StarCraft Swing Away 8-in-1 Heat Press: Unboxing & Test

After searching for the best heat press machine in 2021, we bought the 2021 StarCraft 15 x 15 Swing Away 8-in-1 Heat Press from Brilliant Vinyl. We've been using our Cricut EasyPress for all of our HTV and sublimation, but we wanted to upgrade to a swing away heat press to get more even pressure and consistent heat press results.
In this video, we unbox our new swing away heat press and show you how to attach the mug press, plate press and hat press. Of course, no heat press video would be complete with out doing a sublimation project on a heat press. We are in LOVE with our new heat press and can't wait to show you all the things we can make with our new 15 x 15 heat press and attachments.
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🛒 TOOLS AND MATERIALS:
(Links = Affiliate Links)
StarCraft 15"x15" 8-in-1 Swing Away Heat Press: link.justmight...
SIMILAR HEAT PRESS TO THE STARCRAFT 15"X15": shrsl.com/3kbh4
Other Heat Presses We Considered:
Heat Press Nation HPN Signature Pro 15" x 15" 8-in1 Swing Away with Sure Pressure: shrsl.com/3mml8
Fancierstudio Heat Press on Amazon: amzn.to/3tzedYb
Sublimation Supplies We've Used::
Epson EcoTank Printer (we've used the 15000 and 2720): amzn.to/3gdRKd5
Cosmos Sublimation Ink: shrsl.com/3mmhi
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink for EcoTank Printers (new bottles) - amzn.to/2R8RWBD
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink (older bottles - syringes required) - amzn.to/34CZLmo
Hiipoo Sublimation Paper - amzn.to/3xXKau3
ASUB Sublimation Paper: amzn.to/3tye1Z1
Johnson Plastics Plus Sublimation Paper: link.justmight...
🤑 Use code 9PME6 for 10% off List Price at Johnson Plastics Plus 🤑
Butcher Paper: amzn.to/398q869
Heat Resistant Tape: amzn.to/2Phaa2L
Heavy Duty Heat Resistant Gloves: amzn.to/3vLvCwD
Light Duty Heat Resistant Gloves: amzn.to/3ustM3p
Design Bundles image: designbundles....
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We are a participant in several affiliate/influencer programs that enable us to earn a commission when you click on our links and make a purchase. You don't pay anything extra for the items you buy...we just get credit for referring you!
- We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We are also a participant in the Cricut, Heat Press Nation, Swing Design, Creative Fabrica and Design Bundles affiliate programs.
*Johnson Plastics Plus Promo code valid through 2022 for unlimited usage. Excludes equipment, ink, fabrication and STB subscriptions
🎶 MUSIC AND EFFECTS ATTRIBUTIONS:
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Sing Swing Bada Bing - Doug Maxwell / Media Right Productions
Carmel Shades - Silent Partner
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
Use this information at your own risk. None of the authors or anyone connected with Just Might DIY, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible or held liable for any injuries or damages resulting from your use of the information contained in or linked from the Just Might DIY videos or blog. It is your responsibility to use all tools and materials safely and take all steps necessary to ascertain that information you receive here is correct.

[@JustMightDIY]

*Save More at Johnson Plastics Plus with Our 2024 Code!* Our JPPlus discount is now bigger & better! Go to: link.justmightdiy.com/JPP and use JustMightDIY15 for 15% off list price. (Valid through 2024 for unlimited usage. Excludes equipment, ink, fabrication & STB subscriptions.)

[@melindanewton8140]

Just bought my heat press today, look forward to watching all your videos!

[@JustMightDIY]

Woo hoo! Congrats on the purchase. We’re glad you’re here!

[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

That is sooo cool! Should we assume the next step is marketing and selling products? You definitely have the equipment for it now! Great unboxing video!! We want one!!! :-)

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks! We’ve thought on and off about selling stuff but are currently in the “off” position on that. For now, it’s allllll for the ‘Tube. Well that, fun, and to make gifts for people. 😉 Definitely get one!!!

[@pamelasmith3755]

Thanks for the video! I like that you guys actually used a heat gun

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Thanks for watching- we're so glad you liked it!

[@FullMoonLoonDesigns]

Thank you for this video! I just got the very same one, unboxed yesterday and now I feel confident enough to create a test print tonight!

[@JustMightDIY]

We’re glad this was helpful! Happy crafting!

[@monicaliz11]

Just ordered mine a few days ago.. can’t wait to start using it ^_^.

[@JustMightDIY]

Woohoo! You’re going to love it!!

[@TheGrantAlexander]

I am waiting to see you cook with this....

[@JustMightDIY]

Paninis coming right up! 😂

[@Mika2NY]

Thanks for a great video. My heat press has been sitting for months. Mentally letting it beat me. This was great!

[@JustMightDIY]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Practice makes progress with the press - you can do it!

[@richardlynngarst3728]

I have been reviewing various heat press and after viewing your video, this is the one I am going to go with. Thank you for the helpful information! Great job!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks for letting us know! We’re glad it was helpful. 😄

[@brendaknapik9826]

Such a great video! I look forward to seeing what else that you do with this heat press. Mine just arrived yesterday!!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you!! We have a lot of good stuff in the works. Let us know how things go with yours!

[@deeellsworth1630]

Thanks for this! I just upgraded to this exact model with all the attachments

[@JustMightDIY]

Woo hoo!! Enjoy. 😄

[@TropTrevTv]

Where did you get it ? Trying to find it in stock

[@loriejaramillo1742]

Thank you for this video it was very helpful and now I can get started using mine.

[@JustMightDIY]

We’re so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.

[@juliasnider5905]

Awesome!! Thank you for the video, very helpful and easy. I have been looking, and this may be it!! 😊

[@JustMightDIY]

We’re glad it’s helpful! Thanks for the comment. 😄

[@rogerrandolph9685]

Thanks for the info! I just got this one too!

[@JustMightDIY]

We’re glad it’s helpful! It’s a great press - we’re really enjoying it! Be sure to check out our other videos on the attachments - we’ve done the mug and plate presses. Hat press video coming soon. Until then, happy pressing!!

[@aaronhatmaker]

awesome video

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you!

[@beckyhinojosa4012]

Does the bottom part of the press come out so you can lay your material on it away from the platen heat?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Thanks for your question. No. The bottom does not slide out, as the heating platen swings away to give you room to work.

[@candiceiwig4436]

Have you had any trouble with the bolt connected to the heath platen coming loose all the time? Mine seems to work its way loose constantly.

[@JustMightDIY]

We have not had this problem. Maybe consider using a thread locker like lock-tite (high temp) or contact the manufacturer and get their assistance. Thanks for checking us out!

[@candiceiwig4436]

@@JustMightDIY Thank you!

[@sheriesherwood9930]

Is the screen supposed to show how much time is left and is the press supposed to ding when the time is up? I did not get an instructions with mine.

[@JustMightDIY]

If you have the model we do then yes. For all the attachments except the mug press. Should happen as the large arm closes down to press. A little magnetic circuit activates timer which should sound as it finishes. If it doesn't the we would contact manufacturer and also try to find the manual through internet search. Hope this was helpful and thank you for watching!

[@annaviolette8504]

When you swing the top to center and press down does the top align with the bottom? I ordered a different swing away from Amazon and it was not aligned at all. The top was over one side a half inch. I sent it back.

[@JustMightDIY]

I don't think any swingaway we have had is aligned perfectly, but a person could with some tools on hand. Half an inch is a bit much. Ours are usually 1/4 or so, but manipulate to being as it should

[@sherryminton4505]

Thank you!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank YOU for watching. 😄

[@wickeddreams589]

Hello, I know this video is older but it has come in handy for me. However, are the attachments only for mugs, and if so what size of mugs? Does it not have a tumbler press too and if not, is there a tumbler press attachment that can be bought? Also, if it does not have a tumbler press or an attachment to buy, which tumbler press would you suggest?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! If you're wanting to do tumblers as well as everything else, check out this version of the press. It's branded Swing Design, but it's essentially the same thing with a tumbler heat press attachment as well. ;) link.justmightdiy.com/NewSCHeatPress (affiliate link)

[@monicaizurieta6136]

I imagine the constant changing of attachments might cause some trouble shooting with finding the right pressure for each. Do you have issues of the sort?

[@JustMightDIY]

Yes, when changing the heating element or platen you have to recalibrate the pressure. Except for the mug press. Totally independent attachment. Wouldn't call it an issue. Just plan really well. The cost versus versatility was a major buying point for us! Thanks for watching!

[@criseldaguajardo6064]

Hello loved the video it helped me so much I just got one yesterday. The only thing I could not figure out is how to set the timer on the heat press, Could you please help me with that?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Just tap the Set button to cycle through options. First is temp, second is the timer, third is Fahrenheit or Celsius and fourth is the auto shut off timer for the machine. Hope this helps!

[@proudmimi1]

NEED YOUR HELP! I just got the exact same one. QUESTION!!! When you use the cup press, how do you get the the timer to come on?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! The timer isn't triggered on the mug press - we have to set a separate one. The timer only works on the attachments that work off of the main press arm/handle, as that's where the sensor is. Hope this helps!

[@makaelawhite5908]

is there a difference between this and “swing design”?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! While we can’t say for sure, they do look similar!

[@gingerkelly3615]

Great video. I also ordered my 15x15 Starcraft 8 in 1 heat press from Brilliant Vinyl. I had an issue with mine and got prompt service from Brilliant Vinyl and Starcraft. Issue was immediately taken care of. Do you know if the bottom platen should slide in and out? If so, would you mind showing how to do that if you make another video. Thanks.

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Brilliant Vinyl is awesome! So glad to hear you had a good experience with them. As for the bottom platen, yes it should slide out so you can attach the hat press. We show how to remove the big bottom plate at around 5:40 in this video. Hope this helps!

[@gingerkelly3615]

@@JustMightDIYI seen in your video how you removed the bottom platen to attatch the hat press but I was wondering if the bottom platen slides out from under the top platen just a little to make it easier to slide a shirt over the bottom platen and then slide it back into place to press or if the bottom platen is suppose to stay in that one position? The last heat press I had did that but I can't figure out if the starcraft one is suppose to do that. Thank you so much for your advice.

[@JustMightDIY]

@@gingerkelly3615 Ah ok - gotcha! No, this press doesn’t have the slide out bottom plate like that. We’ve only seen that in clamshell presses, but it would be a helpful feature to have, even on a swing away!

[@johanasaavedra6445]

Hi! I bought this same press and finally started using it tonight. I did not notice the cord was in the way and it sparked. Thankfully I was able to turn it off and unplug it. I’m so disappointed I want to cry!! Has anyone ever had the cord replaced? I’ve messaged StarCraft and am waiting for a reply but I can’t believe this happened. 😭😭😭

[@JustMightDIY]

Oh no!! That’s such a bummer. Hope you get it figured out.

[@Shersheart]

I just bought this but i find that it goes off balance when i swing it open. Any thing i can do?

[@JustMightDIY]

We have found the same thing. We may find a way to secure the base to a table. In the meantime, we are careful to not swing it all the way around.

[@ayeshaazhar6891]

Can we use this with cricut machine?

[@JustMightDIY]

Yes - some materials that you can cut with your Cricut can be used in a heat press.

[@mr.incredible3318]

Is there a certain printer and ink for this? If so. What do you recommend?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We recommend Epson EcoTanks for an economical way to get into sublimation. For inks, we’ve used Cosmos, Hiipoo and Starcraft and have loved them all. Check the description for links!!

[@crisacosta3710]

Thank you for your great video! I just got a StarCraft heat press swing away, and when I swing the top plate more than 90 degrees it wants to tip over. I don't think it's supposed to do that. Do I have to secure it the bottom to a table?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey there! Ours does that, too, but it could be because it’s on a tablecloth right now and not a hard surface so there’s no grip with the feet. It’s our understanding that most swing away heat presses that allow it to swing 180 degrees have that issue. When we get ours onto a more permanent table, we plan to secure it in place.

[@crisacosta3710]

@@JustMightDIY Great! Thank you for quick reply!

[@JustMightDIY]

@@crisacosta3710 Anytime!

[@K0NVICTx]

15 mins to get to 400° wowzers

[@JustMightDIY]

Yup, slower than some and faster than others. Just depends on your purpose for having it.

[@K0NVICTx]

So I watched a ton of other vids while doing my research on what heat press to buy, and I learned 15 mins for 400° is one of the faster ones lol. So I take that comment back.

[@JustMightDIY]

No doubt. We have done that take over 30 minutes. Make good choices. Speed isn't everything

[@elizabethk8938]

I’m in the market for a swing away press. I’m watching as many product videos as I can. Do you still like this press? Would you recommend it?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We do still like this press - it's a great size and good quality. If you're in the market for a swing away, we definitely recommend it! That being said, it doesn't stay in stock very long. We purchased it from Brilliant Vinyl and had a great experience with them (good customer service, fast shipping, etc.). We just checked, and they do have it in stock: link.justmightdiy.com/BVSCHPaf

[@elizabethk8938]

@@JustMightDIY Thanks! I’ll check them out 😁

[@JustMightDIY]

Awesome! They’re really awesome people to do business with.

[@blueskyjax]

Do you have information on how to buy mugs and tumblers for this? Do you know what size in in, I am considering it. thank you for the video

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! You can do a range of mugs and tumblers with the mug press attachments. We get most of our sublimation drinkware from JPPlus.com. You can use code 9PME6 for 5% off most items.

[@kevinjuresich5073]

was considering getting this exact heatPress, how long have you guys had it and how's it holding up

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We’ve had it about 8 months, and it’s awesome. The only challenge is finding it in stock!