T Shirt Printing Machine for $30 | DIY T Shirt Business | Step by Step Screen Printing Press
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
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T-Shirt Printing Machine | Build a $30 DIY screen printing press for your t-shirt business. This step-by-step screen printing press will produce professional results for beginners. Screen Print at Home Cheap and easy. You are a t-shirt printer in the making.
View my series of videos to start a print shop with the smallest investment possible.
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Cam Earven:
Instagram: / monumentlimited
Twitter: / camearven
![STEP BY STEP EXPOSURE UNIT for SUPER CHEAP [Screen Printing Tutorial] T-shirt Business](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bCYr-KNRjBs/mqdefault.jpg)
![STEP BY STEP T-SHIRT BUSINESS [ 2 cheap t shirt press options ] Homemade screen printing press](/img/n.gif)
All I had to do was buy the clamps to build this set up. Totally worth it. Also home depot will cut all the parts for ya.
Oh that is a great point yes they will
And dont forget to buy the stuff through my amazon store.
Your totally right about home depot. I made my press last week and never cut one piece of wood. The jiffy clamps I used were the ones cam recommend. You can find them in his Amazon store!
Would I still run a flash unit if I were using water based inks?
How thick of a mdf did you get?
So for the last couple months, I was really enthralled to make my own t shirts. Just lowkey stuff to wear and to skate in. Did research, and just like starting any hobby, there's a million different sources of information, help, etc that quickly become OVERWHELMING.
I did more extensive research for a couple weeks and decided to buy a Speedball All in One Kit. The most expensive one I managed to track down for $70 bucks brand new. Everything included.
Fast forward a few weeks, I've made a couple of my own shirts which are super sick. Very simple logos for the moment.
Here are my current takeaways.
1. I'm using Vellum paper and have noticed it's a bit harder to wash the design out versus transparency paper. I'd use transparency but no retailer has it physically, would have to order online.
2. It's a super simple process but can be daunting when you're first starting out.
I enjoy all your videos dude, you're probably the main channel where I get my info.
Until next time!
Instead of using vellum paper you can just print your design on regular white paper and coat it with oil, also add some oil to the screen so that it sticks, works really well and even the smallest details come out good, 💁🏻♀️
@@killsunhee I'll go ahead and try that tonight. How do you wash out the oil properly off the screen tho?
Ava Giovanni with any liquid soap, scrub it on the screen gently with your hands and wash it off!
You got any pics of your shirts?
@@Guyonadirtbike I'll post a pic later and send you an @ on instagram or something
Paid more than $30 for the materials to build and set up. Paid wayyyyy more for other supplies to get started but after I got all my supplies and the press built, it works great.
I built the exact same press with laminate wood for $40
Honestly knowing what kinds of inks and meshes to start with. Watching so many great videos on CZcams so many people mention all different kinds of inks, so may an explanation of the basics of inks, kinds, and when to use them? My second thing would be trying a 2 color or 3,4, 5 or 6 colors. From knowing how to line stuff up (register) to how to separate it correctly in Illustrator. Thanks for the great videos!
I have most of the set up videos covered on my channel, I have not done a detailed video on mesh selection yet. I will get started on that. Most ink is the same.
@@ThePrintLife I have checked out some of the videos--thank you! Love the way you explain stuff--keep up the great work!
Cost associated with the business is really the only thing holding me back. I have the basics, small single manual press, home made exposure unit and all the 9's to get the job done. But with this process comes time. Watching these videos have brought me a long way in the quality phase, just need to get to the quantity so that this side hustle will take off. The design part is a sinch as the wife was already trained in several programs and we were already cutting vinyl for businesses and others. Was about to start buying an exposure unit and a dryer but meh, C-19 hits and all money is staying with me. Keep it up Cam, doing a good job.
Now is the time to get you website up, so you can start getting clients in your local area. Start build that right now, so when things turn around you will be there to pick up the work, allot of shops are going to close during this thing.
I've been making t-shirts for just over a year with vinyl. I sure wish I saw your videos first. I'm slowing converting my little room into a single colour ink press room. Thank you very much for your videos. I wish you all the best.
This is hands down the best build I have seen to make a press. Thank you for making it so simple. I love the simplicity of it. Other people really overcomplicate it. especially for a beginner thing. You just want to start. I just finished building the workbench I needed to use this on. I am going to be building this press today. My jiffy clamps are being delivered tomorrow. So excited!! Thanks again,.
That is awesome of you to say. Welcome to Screen Printing. Keep me posted on your progress as a printer, You are the best.
The Print Life what size screen are you using in this video ? I purchased the 20x24 inch but it’s too big for the surface area. Did you use a 18x20 here?
At home burning the screen, making the transparent film /photoshop/illustration, cleaning the screen for a different colour, and then completely cleaning it. Normally I pay a screen shop to do this for me but I would like to maximise on profits way more!
That was very informational now I just have to get my husband to build it.
lol
It’s pretty easy. You can do it! 🙂
HAHA i said the same thing😭😅😂
Come one, girls. Build it yourselves.
Shouldn’t you do it? Since men and women are equal
PLEASE READ - save your money. I’m trying to start a screen printing business, I currently just put boards through my T-shirts but wanted something a bit better for cheap. Went and made this and it’s seriously terrible. He has his measurements all wrong, I went to this guys shop in Ohio and he doesn’t even use this machine, he uses the one he brought of Amazon because he said the one he made doesn’t even work properly! But he’s advertising like he uses it. Please save your money, he hasn’t even put the accurate wood dimensions, the T-shirt still scrunches with the cut of wood and it doesn’t feel sturdy on the table at all, it always moves even with the clamps. Wasted my money and time making this and his method didn’t even work so had to make my own
I done the exact same! Does not work! Please save your money & time I’ve been doing screen printing for 5 years now for even designers like yohji and I wanted to do at home, made this. Took 6 hours because his method is completely wrong & still didn’t work
Same here, guys a scam 🙂
I seriously learn more from you than any other videos I watch about screen printing!!! Thank you for the beginner content! Off to go build my press!
The problem im running into is the money for supplies to get started. Ive got screens, squeegees, spatula, some white and black ink. Need to make this somehow and find the funds for emulsion
Printing clear white plastisol ink on a dark garment. especially black tshirt.
Give that cool tone on tone look
You previously posted a video on how to make a press for so cheap.
I built it and its amazing thank you! I started my own clothing brand as well after building this haha!
That is what I'm talking about right there. Thanks for the comment.
Good work Spiritual Leader! We need you in these difficult times. Keep washing your hands and don't breath the air!
I promise I have not taken a single delicious breath since this started.
Best teacher in the game hands down
Nice build. I as well built a 1 color press with wood when I started.
Same here. This little press works great for one color jobs.
@@ThePrintLife it does. BTW, love your new editing of your videos. Since I have my own channel, I have more respect for the way people edit their videos since I know all the hard work it involves.
There is a couple of things that are stopping me from getting started, the first is confidence to take the first step. The second is the Adobe illustrator side, i.e. how to get an Ai file pready for printing on transparency paper etc Could you do a beginner's video on that please? As always another great video dude! 🤘
Already got that one done, check the playlist good stuff in there
Ink scape is a Free program you can use until you get going and can pay for illustrator. Confidence will come in time. You can do this!
Resourcefulness
I'm glad you can spell it. I cant.
25x25 wood formica
2x4
2x6 straight as possible
drills, screws, jiffy clamp, tape measure or t square
I appreciate your videos tremendously! I was sold on the idea of printing on heat transfer paper and doing the heat press route and found that i can’t go that direction if I’m going to open my own apparels business. So I decided I’m going to have to do screen prints. Your videos have help so much. I know nothing about making shirts but I want to do it so bad. Thanks again man!
Just made this press today! 🤩 thank you thank you for the awesome video! Pumped to try it out this week!
This was exactly what I was looking for. I’ve watched your other videos and now I have good idea on how to finalize this print station.
Reason I’m doing this is bc I wanna print my own graphics on T-shirts without waiting on my contractors. I need to print ideas quickly! 🤙🏼
I used your template to make a portable screen printer bc I own a company that sells swag and branded merch and if it is easy and 1 color, I will print myself bc I love printing (instead of outsourcing to my bigger printers). I just wanted to share an amendment for anyone who might want to change out platen boards (children's sizes, sleeves, etc) I changed the screws to bolts, washer and butterflies. I counter sunk the top and wood filled and platen taped the surfaces of each so I can change out different styles/sizes of platens. Thanks for the easy to build design and for sharing your idea. I take my system with me when I travel and I create T's for friends and customers anywhere now.
I have been printing for almost 30 years and your videos are by far some of the best out there. They are easy to understand, simple, short and to the point. I have incorporated many your ideas/suggestions. Thanks for doing what you do! I am about to screen print on golf discs bc I am a retired Ultimate player and I still golf and my brother is an amazing illustrator and we are about to print on the actual discs. Any recommendations for printing on non flat not cloth surfaces?
Instant subscription. Ive been wanting to do shirts for ages and this is too good of info to pass. Sweet last minute birthday gift to myself 🎂🥳
I’m doing this job for 2 years and I love it
I’m just starting and I’m so excited!
Thank you for taking the time sir, it makes a difference!
It would be great for you to leave the dimensions in the description, especially dimensions to the back board that you forgot to give info on. Appreciate it if you read this and do it.
02:43 Money trouble is keeping me from starting, but IT WILL HAPPEN ONE DAY!
Yes it will watch my playlist, lots of info on building a website for cheap, Website will help you get customers.
Hey I’m just starting out, bought myself most of what I need but a press and exposure unit. I use a not so strong lamp to expose from like 14 inches away for about 6-8 minutes, designs wash out but many times portions get blown out and the smaller details usually get kind of absorb, I use 150 mesh counts and honestly I need saving, I’m so under motivated because I’m not getting strong results and I’m having trouble refining my process, also I live with my parents and it’s difficult to keep everything in its place.
I've always wanted to get into screen printing but intimidated by the process, I have no idea where to start with no experience. And of course I love diy, my lack of extra funds has held me back a lot
Starting from the bottom 🔥🔥
Started at the bottom now we here. Thank for commenting
A good tip is if you don't have a printer but have a vinyl cutter make a transparency with htv so you have an original you can use to make a shirt plus works great to burn into screen
Very nice tip, thank you for sharing, you are the best.
Thanks for taking time to put out this video, I’m going to be building this next week!! Thanks again!!
Just finished making mine from the directions you posted nice!
Ngl that tape measure flip was amazing
Exposure is a major pain. Varies by emulsion, Screen density, Exposure Unit. I built my own wash out booth, and so far I've tested 20 screens that have all been total wash out. Knowing what the mesh size is, when unknown is also something that needs to be addressed.
Thanks for this great content for beginners!! One thing I'd REALLY love to see is more of a "here's everything you really need to get started" video. Lets say I buy some pre-stretched screens, and follow this video to build this DIY press.. what's next? Looking at screen printing supply websites, there's an overwhelming number of chemicals and tools, outside of just ink and emulsion. And it's really difficult to know what's actually needed and what's more of a nice-to-have. A video breaking this down would be extremely helpful!
There's always that one guy who dislikes a video...keep up the good work Cam ...learning as we go brother 💯
Hahah I know who it is, I'm watching that person right now through their window.
@@ThePrintLife haha I get one on every video I put out ...they got to show the love ..Cam lol
You got me inspired! I like wood working projects and I’m enjoying printing shirts! Found a blem sheet of MDF at a big box store for $5!
Wow, really cool. That way, printing t-shirts at home will be easier for everyone
Thanks a lot , built it works great ,altered it a little with springs and c- clamps keep up the good work, and love watching your channel!
I think you should redo the video for sure so that it flows better with the information. I'm seeing a lot of comments where people are confused on the cutting the wood for the shirt gap
Liked the video and subscribed the moment you talked about resourcefulness!! Love this piece of advice! This is exactly what I've been doing my whole life up to now !
When I don't have something I need,I try to be as resourceful as possible! Great video thank you very much for the advice on how to build this printing machine!!!
Have you ever done a video on printing 6 section hats? I'm trying to learn how to do just one of the front sections of a Richardson 112 style hat.
Awesome video. I think I'll be building one of these. I might figure out how to do multiple colored printing.
Did my part! LOL... Keep killing it Cam. I hope all is well over at Monument Limited.
Thanks dude. We are all good so far.
Lets get 1000 likes on this video in the first day!!!!
We didnt do it :( We will get em next time. You guys can do it!!!!
cool video cam thks great content
Thank you for dropping a comment
Exactly what I've been searching this past week. thank you !!!!!! Lol
You are very welcome, thank you for watching and commenting.
NGL I might try this for one of the popular shirts just for kicks
So yes want to know something. As a beginner, after printing your shirt. Can you just leave your shirt outside to dry ( meaning 1. Just somewhere around your house or 2. Outside where it’s sunny and making sure no dust etc comes on the paint). Thanks bro
That depends water based inks like speedball can air dry, I think permaset aqua has a line that can air dry, Plastisol has to be cured with heat.
@@ThePrintLife thanks man!!
Marketing the shirts! Awesome video man 🙏🏽
Awesome! Love your humor too... Hahaha
Man I'm so glad I found your channel!
Man thank you so much for this information man!!! ❤
Very helpful of definitely doing this
You got thus super easy and like they are saying in the comments home depot will do the cuts for you.
as usual Cam, awesome video.....sales is my nemesis, but i'm getting some....
Get that wordpress site built already. and start working on local SEO
Coollllllll, Wow very nice and easy, thank u. Sir
awesome video! I have ordered shirts for a church group for 5 years now and am so tired of getting the wrong thing or messed up prints. We are taking matters into our own hands! just starting so it is all new stuff. What is pallet tape? How did you make the screen? I will be watching more videos! Thanks so much!
if only he knew how much wood was going to be now
So glad I found your video three years later. What was the thickness for the MDF 25x25 board?
Proper flooding of my screen with ink is my big obstacle. That, and, proper emulsion thickness.
Always great info, thanks dude! :)
No problem, Thank you for watching and dropping a comment it helps me and the channel allot, you at the best.
Totally doing this, youre DOPE!
Out of the 24" Long for the press, when you do the 2-3 gap what's the measurement do you just end up cutting from the 24 length? What's the measurement for the top part where the clamps are at?...
I’m no professional but it seems as if he cut the 16x24 piece into two piece which are 16x20 and 16x4 The jiffy clamps go on the 16x4 piece. (I think 🤷🏽♀️) with a 2-3 inch gap between them.
@@TheKraftyKell thank you! Appreciate it
What size screens are best to use?! And also what size did you use in this tutorial?! Thank you🖖
That’s Im trying to figure out right now what size screen he used here
Yo Cam, big thanks for all the contents you've been putting out, I've really learnt so much from you. One quick question though, I just got a 1 station 4 color screen printing table press and I'll love to know how high should the base be from the ground up, should it be at my waist level, above or below it? Thanks.
Very nice and explained clearly.
Thanks!!! 🙏🙏🙏
i need my printing machine now
Does it have to be MDF or can it be regular plywood?
i like ur conent bro thnx a lot
Awesome video and tutorial! Going to make one for my high-school design class... fyi, the link for your Amazon shop is not working or hacked... I tried to click it and got hit with spam bots!
Great information it's hard me for me to get the shirt in the middle the designs be off a little bit thank you
Am moving forward
It just showed me an ad for the FreeJet330TX plus which costs $12,000.
How many inches long was your wood piece with the pallet tape after you cut the original piece to add the gap? Trying to make sure I don’t leave it too small.
thanks again for a helpfull video!! a like is what you get my good sir
Thank you for the like and the comment, Your the man.
I create my own designs but finding some to print a few at a time is hard. Also, my designs are mulit-colored.
Multi-color prints in low quantities will always be a difficult situation for you, the shop has to charge a fair amount to make it worth their time if you opt to print your self, multicolor is more technically complicated, and require better more expensive equipment to produce with good results. Either way I'm sure you got this
Running a circular saw in my apartment at 1am. Its a real roadblock right now. Thanks for asking.
Use a handsaw. Cheap and not nearly as noisy.
Thank you
This was really useful, thank you. One question though, will the MDF plate be OK in terms of warping once it's repeatedly exposed to a flash dryer? Thanks
Ink clogging the mesh is my kryptonite
usually happens if : you don't fully clear the screen when printing, or if you allow the pallet to get too hot between prints since it's slowly drying the ink in the mesh as you print.. Allow the print to cool down after flashing between colors, if you have a single station press this will slow you down, but if you have a multi station press, print, then flash directly after that way as when the shirt comes around it had some time to cool down
for sure watch my video on printing a single color job on this press. You are the man.
Can you make a video about happening on black t-shirts please and thank you??? 😁😁😁
A subject I don't see much is where do I sell the shirts? Custom made for construction crews or churches, schools? Creative ideas that attract who?
Hey there I trust ya, know why....because I' m a lefty too and tfs .. My hubby's Saturday project Big Thankyou. New subscriber. Cheers☕ from Ontario Canada👍👍👍👍forgot to say Iam a 67 yr. Young gal on a mission and do t.shirts with H.T.V...but here comes new adventure for me!!!😂 thanks again Cam🍻
cam whats good?!! hey another question. what are the dimensions of the scree you used for this print (inside en outside). thanks again!
These are our live print screen, they are 18x20 but you should grab 20x24 inches manual screens
@@ThePrintLife thanks for the reply! but what is the difference betwee live screens and manual screens. (couldn't find it on google)
At about 2:40 to 3:10 there's a chunk of missing information regarding how you set up and attached the board that you attach the clips to.
This was so helpful!
Hi!
is it the Ideal distance from the top? or is it too high?
Thanks for all of the info so far! Have you tried Screen-printed heat transfers? What are your opinions on that vs traditional screen printing? Would you ever use Screen-printed heat transfers for anything?
Heck yea I would, I have not used them In along time but I love heat transfers.
You’ve probably already tried with HTV but I’ll give my experience in case you haven’t. I have had so much trouble burning screens. Only 1-2 out of 3 screens burns correctly and gives me what I want (I do tea towels and my sets are in 3’s so I NEED all 3 screens to fulfill an order).
I began using HTV to fill the need while I figure this out. They have been well worth it!!! They’ve taken the scariness out of preparing screens and given me
Confidence to keep moving forward. My only caution is that the adhesive will deep into your stencil lines creating haze. So be sure to clean your screens REALLY good after you set the HTV. But to get started fast I highly recommend giving it a go.
thanks
What's up, Cam?
My wife is finishing a business plan for her college final assignment and we will then use this business plan to make our own print shop. At first we were thinking of using shopify but we might change that for WordPress instead. About inks, have you heard of hybrid paints? Would you know anything about it? Keep up the good work!
I know about hybrid emulsions, I have not heard the term hybrid inks, maybee I need to get out more.
Hi that is very interesting I would like to start soon
So rad thanks for sharing
This guy could be the next Freddy Kruger
Excellent info..(yes i'm two years late on watching this video). My only question is what size is your screen??? Thanks in Advance.
Hello. First timer here. Looking online for ways to help my son find affordable ideas for tshirt printing, came across your video; which by the way found it most encouraging. Now, my question is, where can I find a good starting pack of the paints used for this kind of screen t-shirt printing?
Amazon seems to have the best deals and a huge variety of brands on the ink/paint.