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[knifemaker3]

I've gotten to where I use 156 mesh for most due to a softer hand but still get good opacity.  For halftones I use anywhere from 196 for large halftones to 305 for small halftone and highly detailed designs.

The print we done today were printed on 305 mesh at 60 lpi 45 degrees.  There is no way I could have held some of the halftones in this design on a 220 mesh.  I lost some even on the 305 but my emulsion was getting old and I think had an effect on the really fine dots washing out.

I will try and take a picture tomorrow if I can remember to bring the wife's camara in to work.

Sorry folks, but for this type printing the Yudu just won't cut the mustard IMHO.  It's fine for the simple 1 color spot jobs in short runs, but not for the type printing I'm doing more of these days.

[deChez]

Yudu makes only 110 and 220 screens as far as I know, but I imagine if one had to a notion to do something with a different size mesh, one could use a "real" screen by simply using some duct tape to attach it.

The thing is, you're now comparing apples to oranges. I'm comparing the Yudu to a 1 station "professional" set-up.....for doing one color jobs. As I said, the Yudu is perfectly adequate for someone like me who does 1 color jobs, 50 - 100 pieces.....has space limitations, and a limited budget. Spending less money on equipment doesn't diminish my artistic skills, or make my work any less professional.

[knifemaker3]

dechez, I could do the prints I done today with a set of jiffy clamps attached to a board and use the same screen as I'm using in my "professional" 4 color press.  Nothing fantastic is needed to screenprint 1 color jobs. 

That said, without being able to print halftones the Yudu is greatly limiting your "artistic ability"

I'm not going to get in a fight with you or anyone over the Yudu.  I'm simply stating I was very disappointed in the Yudu after what I've read on here.  It was definitely not what I expected.   If you feel like this is a quality product and will serve you well, then by all means go with it.  For me, I was very disappointed and expected much more from what I had been hearing. 

[workrelatedtees]

Maybe some people looking at the YUDU in a big order turnout. As for me anything that make me money I will buy. If I can Print up 50 shirts with one screen instead of printing something 50 times on my printer that saves me ink. If I just 50 t-shirts for just young teenagers or printed napkins YUDU is right for it. It's all about the project. Think about time, how many items needed, how much you are being paid for it what make me choose what I will use for that project.
Just my opinion

Sometimes just for one color or maybe two color of words is not worth using a printer 50 times just for that. One screen 50 times passing  is fine and quick.
Michelle

[lben]

I got a Yudu to learn screen printing on.  Then I got a 1 station 4 color silver press from Ryonet.  Wow, what a difference.  The first thing I noticed was how tight real screens were.  I use it as a light box now and that's ok.  It served it's purpose.  I learned the whole process without having to spend a thousand dollars right off the bat.

The prints that I did on it (one was a 2 color) don't look any different than they do on my other press.

[MonkeyMeMe]

Thanks iben,

I to have been using the yudu, and also have the jiffy clamps for a table press,

I use reg screen and then yudu,,

I love the exposure unit on my yudu, 

andi look forward to getting a big press from ryonet,,  i invested in dye sub instead of a press.

I also think it is a great way to start.

[lben]

I have the sublimation too, or at least I did before my printer clogged. Oh, then my 4 in 1 press went up in flames.. that was scary.  I'm just glad it did it right in front of me.  Two days earlier I was in the basement screen printing and then running upstairs to apply foil and had the press running the whole time!  When I think of what I could have come upstairs to I just shudder.  So I have to invest in some new sublimation equipment and ink.  I also bought the setup for a crystal imprint system.  And rhinestones, and vinyl.  Now I see there is something called flocking... lol  Once I make up my mind what I want to do for a living...

[knifemaker3]

iben, that is why I highly recommend you keep a fire extinguisher next to your press.  Just like any appliance, these heat presses can go up in flames.

Be sure and get an extinguisher that is rated for electrical fires or you can stand a risk of getting shocked when you hit it.  An ABC rated is good.

Glad you didn't loose anything more than just your press.  What happened to your breaker?  It should have throwed before your press caught on fire?

[MonkeyMeMe]

speaking of this,, does everyone have their press directly into a wall or thru a surger protector,?

thanks

[knifemaker3]

MMM, I plud mine into the ground fault plug in the bathroom at work.  It sits close to the door and I just run an extension cord into the gfi plug.

I can't see any problem with plugging direct to the wall as they all have their own internal breaker plus your regular breaker should trip in the event of a short in the system.

[MonkeyMeMe]

I have always plugged my machines direct, but i would love to put on a extension or surge protector for easier access of unplugging basically,,

what do you guys think ,, is it better for direct or can we use the extensions or surge,,

It seems to me when i started i was told never use extension or surge,,  but i would sure love too
Thanks booger,, always good info from you

[knifemaker3]

As long as you have a big extension cord you will be fine.  I've ran mine all day long at shows on a 100' orange extension cord and it never got hot.

Get a short big diameter extension cord or just use a surge protector.  Surge protector will be the best if it is long enough for you.

Good luck and don't call me when the place burns down! 

[MonkeyMeMe]

thanks booger,, a surge protec would be fine,, so i can unplug from the counter instead of crawling under my counter every day,, lol to unplug,,

not a pretty picture,

[MXRacingDad]

An extension cord or surge protector would be fine just make sure that it is heavy duty and has an amperage rating that will cover the amperage used by your press.

[MonkeyMeMe]

Well i think i hijacked this thread too,,,,,,

ok back to the yudu

[MXRacingDad]

Highjack away you are allowed! 

[knifemaker3]

Hey MMM, I'm the OP of this thread.  And I ain't worried that you hijacked it!!!!!!! 

[MonkeyMeMe]

you guys just know i get so darn excited about stuff i just blurt it out,,

thanks for putting up with me, guys

MMM