What is a cheap but good DTG printer for t-shirt printing?

Hey there, t-shirt enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs!

Are you looking to dive into the world of custom t-shirt printing without emptying your bank account?

Well, you've come to the right place. Today, we're going to talk about DTG printers – specifically, how to find a good one that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

And spoiler alert: we've got a top recommendation that might just be perfect for you!

What's DTG, anyway?

Before we jump in, let's break down what DTG means.

DTG stands for Direct-to-Garment printing. It's like having a super-smart inkjet printer, but instead of paper, it prints directly onto t-shirts and other fabrics.

Pretty cool, right?

Why DTG is awesome:

1. Colorful and detailed designs: You can print photos, complex graphics, and even gradients easily.
2. No minimum orders: Want to print just one shirt? No problem!
3. Soft feel: The ink soaks into the fabric, so your design doesn't feel thick or plasticky.
4. Quick setup: Unlike screen printing, you don't need to create screens for each color.
5. Eco-friendly: DTG typically uses water-based inks, which are better for the environment.

Now, let's get to the star of our show: the Epson SureColor F1070

Drum roll, please!

After looking at various options, I've found that the Epson SureColor F1070 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a cheap but good DTG printer.

Let's dive into why this little powerhouse might be just what you're looking for.

Size matters (and smaller can be better)

First off, the F1070 is compact.

At just 35" wide, 28" deep, and 17" high, it's like the tiny house of DTG printers. This is great news if you're working from home or have a small shop.

You don't need a warehouse to start your t-shirt empire!

Two-in-one: DTG and DTF

Here's where things get really interesting.

The F1070 isn't just a DTG printer – it's also a DTF (Direct-to-Film) printer.

What does this mean for you? Versatility, my friend.

You can print directly on shirts, or create transfers that can be applied to a variety of materials. It's like getting two machines for the price of one!

Quality prints that pop

Nobody wants dull, fuzzy designs on their shirts.

The F1070 uses Epson's PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead technology. In plain English? Your prints will be sharp, vibrant, and eye-catching.

We're talking up to 2,400 dpi resolution here.

Your customers will love how their designs look!

Ink that lasts (and doesn't break the bank)

The F1070 uses Epson's UltraChrome DG2 Ink system.

These inks are designed to be durable and vibrant, even after multiple washes. Plus, the printer uses a cartridge-free ink pack system.

This means you can print more before needing to replace ink, saving you money in the long run.

User-friendly features

Epson knows that not everyone is a tech whiz, so they've made the F1070 easy to use:

• 4.3" touchscreen interface: It's like using a smartphone to control your printer.
• Automatic garment height adjustment: No more fiddling with manual adjustments for different fabric thicknesses.
• WiFi connectivity: Print from your computer without tripping over cables.

Low maintenance = More printing time

Nobody wants to spend hours maintaining their printer.

The F1070 has some nifty features to keep maintenance to a minimum:

• Automated printhead cleaning system
• Ink circulation system to prevent settling
• Easy-access maintenance areas

What's in the box?

When you buy the F1070, you're not just getting a printer.

Swing Design hooks you up with a bunch of goodies:

• Full set of inks (CMYK + 2 White)
• 10" x 12" garment platen and grip pad
• Epson Garment Creator 2 software (works on both Windows and Mac)
• 1-month membership to SoFontsy VIP Enterprise
• $500 in design rewards from SoFontsy
• Cleaning supplies and tools

The price tag

Now, let's talk money.

The F1070 comes in at $6,995 on Swing Design.

Is this cheap in the grand scheme of things? Maybe not.

But for a brand-name DTG printer with all these features?

It's actually a great deal.

Remember, you're investing in your business here!

Who is the F1070 perfect for?

This printer is ideal for:

• Small businesses just starting out
• Home-based t-shirt enterprises
• Existing businesses looking to add custom printing services
• Anyone printing about 100-200 shirts per month

A few limitations to keep in mind

No printer is perfect, so let's be upfront about a few limitations:

• The maximum print size is 10" x 12". This is fine for most designs, but might be small for some oversized prints.
• It's best for small to medium production volumes. If you're planning to print thousands of shirts a month, you might need a bigger machine.

Getting started is a breeze

Swing Design doesn't just sell you a printer and wave goodbye.

They offer:

• Setup and installation support
• Training resources to help you get the most out of your printer
• 1-year Preferred Exchange Warranty
• Lifetime U.S. based phone support (because we all need a helping hand sometimes)

Why choose the F1070 over other options?

You might be wondering about other Epson models like the F2100 or F2270.

While these are great printers, they're also more expensive and larger.

The F1070 offers a perfect balance of features, size, and price for those just starting out or running a small operation.

Tips for success with your new F1070

1. Experiment with different fabrics to see what works best.
2. Keep your printer clean and maintain it regularly.
3. Learn about color management to get the best results.
4. Practice, practice, practice! Like any skill, DTG printing gets better with experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print on dark shirts with the F1070? Absolutely! The white ink allows you to print vibrant designs on dark fabrics.

Do I need to pretreat shirts before printing? For best results on dark shirts, yes. But don't worry – the process is simple and Epson provides guidance.

How long does it take to print a shirt? It varies depending on the design complexity, but generally a few minutes per shirt.

Can I print on things other than t-shirts? Yes indeed! The DTF feature lets you create transfers for all sorts of items like hats, bags, and even shoes.

What kind of ongoing costs should I expect? Your main ongoing costs will be ink, cleaning supplies, and blank shirts. The cartridge-free system helps keep ink costs down.

The bottom line

Starting a t-shirt printing business is an exciting journey, and having the right equipment is crucial.

The Epson SureColor F1070 offers an excellent balance of quality, versatility, and affordability. It's compact enough for small spaces, produces high-quality prints, and comes with everything you need to get started.

Remember, success in the t-shirt business isn't just about having a great printer.

It's about creativity, marketing, and providing excellent customer service.

But with the F1070 as your printing partner, you've got a solid foundation to build on.

So, are you ready to turn your t-shirt dreams into reality?

The Epson F1070 might just be the perfect sidekick for your entrepreneurial journey.

>>> Check AVAILABLE EPSON F1070 Bundles here