STEP BY STEP T-SHIRT BUSINESS [ 2 cheap t shirt press options ] Homemade screen printing press

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STEP BY STEP T-SHIRT BUSINESS [ 2 cheap t-shirt press options ]
I grabbed a $199 4 color - single station press from Amazon and made a super cheap homemade screen printing press single color press. See which one I think is the best screen printing press for a home-based t-shirt printing business. Both can produce professional results. but which is better for your home screen printing business? #screenprinting #theprintlife
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Cam Earven:
Instagram: / camearven
Twitter: / camearven
It's awesome that you take time out of your day to watch the videos and vlogs that I upload to The Print Life. I truly appreciate the love.

[@ThePrintLife]

Amazon store is fixed.

[@Covidwasalie]

Like you said mate u gonna find it hard registering multi colour prints on that cheap shit your home made with the hinge clamps is ideal

[@ThePrintLife]

I agree for newbies the home made press is a great place to start.

[@anagandulasaikiran9212]

Sir i want to such type of screens and it's spare parts and solutions

[@AkatsukiFX]

What is the best scrub brush to buy to clean the mesh screen

[@iankaart]

Did you know: you can put an amazon affiliate link in the description which is easier for people to find, and you make money from posting the link?

[@mannypdesign]

My bud sent me a link to this site. I've always thought about printing shirts, but this vid has certainly put a spark in my brain.

[@tyte90]

This video is going to give me the motivation I need to get back into it. Thank you for taking your time to do this.

[@ThePrintLife]

You can do it.

[@sam0dean1]

HAWT DAMN HES BACK BABY! 🤘

[@xXMJHarvey89Xx]

Great Video Cam! I Actually built a 4 Color PP out of wood, door hinges, and a lazy Susan for just a little over $100. Its actually pretty cool how little you can invest at the beginning and build a pro business.

[@jnice1630]

Hey cam just wanted to say iv been in the business about 2yrs I basically learned everything from watching you you have a great way to keep ppl intrested and just wanted to say I appreciate everything

[@ThePrintLife]

Oh damn that is so cool to hear. I love making videos and Its awesome to hear you like watching them.

[@avancerartgroup1614]

I actually started out from ground zero with that Vevor 4 color system. You are 100% correct with having to tinker and retinker the alignment of all the working parts but once I spent time doing that, its serving me well. I started printing shirts for my tattoo shop and I am able to make some really good money so far!!!!! Thanx for your videos!

[@ThePrintLife]

Right on. I feel like your situation is the perfect solution for that press.

[@rugar9california187]

Mannn glad i found this channel i have that same press and after a few prints and trying to always get it to register i just left in the corner....moved on to HTV and inkjet printing...but now after seeing this im motivated to try it again

[@ThePrintLife]

I'm not sure that doing multi color is a good idea, bit I will do a video trying.

[@alexjones4419]

Just made the wood home made press super easy to do. Thanks for the video.

[@real_mr_Hyde]

Thank you so much for taking the time, brother

[@prototypeeight9503]

i started with a home made 1 color 2x4 press made with a door hinge (not jiffy clamps). then i got the blue press on ebay. then expanded to a 6x6 from China. Beginning of 2020 I'm getting a vastex. I learned watching YOUR videos and Jonathan (Cat Spit) and Ryan (Ryonet) and a few others. thanks for the video! wish i had tried the jiffy clamps! that's pretty cool.

[@ThePrintLife]

Those clamps work surprisingly well.

[@vesgardens]

The assembly of that 4 color press seems daunting! That's why I had to make my own similar to the wood press you made. Great video!

[@ThePrintLife]

It is easy... just lots of parts. It was faster assembling my Anatol Thunder.

[@ThePrintLife]

by the way great job on making your own press. You are the best

[@vesgardens]

@@ThePrintLife thank you! Hopefully I can do a video about it soon

[@ScottKingDesigns]

The King has returned!!! I started out on an old 4/1 Silver press, good stuff as always Cam! Hope all is well 🤙

[@tyte90]

This is what I am starting on. I have to practice making transparencies and burning screens still though.

[@JARG67]

Great Video. I think the 4 color blue press will do a good job. Keep up the good work.

[@Danzines1987]

I remember being at a shop trying to do a 2 color print larger than the black flash we had and having to use a heat gun/flash combo, or moving the flash (with no wheels) to cure in 2 parts....I'd say a good flash is the best investment moving past 2 colors unless your confident on wet on wet

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Great Video! Thanks and God Bless! Merry Christmas! 🙂🙏

[@tashaj3937]

1st time watching...Subscribed! Ur awesome! Great content, skill and personality 🙏🏾

[@Tim.McElheny]

Nice man. This will help a lot of people try screen printing without having to put up thousands of dollars

[@superteeprints371]

the print life is back good video cam

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank you for hanging in there. You're the best.

[@aaronz28]

Nice to see more content. 👍

[@peterbryant19]

HOORAY, Our Spiritual Leader has returned!!! I'd almost lost the will to print! Good to have your voice blaring in my workshop again.

[@ThePrintLife]

My voice is like a strong soothing breeze flowing through the shop, providing cool to those that sweat, and warmth to those that shiver.

[@jifxyz]

used to work at that exact home depot lol, new to screen printing and already love all the content!

[@ThePrintLife]

Thats crazy. I love me some home depot.

[@lg3684]

Thank god I needed my fix of the print life.....

[@digital.rachel]

Thanks for the tip with the heat gun

[@heavymetalchef5132]

😄 love your video's! Just found you the other day! Searching for stuff to make shirts!

[@Nagaz_]

i have just got the same 4c press it was 120 eur and i got the same prob with bearings but i fixed it just by putting washers in front under that part with bearings and it seems like its ok now :) lol im thinking about just redrilling the holes. Can’t wait to see the press do a m.c print. :)

[@gadget5419]

Awesome video Cam. Can’t wait to see the $199 press do a multi-color print. Good luck!

[@ThePrintLife]

Yea dude I dont know if I can do it. That think is tough.

[@20vK]

@@ThePrintLife a small hammer is your friend! Loosen the screen off just enough to tap it into reg. Problem is they change reg when you tighten them up from loose! Whether the press will actually hold reg, is another question altogether, though!

[@chrisnwendyduncan]

I have this press and I can't wait either! It took me FOREVER to put together but now I can do 1 color good (new to all of screen printing) and I have faith in you Cam, you can do it!

[@mikeydesignssilkscreen473]

Nice! I like where you're going with this. Title and all... I see what you did there. :) Keep up the great work!

[@ThePrintLife]

Yup try to expand that audience.

[@mdellie856]

Awesome video man! I'm super new to Screen Printing and this video helps me out a 1000%. Just so you know, I went to click on your Amazon affiliate link and it brought me to a dead page. I'm definitely interested in those clamps. I just thought I'd let you know. Thanks again man!

[@ThePrintLife]

my bad I fixed it. thank you for the heads up. Your the best

[@kristianholbrook3999]

Finished building Press from the video last week. Waiting for clamps from Amazon and need to strengthen with more screws when get hold of a drill. Kristian said this -

[@inkingsink]

Good to see a new upload. Awesome work and great info. The award for most shirts worn in 14 minutes or less is all yours my friend. lol

[@ThePrintLife]

Lol yea dude this video was shot over a handful of days and I almost gave up on it.

[@Dmite_The_Great_6558]

Man I love your videos !! Very helpful thanks …

[@andersfernandez13]

"cheap press, heat gun, it'll get the job done" that's a really good t-shirt right there

[@ThePrintLife]

Thanks man. I love the color combo. Subtle yet popping. Thank you for the comment

[@dbear3]

"Let's uuhhhh ... let's tackle it eh?" LOL

[@TheInkBuildUp]

Awesome. Glad to see another video from you. This very informative for someone starting out. I remember when I barely started, I started with a diy 1 color press that I made from wood. Than upgraded to a used cheap 6 color 1 station that I saw on sale for $2000pesos (about $105 USD). Its a horrible press with no micros nor even an off contact adjustment. It's a pain but making work until I'm able to afford an actual press.

[@ThePrintLife]

Yea man I think on this platform the entry level stuff is more usefull from a tutorial perspective.

[@TheInkBuildUp]

@@ThePrintLife It is, theirs a lot of people trying to learn screen printing. As well it's very helpful as well to people already printing. Great way to learn new tips and ideas.

[@chrisnwendyduncan]

Lol! I know the frustration with this press! I am very new and I put this together too. Mine is the 4 color 2 station and I got my registration thingy (gate) to keep my screen from lateral movement by tightening it down kinda crooked on purpose. Otherwise it moves!

[@ThePrintLife]

ah that's a good idea.

[@anthonylazaro8140]

dude you are the absolute man

[@bilbryink9929]

Great video glad to see you posting these, do you have any live shows coming up. The video marketing tool is an excellent choice compared to Blogging and having to worry about satisfying all those SEO rules and trying to get your info ready to go out to the public. It's a nightmare to do it right.Not that videoing is a piece of cake because you still need to edit and put it together. You do it very well.

[@ThePrintLife]

I feel like I need to do both. I was converting the videos into blog posts but wowza thats allot of extra work. I will get someone to help write them soon.

[@bradweiler1458]

Thanks for the video! Great stuff.

[@ThePrintLife]

Anytime. Thank you for watching. You are the best.

[@MrSeanMeechan]

SUPER HELPFUL, thanks so much!!

[@johnmav8309]

Than you man! You are the best!

[@jakey7178]

Bought the blue one recently for £78 on eBay here in the UK, shipped from Czech Rep and arrived within the week. I’ve yet to use it though.

[@denzilmupetami]

idk why i watched this or how i got here but i like it. you have my like, sir.

[@ThePrintLife]

That's what I'm talking about. You are the man!

[@ColdChills01]

😁It's so hard to find an affordable printing press ( 4 color 1 station /4 color 4 station ) that has great reviews, little to no "quality" issues or good features like micro registration. Im yet to find a top rated best list for manual printing presses at beginner/entry-level at least not on a pro grade level and I don't mind buying extra for great features & quality but $1400 for a start up small business sounds a bit much but if it's worth with the right stuff I'll buy it... Im not sure about the "Merchmakr" alternative just to throw that in there 🤔thank you for all the really awesome and useful videos I always look forward to seeing what's next on your channel

[@amberandreucci6843]

You are amazing! I've stumbled across your youtube channel and have been absolutely immersed in your videos. I've recently decided to start a small screen printing gig out of my home for both small runs of my apparel business (I have so many design ideas!) and some other smaller runs for friends/family businesses. I'm definitely creating this at home DIY home press as I learn. I do have a question and hopefully, it's okay I ask here! Do you usually use plastisol ink or do you use water-based here and there as well? I started with whatever was initially suggested to me a few weeks ago and using water-based ink but I find even though my screen looks perfect (after days of testing and re-doing) that the ink still feathers and or doesn't get all of the design with my ink and squeegee I'm using. You had mentioned using a certain plastisol ink you liked in one of your other videos but I can't remember what it was called. Anyways, any info from your genius mind would be appreciated as I embark on this new journey. Thank you for posting all these videos and I can't wait to learn more from you! You are both hilarious and talented!

[@mdellie856]

Hey Cam! Great video man! I'm actually in the process of making the cheaper press as we speak. I have a few questions. My first question is how do I know where to my Jiffy clamp relative to my screen? Do I just measure from the end of the mesh(facing me) to the front of the frame (away from me)? my second question is what size screw did you use? Thanks man!

[@snakebitegraphics1005]

I started out with that same blue 4 color press.... it worked but was a PAIN!!!!!!!! was glad to retire it after a year lol

[@ThePrintLife]

Were you able to do paid work with it?

[@tristandanner2163]

He’s back let’s go! Come on Cam, post vids like the old days

[@ThePrintLife]

Oh man I just got anxiety thinking about producing at that frequency. I literally didnt sleep during that time.

[@tristandanner2163]

The Print Life I get that bro, but try and give us one atleast once a week dude we miss you! You and Lee Stuart are the only entertaining ones!

[@outfitsgarage88]

Good information. Thanks

[@MariaAltmann]

Carn you are a Gem!

[@dexterledesigner9372]

Thanks for this videos 🙏🏾✊🏽

[@ethanayala2864]

Good video 👌

[@mikeydesignssilkscreen473]

Pow! Look at that! I think you got the formula down. This video is growing fast. Super jelly! lol

[@ThePrintLife]

Rember talking about it on the phone. You were right.

[@mikeydesignssilkscreen473]

@@ThePrintLife Now I just need to get onboard.

[@whatwhowen]

Always a fan of your videos! Any chance you make a blueprint for the cheap $30 press?

[@ThePrintLife]

Na its soo easy you can do it no problem from the picture.

[@corypettitt5596]

So I started with that exact blue press! and ran into the same problems and more..the biggest is that the base was bent to hell and 1/4 of the hardware was just non existing.... Soooo with a hole lot of swearing and some backyard engineering it is now with stand and functional registration. mostly from just stuff lying around my place or at friends. it rocks now! so if anybody has one of those and are just about to kick it to the curb and go back to a lovely life of flopping whoppers.... hit me up. I I can walk you through or make you some seriously needed upgrades!! I would be happy to help!!

[@carlosarturo3906]

Cory Pettitt Is there any way i could contact you so you could help me out?

[@corypettitt5596]

@@carlosarturo3906 absolutely

[@corypettitt5596]

@@carlosarturo3906 [e-mail] Hit me up.

[@rugar9california187]

Im all ears to help make the press register better

[@jeremyhelmick1471]

Cory Pettitt definitely could use some help also

[@shanester8712]

I'm glad you said you already liked the cheap 1 better. I bought the blue 1 to replace a homemade press. But ended up using the pallet on my old cheap homemade press

[@ThePrintLife]

Yea the jiffy clamps are just better.

[@miked.2323]

Cam I have a super noob question maybe you can make a video on how you dispose of the chemicals you use to reclaim a screen and how you can do it at home.

[@ThePrintLife]

I have seen some crazy set ups. I may be able to put something together but It will be awhile before I get to it.

[@JustSaytheWordLLCGINAGIL]

Thanks for the video btw!

[@ThePrintLife]

No problem. Thank you for subscribing and watching. New vids in January.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

One day I’ll be able to make shirts on my own

[@ThePrintLife]

You can do it

[@qwaurk985]

Maybe build a little topper box that has a hole in the side that you could place over the shirt. Stick the nozzle of the heat gun in the side hole and get an "oven" effect that might work better than overlapping passes.

[@ThePrintLife]

That is a good idea worth trying for sure.

[@gerardohernandez-lr7xx]

Off contact never work for me in 20 years never like it but you're project is excellent for beginners

[@ronaldabadphoto]

nice video and lighting.. :)

[@ThePrintLife]

Thanks man, I want to step my lighting game up moving forward. I have some cool ideas.

[@abdiasgeorges5865]

The best video that I see

[@ThePrintLife]

Damn thank you so much. You are the best. Stay tuned for more content for things like this.

[@TheKyleRav]

That Amazon press might be decent for one color live events

[@ThePrintLife]

Pretty much the reason I bought 2 of them as back up presses for smaller events.

[@terryw5500]

Is there some sites you can recommend for the flash dryer

[@bradleiby]

im interested to see you try the milti color. i use the blue press and i have had a hard time with that. I also had a hard time bc of making the screens for a multi print also

[@ThePrintLife]

Me to also feeling lazy not sure I want to deal with it, but I will

[@TehJawknee]

Easy fix for the blue press. Wrap tape around the post so the bearings tighten more when you bring the arm down.

[@joahleu]

非常棒，nice work~！谢谢分享

[@dennykim6209]

I like this video. For your next video, will it be a challenge to register a 4 color process design on that press?😀

[@ThePrintLife]

oh yes, I keep hearing from people in these comments that they can get it done, but I'm not very confident. We will see.

[@kphillips8068]

Very useful info on building a press, thanks.

[@ThePrintLife]

Hey Keita, long time no see, how's the family? Thanks for popping in. You rule

[@kphillips8068]

The Print Life things and family are good. Working on our own page/channel and studio Lightspeed Jr. I'm looking into making merch and your info is very helpful. Keep em coming and glad to see you're doing well.

[@ThePrintLife]

That's awsome. Hot me up when you get the channel started. We can do a collab to get you off the ground.

[@nickjoenck1264]

Which font are you using on this print? I liked it and want to use for my brand if no problem, really nice video

[@jeremyhelmick1471]

One your image That you printed in this video was trying to figure out how you designed the border of your lettering like that. My kids and I are just now starting out our new life Journey with screen printing life and unfortunately I purchased us the same blue press but trying to making it work until we can upgrade..

[@ThePrintLife]

I can do a video for the process it's pretty dang easy in illustrator.

[@mr.emdesigner4622]

Good!😊

[@NattySlim203]

Do you have a link to the plans for making the screen printing press

[@danaarteaga8283]

Ok what’s tripping me up is what screen frame and drama do you use and where do you get one

[@Tristano.t]

My man saw your video and saw how tou expose a screen outside. I live in the caribbean and it’s freaking sunny all day. Can i just as easily put it outside like you did?

[@cheapskatepropaganda1106]

Those cheap 4 colors presses can pull off a 4 color print if you know what you are doing. The real question is can it hold up on a production run or live event. Would love to see a time lapse of that.

[@nysmassage]

Do you have exact dimensions or another video on step by step printer press build. I’m sure I could figure it out but would much rather be certain if I’m trying to not f it up

[@dagztv555]

i really enjoy watching your vids. i learnt alot from you. thank you. im a beginner and i have a single press. i am dying to have at least a 4 station press. can you just give it to me? 😁

[@terryw5500]

Can you give exact measurements for everything so i can go to homedepo and they cut it

[@ThePrintLife]

I just made that video check out the 30 dollars press video on my channel

[@pinksoulstudios]

Awesome video! Do you have an amazon link for the ink you would recommend, white ink on black shirts. Thanks!

[@ThePrintLife]

We use will flex. There is not much available in way of ink on Amazon at this time.

[@JohnEastmanExAttyAtLaw]

I just bought a mint condition Ryonet Silver with screens for 100 bucks. One of the screens is still new.

[@MANMA25434]

greetings from morocco bro i'm really intrested in this and I'm thinking to start in and make it my livelihood just a question plz can i print with all colors and print also colored tshirts ? and maybe plz some advices about combining screen printing and sublimation printing stuff and heat pressing that ............. the 2 methodes works with colored tshirts ? coton and polyester ?

[@richardniswander9030]

Do u have a video on how to print hats

[@leopinlex2151]

Hi! What kind of paint was it? And the grid? I want to compare it with my own.

[@Aliaammaar]

What is that roll paper use u put on the table?

[@ganjanation9180]

I have this same press but the alignment area is slightly different mine has like berings but I can't figure out how to adjust them I just used electric tape to fill in the gap but is still not solid . if you have any suggestions I would highly appreciate it .

[@jamiesimpson7248]

Great video! But the real question here is can you turn the cheap press into a multi color press to try out before investing heavily?

[@ThePrintLife]

I would not waste much time building a 4 color press personally. Not to say people don't make it work, but there is a point of diminishing returns. I would try the blue press because it is basically free most spend more on mcdonalds in a week. No matter how I slice it, screen printing is not cheap, the inks, emulsions chemicals all cost money. So there will always be an investment.

[@bagwear8689]

YEEEEEEESSSSSS

[@anagandulasaikiran9212]

Sir i want to such type of screens and it's spare parts and solutions

[@tedmidthun3827]

Any way to do multi-color prints without this style press? E.g. could you make multiple wooden single presses and some how move the platen between them, or maybe use cheap t-shirt boards that you move from press to press? Not for business, but maybe a dozen shirts for hobby purposes.

[@eross21]

so for beginner moving to multicolor , from $30 press. what press do you suggest ?

[@randomviewer7880]

any links to the white ink you’re using ?

[@respectvibesonly]

Long time no see

[@s7121n9s]

I was gifted a couple of clamps from a professor at school and Im planning to build that little wooden press you made tomorrow as my 1st press. I started screen printing recently in my print making class and fell in love. Do you happen to have the final dimensions for it out of curiosity and what wood is the best to get for it?

[@ThePrintLife]

I dont have the dimensions off hand. I just winged it. I would say make the pallet 14x18 and you should be good to go.

[@s7121n9s]

@@ThePrintLife thank you. I caught everything else but the pallet was the main thing. Much appreciated!

[@trungg9165]

i love this video

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank you for watching. Please throw me a sub if you like. I have more stuff with this press coming in January.

[@jimsairbrushadventures9667]

What is the name of the clamps on the homemade press? Thanks in advance

[@CaptZenPetabyte]

Biggest question for me is where do I get really cheap plain coloured shirts here in Australia?!

[@stephenroberts2526]

So a realistic starting budget could be as low as $300 for ALL supplies (screens, DIY press, emulsion, ink, better heat setting option, etc.) If nothing else, it makes for a fun hobby with some side money potential.

[@iam.loopexx]

I like the idea blue one,many colour can been printed..and also saving a storage,can put at the side of corner..but,I worried about the clamp and the frame border,for long term uses..it can bend the frame border because it needed to clamp tightly avoid slightly printed..for me,that clamp design not good for long term uses..

[@ThePrintLife]

Correct bending was a horrible idea anyway. Someone else mentioned I should adjust the pallet tilt and they were correct. That's what I should have done.

[@thazualatochhawng2815]

You just tape the registration mark before putting the ink/printing?