What the ^#%@$! am I going to do with this... (xTool Screen Printer)

[@matthysloedolff]

Thanks, Justin! Your channel adds a lot of value to the maker community. You are by far the most informative laser-oriented channel I'm aware of. Keep firing those photons at stuff.

[@justinlaser]

Appreciate it my man!

[@QuiltersHandyman]

I probably should keep my mouth shut but......I was a "Shop Teacher" for 34 years, 16 of those years was in a graphic arts shop which centered around T-shirts, sweatshirts, and coats.. I have see other demos this device and they left a lot to be desired. You at least covered much more than many others have....I am interested in the type of ink that is used. In my day....1980's to the mid 1990's and yes a lot has probably changed....we used plastisol on shirts and it did not air dry, it needed heat. That can't be what you are using. So I am wonder what kind of ink is used on t-shirts and how long lasting it is. How many washing will it withstand. You did not show the back of the screen when you did the multi color print....was interested in seeing how the 1st color transferred to the back of the screen and how you aligned them. I just looked up what ink is used to print Tshirts and is still plastisol and so I would be very interested in the life of a print on a shirt. I would suggest to anyone considering buying one of these do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions, especially if you are thinking you can sell Tshirts online. A very good video .... thank-you.

[@jbird28584]

Xtool uses water based which will air dry water based inks are great and and a nightmare at the same time. The feel of water based is much softer than plastisol it prints really well however it's is much more expensive than plastisol and hers the nightmare part the printer has to move fast because it air dries the screens get clogged quickly and easily which means I get to watch dollars go straight down the sink drain I still prefer plastisol but water based has its place you can 💯 use plastisol in there screens but of course requires more equipment to buy

[@dcmotive]

Crazy the laser doesnt burn up the silk. I grew up with my dad running a few silkscreen business on the side. You did well from what I can see. Nice work. We always keep a stack of felt pellon sheets for test prints. You can use them for testing for drying too. Good to note, printing takes a ton of space. Stuff laying everywhere drying. Gotta make racks or for shirts a conveyor dryer. It adds up.

[@justinlaser]

The screen is stainless steel not sure if thats the same as normal screens. Yes, I can see how the equipment would add up. Especially if you want to quickly do multi-layer prints. Ill stick with 1 color on tiny items for now.

[@dian3145]

Can’t decide if I am more motivated to get it because it is so cool,or that I want you to be able to make more videos! 😉 There is a light that fits over the platen that cures it faster. If you haven’t seen that video, I will find it and get you his channel.

[@justinlaser]

Haha thanks! I did see that, very cool. I had to wait like a half hour between color prints I can see how useful that flash curing plate is.

[@kirstenharied1265]

I'd love to try this... But am concerned about prices of screens... Not seeing anything out there about that....

[@justinlaser]

Good point. I know they use a standard screen mesh so it is possible to DIY reclaim them. Surprised they dont have replacement packs listed on the website yet.

[@curtgroen2712]

This is what was on the Kickstarter campaign in the FAQ. During the crowdfunding stage, the price for 4 additional 11.5" x 16" screens is tentatively set at $24.99, and an additional 11.5" x 16" EasyStretch Frame is tentatively priced at $59.99. This is what I got from them when I further inquired of them.The 4pcs screens' price will be $39.99.

[@blackwolftdm812]

They just told me today that they wouldn't have pricing or new screens until March. But I'm sure there's a work around for a similar replacement companies like to say that only their item works but I've found that's not the case all the time

[@stevewalsh5479]

Yeah, I don't know about this one, Justin. Seems super labor intensive for one shirt. The price isn't bad, but I'm guessing the screens are xTool pricey and ink is messy AF, so lots of cleanup. And I'm all thumbs with anything liquid (paint, ink, stain, varnish), so definitely not for me. Maybe there's a market for making screens for people who don't have a laser? Probably super niche now that I think about it.

[@butterflyj685]

I agree! I think a UV Printer would be better and faster. Just direct print without paint or transfer paper.

[@ulaB]

There's three knobs in the front of the screen printer that allow you to fine adjust the position with multicolor prints.

[@justinlaser]

I couldnt for the life of me see through the screen well enough to make the alignment. I was also more worried about the camera recording at the time haha. I did a bunch of test bags before I filmed this one that were pretty spot on though so I know it works without having to use the alignment brackets it comes with.

[@ulaB]

@@justinlaser I haven't unboxed mine yet because of too many other projects, but I wonder if you could engrave "registration marks" into the screen outside of the printing area (or just close them up with clear tape?) and use those. Overall it really seems a great tool for the price.

[@bazookaproof2]

I've had one of these for a while. I was number 15 on the kick starter page. They don't offer any extra screens or frames yet. Support said maybe late February. So you have time to make up your mind if you want one because you won't even be able to use it past the few screens that comes with the kit. There are alignment knobs on the machine too that would have helped him with his multi colored paper bag print. I don't use this with an xtool laser, so you don't need one of their lasers. I did have to cut out my own alignment jig though. I've been making my own screens out of wire mesh until xtool offers theirs. They quoted saying screens will be around 6$ a piece. Its a fun little item for hobby screen printing for sure if you are into lasers.

[@VeniVidiVici444]

Would buy If It was cheaper.

[@davidm9545]

This looks interesting. So once you engrave the screen is that design permanent or can you use the same screen for other designs?

[@justinlaser]

If you have space you can certainly use it for other designs. I did 4 on my first screen. There is a way to completely remove the old design and make a fresh screen but that knowledge is out of my wheelhouse at the moment.

[@RisingApe]

Are you still using it? It’s a cool product but it’s a big commitment for a hobbyist

[@MichaelGeriGB]

Another great video. Thank you

[@mineiro88]

Is this xTool Screen Printer already for sale?

[@justinlaser]

It looks like you can just order it on the website.

[@kazwantsamoto]

Would this theoretically work with regular screens?

[@justinlaser]

Not exactly sure. I read the FAQs on the xTool website and it seems like they are using some kind of special emulsion. But I guess if the laser can just blast off regular emulsion cleanly it would be good to go.

[@XavierMansuy]

Top, and thank you for the feedback @justinlaser Too bad the product is not yet available in France

[@SodiPopMedia]

I see you have a 40w laser, but packages are sold with an option of 5w, 10w, and 20w as well. Will all of these work the same for tee shirt screens?

[@blackwolftdm812]

I'm so happy you did this video! I've had this in my cart for weeks now and haven't pulled the trigger yet but now I did lol don't tell my wife!

[@justinlaser]

Haha Thanks! Print her something nice before it hits your doorstep.

[@blackwolftdm812]

@justinlaser thank goodness I get the mail lol I'll make her a cute shirt or something for the kids and all will be forgiven eventually

[@LaserEngraving911]

Nice! I like how you focused on how get value from the unit , great job.

[@thanhnhanhuynhnguyen3652]

Thank you!

[@Softmatic]

Will this screen printer work with the P2?

[@justinlaser]

Yep you need the riser base though. The frame is too tall otherwise.

[@Softmatic]

Thanks!

[@Tankwiper]

Awesome! But use plywood pieces instead of painters tape to align rigid products. Much faster - you simply push the product against the pieces of plywood!

[@crashgtr]

Thanks Justin! This video was very helpful. What settings would you use on a co2 laser? Do you need to apply heat to cure the screen print? I would love to see you do multi color on your co2 laser! Thanks!

[@erinsullivan2727]

Love your video’s. Keep them coming,

[@JoosepHallikas]

How's the screen cleaning process?

[@justinlaser]

If youre just talking about cleaning the engraving before use its pretty easy. Mine got quite dusty even with air assist on but using the canned air blasted away 95% of it. I used some water to get the rest. Im not sure if there is a better way to do it or not.

[@JoosepHallikas]

@@justinlaser I meant the cleaning of the screen after using it with the paint. I assume you can clean/store/reuse the screen again later or?

[@blackwolftdm812]

​@JoosepHallikas I believe you just wash it away with water

[@dingdongdaddy589]

Love the projecks