how to use the press as well. Do you have a video to show this? I am completely new to this and so your video has given me some insight. Thanks!

[@paulzacharias8632]

Good video. Looks like a decent design. I'm going to build one tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time.

[@Stavros71]

I've seen plans for a 4 color DIY wood press - not very sophisticated though. Good luck. Thank you. Please post a video if you build an aluminum or metal press.

[@Pichustrikesback]

Amazingly simple! Thank you mate, I was looking for ideas on how to build a silk screen press and your video helped me a lot.

[@jshorty75]

So far this is the best one i seen so far.. i will like to have the mesurements of the woods again... im very surprise how nice it looks.. good job.!!

[@bobconary6302]

To Help Anyone Out Who Wants a Materials List: 2 x 4 List: 2 - 16 in. 1 - 14 in. 1 - 1 1/2 in. 2 - 4 in. 1 - 45 in. 1 - 10 in. 1 - Diagonal 5 in. 1 x 4 List: 2 - 5 in. 1 - 9 in. 2 x 2 List: 1 - Angled 5 in 2 - Angled 1 1/2 in. Hardware: Angled Aluminum Insert Nuts Washers 4 - Screw Eye Hooks 2 - 4 in. Springs Thick 2 - 4 in. Turnbuckles Wood Screws 2 - 5 in. C-Clamps

[@bobconary6302]

Forgot: Heavy Duty Hinge and Various Nuts and Bolts

[@Stavros71]

@257cks Hi, sorry for the delayed reply. The off contact works pretty good. I often tape a small piece of cardboard on the end of my screen to balance the off contact. Since the press doesn't "float" you end up having a much larger off contact towards the back than the front.

[@bushtucker66]

enjoyed your vid. attaching a screen at the end would give an idea how it all comes together ready for printing. cheers.

[@prospertay5223]

great video, I am impressed. please, what tools did you used to build the flash dryer? do you have a video on how to build that from scratch? thanks Pros.

[@WorldofGlassCraft]

Brilliant, liked it so much I e-mailed you a request for the plans. Meanwhile can you say what size that table top is so I can get an idea of overall size please?

[@LOLITSCOURTNEY]

Very Nice. I really like the look and how simple the build. Thank you for your video.

[@Stavros71]

@Ruthotron - sorry I thought I replied to your comment. When you pull the screen down the spring tension is in a straight line as you lift up the spring pulls the arm back.

[@Stavros71]

Sorry, KZbin has changed the format so it's hard to see my website link on my channel page. I can't put a link in here either. So find my website link on my channel and e-mail me that way. Thanks.

[@Stavros71]

I purchased mine at Tractor supply and Home Depot - I'm sure Lowes or Ace Hardware has the items also. Good luck with your build!

[@corvallisorus]

Steve, Thanks for the plan. Would you please tell me how you attached the clamps to the aluminum and the wood? Josh

[@Stavros71]

great job! I noticed your screen arm does lift up that far. You might find it hard to load shirts on with the angle so low as well as the weight of the screen may not keep the arm/screen in an upright position. Easy fix by bringing that block of 2x4 back a bit. Mine is at about a 50 degree angle.

[@VicoyBagongsigaw]

this is the best homemade press i've seen.. can you also send me the parts I need and the specs.. I would love to make one on my own.. thank thank thank you for this video..

[@cuakalaka]

Really nice design!! How do you attach the c clamps to the wood, or are they attached to the angled aluminum? Thanks a lot!

[@copypastept]

Thank you for your time it looks fantastic. All the best for you. The best ever .

[@MSASUnlimited]

very, very nice press man. I'm in the beginning stages of building mines.

[@garykennedy]

You've inspired me to start my own clothing line of shirts. Thank you!

[@Stavros71]

Thanks - I bought the flash dryer - if you mean the stand, I don't have a video on that.

[@wastedfilms666]

thanks for the tutorial! im about to go buy supplies to build one right now!

[@Stavros71]

@densanavaley The press can be removed from the table, so nothing is glued to the table. The press was assembled with drywall screws that I countersunk and then used wood filler to hide the holes. I hope that answered your question. Thanks, Steve

[@3dchuy]

Great video! This gives me a better understanding on how presses work, I have one question though. How much space should I leave between the platen and the screen? I'm using 10 x 12 wood screens ( the only size I could find) and since I don't have a press yet, been using pieces of wood to practice onto paper and the paper keeps sticking into the screen when I do a pass of ink and it looks like a blob of ink.

[@kipidvc]

Hello @Starvos71. Where do you buy Ink and emulsion and other supplies? Thank you for this great video, I'll be building my own soon

[@brucewimp]

This is Great. I start on mine now. Is there any place u know of with info. on how to build the screens? I have been looking for 2 months. you have truly inspired me .

[@josephparkinson2]

Brilliant mate thank you very helpful don't have the dimension of the shirt pattern do you?

[@TheGrainhas]

Yeah I know but in my case I know somebody that prefers to work with iron than with wood. Thanks. By the way do you happen to know any other plans for a more sofisticated machine? Just asking because Im not finding it. Thanks again good work.

[@Stavros71]

I drilled a hole in clamps - screwed into the 2x4 through the small angle blocks

[@Tender2012]

for multiple colors on a single press you'll have to figure out what specific colors you want to use. once you have that when designing the product each color has to be a separate layer. print out each layer in black on separate transparencies which will become a separate screen. (this is an essential part of printing that you will have to look up (burning the print on to a screen is 1 part light exposure 1 part equipment 2 parts patience)) you then have to align each screen to create an image

[@bachuchay.]

OMG!!! that's great but seems no safety lock in the back spring?

[@thrtlngearspc]

GREAT VIDEO ...VERY INFORMATIVE ....NOW I DO HAVE A QUESTION ON THE HEIGHT OF YOUR TABLE?

[@Stavros71]

Check out my other videos. I have several with the press in use. As long as you cure the ink properly, generally speaking that requires the ink to be heated to 320 degrees, the ink is permanent.

[@keyholeartists]

its a work of art man ... Stained beautifully ... Big Bucks on Ebay :-)

[@Stavros71]

when I've printed on paper or anything for that matter, you need to use some sort of spray tack or other form of adhesive on your pallet. Also, you could be pushing too much ink through or your ink is too thick. Generally the off contact space is about the thickness of a credit card.

[@Stavros71]

So you don't have to worry about burning your image on the screen in the exact spot you want it to print on the shirt. Also, when printing different size shirts you'll want to adjust your palette to ensure proper image placement.

[@justhanz11]

Steve, just wanna say thanks a lot man for sharing this video!! I'm in need of a simple DIY screen press, and yours seems really easy to do. I'm going to make one soon and i'll let you know the result :) Btw, do you mind doing a video tour of your shop? Thanks man! Happy Easter.

[@EasyButtonFTW]

Super helpful! Definitely going to use this as a guide.

[@Stavros71]

you're welcome. This is a one color press. Look for the multi-color DIY press vids for printing multiple color designs.

[@Stavros71]

Thanks. I just put an update in my description. I built several sizes but the most universal measures 13" wide x 15.75" long. I believe I describe the construction in other videos of mine.

[@Stavros71]

Thanks - I'm not sure what that other press looks like. I do know that I've printed literally thousands of shirts with this press and it's still working well. Maybe worth the extra effort?

[@jimijames1716]

Wow really cool !!! I have just gone out and bought by 2x4's and all the bits so I will attempt to build one myself. Thanks for all the helpful info ......BTW Does the long piece (2nd layer) need to be 45" long or could it be shorter?

[@TheGrainhas]

Hi, can this be made with iron? are there any advantages in iron? Good video.

[@kooksandfloogs]

Could you show a video of you making a shirt with this devise? Also does the shirt last?

[@Stavros71]

Hello. I use Silk Screen Supplies, Ryonet (search for them, I cannot post web addresses here) mostly - they have a great water based ink called Enviroline.

[@Stavros71]

Thank you. I drilled a hole in the side of the c-clamps and then screwed them through the 2x2 piece and into the 2x4 arm. I should have noted that in the video, sorry about that. Thanks for subscribing!

[@Stavros71]

It could be a few inches shorter, maybe no more than 5" - depends on the size of the screens & platens you plan on using.

[@Airon0727]

thanks for this upload man! best diy i've seen!

[@thebosswogg]

Hey Stavros71. I was just wondering what is the point in having a palette that is adjustable?

[@walkerwm2007]

Hey Steve, Just finished the build. My ink supplies are coming tomorrow. Quick question. Have you ever tried to use vinyl from you cutter to make a screen. I just watch another vid on it. Looks interesting...

[@EliteLaith123]

Great video. I had one problem though, the measurements and supplies you used for your pallet weren't very specific in the video could you please reply and post the measurements and supplies for the pallet? I would really appreciate it.

[@Stavros71]

@sigmatalk @Stavros71 - no you cannot use regular paper. First you need an extremely black image to block light from going through and second, you want all the surrounding areas to be exposed to the light to expose (harden) the emulsion so using a transparency allows the light to pass through. Research how "burning" a screen works and it'll make sense. Thanks

[@adonisrottweiler]

hey dude, i reproduced the same machine, how did u put up the first layer? all on the same level? or the middle one ane the 2 side ones?

[@melshel2009]

Hey, we created your press! (thank you) but what do you do for sleeves? the 2x4 is too thick to slide a long sleeve on so wondering if you have created anything to add on to ??? let me know. with thanks. Melanie

[@Stavros71]

Thank you. You must e-mail me for me to reply with the parts list. I cannot attach anything here. I specialize in one color printing, so for me this is perfect. If you plan to do multi-color prints, I'd make it a 4 color. There's plenty of plans for 4 color presses out there.

[@progfellow]

Looks like it's based heavily on the press at the PrintingPlans web site but with one color.

[@zombieprinting2670]

Just wanted to say thanks for the informative and detailed vid. I just took a real interest in screen printing and this video inspired me to build my own. so tday I did :) for about 30$ and it's perfect. I'm now on my way! Thanks!

[@AraneusTShirts]

Hi are the specs on your website? I can't find them. Looks pretty good might as well save money.

[@Stavros71]

I found paying $18 for a wood 110 mesh screen is worth it. I like the smaller 18x20 from Performance Screen Supply.

[@seblasto]

This is great, thanks for sharing. I'd love to get that parts list. I've got a bunch of 2x4s and decent-shape plywood laying around, and could finally put them to use. Do you think it'd be worth it to make it double-sided and turn your plans into a two-color press?

[@koncertLive]

try googling over head door springs or go to a store that installs or sells them. I have some of those springs I ordered for building a dog runner. almost all of that hardware can be purchased from like pets smart but you will pay a bit more but will atleast help you find technical names to find em cheaper.

[@fuiava68]

GREAT VIDEO!! BY FAR the best and detailed video i've seen. I do have a quick question for you. On the base layer (the "I" shape), I get you have the 4 bolts attaching the top and bottom part of the "I" formation, but how did you attach the center part of the "I" to the rest of your press. Did you glue it to the table and then screw? Thanks in advance.

[@Stavros71]

You know what, you're right! Wow, I apologize. The bottom layer is actually 2 - 16" pieces and 1 - 14" piece creating the "I". I've updated my pdf file. Thank you!

[@bonkleng]

hey man, thanks a lot for this upload.. it helps me a lot.. just want to ask if how do you print a multiple color design?

[@devildogpete]

Awesome job man.

[@Stavros71]

No problem. I used to buy my blanks online at Jiffy Shirts, now that I have my business I can purchase through wholesalers like SanMar. You need a Fed Tax ID and State Sales & Use Tax permit in order to do that though.

[@SoDakExperiences]

Great jon man, It helped me alot and I got the notes down on paper.

[@Stavros71]

Thank you. I sent you the part list. I'm planning on posting a video of the entire process from start to finish, so stay tuned. I burn my screens on an old Yudu machine I had kicking around. It has it's limits because of the size of the light box area but the built in timer works great. I've seen some great videos on KZbin on how to build your own light box, you should check them out.

[@waynerollack1026]

Well done thank-you, looking forward to giving it a try.

[@Stavros71]

awesome, please let me know if you post a vid of your build. I'd love to see it. Steve

[@TheFreshPrince909]

and what kind of table can you attach it too?

[@jonathansandoval6926]

Steve-How did you attach the clamps? Did u drill hole through them and use a bolt to attach to the wood piece? Thanks

[@TheFreshPrince909]

How do you attach the bottom layer to the table?

[@AZTECHULK]

I am going to build one using your idea. Will send you the final product

[@Stavros71]

It's the space between the screen and the t-shirt or whatever you're printing on. Check out Catspit Productions videos or Ryonets videos that address proper off contact space in screen printing.

[@CigaretteRacing219]

Where did you get the springs and what kind are they? Keep looking around home depot and lowes but I just keep finding big door springs. Not sure where to get them.

[@heidymatinez7356]

Works the way it is supposed to. Just Good

[@ozzypete]

How much would you say you spent total for all the the wood hardware to make the press?

[@lorrainequesnel5329]

Wow I watched lots of videos and you're is the best .you explained it so well. I am wondering what paint do you use? I tried different kinds of fabric paint but they make the material hard Thank you for sharing this

[@Stavros71]

@purexxxstasy Did I send you the plans? So many requests I'm having a hard time remembering. Thanks

[@phunkymunky7210]

Omg! Do you have build plans for this youncanshade

[@phunkymunky7210]

Share? Sorry typo. Would love to build one!

[@Stavros71]

I apologize, I've been getting so many requests I'm sure I've missed a few. Please try again and make sure to leave an e-mail address for me to reply to. Thank you. Steve

[@Stavros71]

I built a few but the most universal one I use is 13" x 15.75"

[@floid1962]

very good, great, I really enjoyed it!