Heat Transfer Laser Guide! - This $6 DIY Tool is BETTER Than The Tee Square Tool

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6 жыл бұрын

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Music: Dubstep - Bensound.com
In this video I am sharing the technique we use to complete a consistent run of T shirts to where the design is perfectly positioned horizontally. This laser marker is available for only $5.99 at Harbor Freight Tools, and can be bought for even less when you use a coupon. We used the Tee Square Alignment Tool for a while until we decided we needed a quicker way to consistently place our designs before transferring. While this is not a fool proof method, we have found this way to be far more efficient than any other way and it saves us time and money!
Link to Harbor Freight Tools:
www.harborfreight.com
Direct Link To Laser Marker Tool:
www.harborfreight.com/laser-m...

Пікірлер: 222

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

**UPDATE** 04/10/2024 It looks like Harbor Freight is phasing these tools out and are no longer available in stores or online. Here is an eBay link to a similar tool that is USB powered. I’ve been looking for a wired solution forever and here it is. www.ebay.com/itm/334913665220?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1kx8d8uqrtm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=TbwNDVUlRQi&var=544125085285&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY ***UPDATE***08/29/2018***SOLUTION FOR FAULTY LASERS AFTER BATTERY REPLACEMENT*** In an effort to help those that are struggling with faulty lasers and failing after battery replacement, I wanted to post this update. I changed out the batteries for the third time today and the laser would not light back up. This was a similar problem that others were having with this tool. I found that the lower retaining spring that contacts the bottom battery was not making a good contact. I took a small piece of aluminum foil and folded it a few times, then put it underneath all three of the small watch batteries. The laser lit right back up. My theory is that the spring weakens over time. When you pull the old batteries out, the spring does not immediately spring back to make good contact with the lower battery. This may not work for everyone, but it worked for me. I will be purchasing another of these tools. This solution is only temporary so I can finish a run of shirts. I hope this info helps!

@afowler0 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Great idea. Will head to Harbor Freight after church tomorrow.

@pamschleif8102 5 жыл бұрын

Sign Me Up Designs z

@fantasticstacy 4 жыл бұрын

Foil Did not work. I only had this one day when it started acting up so it didn’t weaken over time. It’s a cheap laser and hit or miss if it will work for you that day. It’s great when it actually works.

@larrymoremckenzie3029 4 жыл бұрын

@@fantasticstacy -just got mine to-night and problems already,nothing better than folding shirt down the middle and pressing a line,and measuring off that!

@kellylamas6420 8 ай бұрын

I use my one on my sewing machine. Thank you does work well now..Thanks :)

@odessawilliams4113 5 жыл бұрын

I use 2 of these on my heat press for left to right and up and down. Works great

@brandisessions1225 5 жыл бұрын

How did you place the second one?

@MaxCruiseable 4 жыл бұрын

@@brandisessions1225 you can put it right next to the other one, and rotate the head of the laser to do a vertical line

@migukeomma6278 4 жыл бұрын

@@MaxCruiseable you are a genius!

@jakeqwaninne8502 3 жыл бұрын

@@MaxCruiseable i was gonna say the same thing, i paint cars , (general auto body stuff), i use the laser line for all kinds of stuff there, i also do woodwork and attempt to build guitars at home, and i got tired of constantly having to check , over and over for my straight edges to be in square, so i mounted 3 of them to the cieling over my work bench so it's like a cross hairs and it dose'nt leave pencil marks now the real trick it powering it, i don't like dealing with batteries, so i took an old phone charger (5 .25v 2 amp DC ), cut the smaller end of a usb cable off , strip the black - and red + wires' plastic cover off, take the batteries out of the laser, connect the usb wires to the lasers' wires red to red , black to black, and you should get a constant and even laser line ,, just make sure the power supply says DC output

@sheryltupa4289 Жыл бұрын

I was going to ask about that. Thank you for the info. Guess it’s back to Harbor Freight for me!

@BECCASTULIP78 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome tip! Totally thinking that I will get a second one to do the vertical line to make sure my design is completely centered! Thank u! 🙌🏽

@RepDaVinci 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! I just got my first 60 run order. This video is a God send. Thank you so much for this.

@PsychologistToTrader 4 жыл бұрын

You just saved me a ton of $ from what I had planned to buy and also a whole lot of headache and hassle. Thank you so much for sharing!!

@WynterNash 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, it's 2022 and Harbor Freight still has this for $5.99. Going to pick me up two of them tomorrow. Thanks, this is great, I'm just starting, my heat press should arrive this week.

@loribrooks6736 5 жыл бұрын

GREAT video! I just starting using a heat press and stumbled on this video. I'm headed to our local Harbor Freight shortly! Thanks so much!

@TheCatwolf1 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent idea!!! Thank you. I was about to order a T spuare it. Glad I found your video!

@landfillhill 3 жыл бұрын

Genius!!! I’m planning to get a heat press soon so this is awesome info for me. Here’s another tip I’ve seen: use magnets to keep your Teflon paper attached to the top so you don’t have to keep moving it between shirts.

@322doug 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea... I actually got 2 of those lasers, I have 1 going horizontally and 1 going vertically.... works great, THANKS ALOT!

@tamigarcia820 5 жыл бұрын

I actually just seen ur video omg seems the easiest way to do this for me thank u for the great tip

@darealskyywalker9496 3 жыл бұрын

Can't thank you enough for this tip bro. Game changer!

@robbiekendrick1486 Жыл бұрын

I was just looking at shirt laser guides. Thanks for video, I'm definitely going to Harbor Freight today and buying two and trying a vertical and horizontal mount system on press.

@airfryerdeluxe5543 4 жыл бұрын

Wow this is great, wish I had come across this video much sooner. Thanks!

@ryanmindfulness158 3 жыл бұрын

Love this, I just ordered 4 of them. Thank you so much

@nigel1597 11 ай бұрын

For $5 you can't go wrong. I'm buying two of these today.Thanks for the video.

@reluctantlemming 3 жыл бұрын

That's an excellent idea - thank you for sharing it!!

@crirojas8592 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent idea, thank u so much for sharing it!

@peterbryant19 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, I'm going to use this, Great tip!

@themandinkan7411 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Just what I needed.

@adstwenty4seven 3 жыл бұрын

OMG......this still helps me just starting out in 2020 THANKS A TON!!! Saved me from the Tsquare tool 2 thumbs up!!!

@bakerwannabe4435 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. Thanks for the video. You’re right about the timer sound🤣

@jofloresz 5 жыл бұрын

I thought I was the only nerd using this but I am a harbor freight fanatic so it makes sense. I have been pressing vinyl for about a month and I went to harbor fright and got me one of these I use it for all my woodworking tools so I use it for my press as well love it and mine fits on the round bar in the back so, I get a line in the center and one on the side so that I get a cross one for the 4 inch logo area. Thanks for sharing one of these days I'm going to put my stuff on youtube as well!

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

Jo Great minds think alike!

@JohnD0077 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea I needed something like this

@BrendaFaye 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip cuz I will definitely benefit from this!

@thevizualassassin7744 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I immediately went to Harbor Freight half way thru this video. The magnets arent too stable but I just Gorilla Glued a stronger magnet and it doesnt move at all. Love this idea!!

@tinalee9574 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this awesome hack!!

@GaryFujiokaSr 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks my dude, that's a great idea.

@anthonyscott16 5 жыл бұрын

That's a really smart idea man. Thanks!

@RoverGurl 4 жыл бұрын

I was just about to purchase the Tee Square It and so glad I came across this video when I was looking for the Tee Square videos! In fact I've been eying it for the last few years but really think it's way over priced! Especially if I didn't know if it would work for me because of the mixed reviews. I currently use a laser to line my designs but it can't mount on the press. It's the We R Memory Keepers laser has worked well for me the last few years but this one looks like it would make my production run a bit faster. Thanks for sharing!!!!

@kg811 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I was using the laser vertically but I like at the seams instead.

@lmawithchauncia 4 жыл бұрын

SO HELPFUL!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

@kctsp6631 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great video, thank you for sharing.

@adairbrowne9628 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this video! It definitely holds the line. Neat inexpensive trick to lessen the stress. I would put one on the vertical side for the center placement.

@bikergurl8180 4 жыл бұрын

Going to try this. Thank you!

@solodolo304 3 жыл бұрын

Love every Life Hack I can get to make things easier!! Thanks bruh!!

@SignMeUpDesigns 3 жыл бұрын

💪🏼

@audrabutler2740 5 жыл бұрын

I love this idea!!!! I don't have a big heat press. I have the hand heat press. Trying to figure how I can work it with that.

@DraLaRoc 6 жыл бұрын

Bro.....thanks for sharing! I was just about to pull the trigger on that Tee Square. Have a Harbour Freight right down the street from me.

@SignMeUpDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

Andre Butler Glad this video helped! As I said in the video, I’ve learned a lot from KZfaq so I figured this was a great way to give back!

@CourtneyMoore-qu3xx 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool. I'll give it a try.

@WillSmithyourdreamlife 6 жыл бұрын

Wish I would have saw br that t square purchase. Great vid

@johnrayez9148 5 жыл бұрын

Great idea man

@RussmanDesignHD 3 жыл бұрын

Good Stuff! I'mma buy one today!~

@thelivingmanpart2 2 жыл бұрын

Whoooo! Thanks for the advice!!!!

@jeipin3401 3 жыл бұрын

This is genius I'm going to harbor freight now !

@r.rodriguez9350 5 жыл бұрын

Its a good idea n cheap thanks for sharing 👍✌

@christineg.6006 5 жыл бұрын

This is EXACTLY the kind of tip I was looking for. I'm working at a place, a newbie, and their "training" was literally... Just use 3 or 4 fingers to measure down from the collar. ???? Then they just threw me to the wolves, pointing out my *mistakes as I went along. Made me think to myself, 'too bad there's not like some laser grid above the design to assist with centering'... And then WAL-LAH! I come across your video! I'm heading out to my Harbor Freight tomorrow to get one.

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

Christine Guttilla I’ve made the same mistakes and also realized there had to be a better way. Sounds like the place you’re working for could use some training themselves on employee relations. Glad I could help, I hope it works out for you!

@Ruxmojo 2 жыл бұрын

Clutch maneuver bro 😎

@daurethachappell9447 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing great idea.

@orosteve4597 2 жыл бұрын

I stumbled onto your video and found another cool hack, thx! I’m not sure if any of your comments below mentioned this, I haven’t taken the time to read them all, but what I do for a vertical line is to fold the shirt in half and matching up the sleeves, seams, collar and the sides all the way down to the bottom seam making sure it is folded directly in half. Then I heat press for 3-5 seconds....that makes a nice crease from top to bottom (vertically) and the laser finishes off the horizontal line... Thx for the video 👍

@SignMeUpDesigns 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never heard of that method before. Seems like a solid idea. Thanks for sharing!

@jayrome8764 4 жыл бұрын

You are a lifesaver man, thanks!

@SignMeUpDesigns 4 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@tamaracapodanno4542 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. Thank you.

@snoppy1038 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, for the video..very helpful tip

@alberta1860 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info brother👍

@alexrobertsoniv5712 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks going get one right now.

@Bobster986 7 ай бұрын

Dude! That's awesome! Thanks!

@Bobster986 6 ай бұрын

It’s too bag they discontinued it 🤨

@tblazinztip 5 жыл бұрын

Dude can't thank you enough cause you just saved me £700!!!

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@mskrcole 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent; buying mine tomorrow. Really thought the t-square for $50 was 45 too much.

@SignMeUpDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

Kathy Cole I totally agree! Glad this video helped!

@officialmunroe5036 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely video🔥🤘🏻🔥

@schpoe123 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks that will help a bunch....

@carlward28 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video

@dj72970 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting and helpful video, I order mine a ready, one question, where you buy your transparent paper?

@UseYourManners123 3 жыл бұрын

Ty!

@taracrupi2410 3 жыл бұрын

A tip for you on adjusting the crazy loud timer song sounds. From a mom who’s kid had tons of way too loud and annoying toys given to him over the years…..take a few strips of scotch tape (or maybe in your case some heat press tape if the speaker surface area gets hot) and layer the tape over the speaker. The more layers you add the easier the sound gets to stand. Thanks for the laser level tip, I’m heading to pick one up today! I appreciate you and your desire to give back and help others.

@SignMeUpDesigns 3 жыл бұрын

Good tip on the tape! I got tired of it about a year ago and wrapped a sock around it. Not the best approach but it definitely helped! 🤙🏻

@yourunclesam6780 6 жыл бұрын

Nice idea.Thank youuuu

@jl.8408 4 жыл бұрын

Good work!

@juniord6198 5 жыл бұрын

Nice great idea

@migukeomma6278 4 жыл бұрын

YOU ROCK!!!! You have just made my t-shirt making life soooooo much easier! Harbor Freight is my jam, so I try to stay away from there because I'm like a fat kid in a candy store. But if you say I must go there, then I must. Wallet be damned😁

@SignMeUpDesigns 4 жыл бұрын

MigukEomma 🤙🏻

@ThatThing1675 6 жыл бұрын

Best advice and and gadget for t shirt alignment definitely however does anyone have an alternative for people that are outside of the US, lets say Europe for example?? Since Harbor Freight don't seem to ship outside the US.

@oobairbrushguy 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video man! Watching this, I had a quick idea. haven't tried it yet. What if you were to use 2 markers, and put the other on in the center, with the beam vertical? Would that give you your center line ( at least on the press) for guidance? Maybe it wouldn't help at all, but I was thinking I could use it for that or even to create a "intersection marker" for pocket design placement. Going to pick this up today! Thanks a lot for the video! :)

@SignMeUpDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

OOB Airbrush I’ve actually considered this too. I feel like there would need to be a seam or center stitch on the collar to make it work, but then there would be no guide point on the bottom of the shirt. If there were a laser marker designed the same way that shot a crosshair beam it would be perfect. To my knowledge there is no such thing (besides one for hanging drywall) that is compact with a magnetic base. Please let me know if you find a solution!

@adairbrowne9628 5 жыл бұрын

OOB Airbrush I was thinking the same for use with centering on the vertical. Some people usually have more issues with center placement.

@mikkiemcmillan6975 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you VERY much!

@stephanienishimura9113 10 ай бұрын

Aloha from Hawaii 🌺 ! I just ordered 2 from Amazon at triple the price 🥲. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing this tip! I just started pressing for my husband’s business. Alignment & centering transfers is by far the most frustrating part of doing this job. I hope this will alleviate all my stress😅!

@SignMeUpDesigns 10 ай бұрын

We could all use a little less stress!

@DaSesh 4 жыл бұрын

Subscribedddd and thank you !!!!!

@jacquelinevadnais8269 4 жыл бұрын

Love. This. Thaaaank yoooou!

@daonguyen3251 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!

@sexymonkey4979 5 жыл бұрын

Hey any tips on chest print i have trouble with those as far as placement. I can wear the large and tape design on chest were i want it but for shirts smaller or larger i need a way to just measure placement

@reneeboyd7695 Жыл бұрын

I stumbled on your video yesterday, 4/10/23, and surprisingly the lasers were on clearance for $4.97 each at Harbor Freight. I got the last two at my local store.

@SignMeUpDesigns Жыл бұрын

This is why I love harbor freight tools. Their tools are consistently priced and always at a fair value. Glad to hear they’re still under $6!

@Orangexcounty 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro

@frankruiz1973 5 жыл бұрын

Good Idea !!!

@billjohnson1778 3 жыл бұрын

You just saved me $300....Good looking out!

@PMPerformance 5 жыл бұрын

This is actually pretty damn genius! I am glad I found this as I feel I spend too much time lining things up. My issue is more side to side alignment and I do with a tape measure currently, but at the same time, you can add a second laser to the side. lol. Have you tried keeping the laser on between presses? Because I can see removing between presses getting just as annoying as a T square and taking that extra time to line back up

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

I personally have never used a laser for side to side alignment. I usually find the center of the transfer and line it up as close as I can to the tag on the collar (if there is one) or just judge it the best I can by eye. It seems to work out pretty well thus far. And yes I’ve left the laser on between presses but I find two issues...one, if you leave the laser on, the batteries do not last. And if you go to switch it off, it usually shifts a little so you’ll have to realign regardless. Also, I find it much easier to align the laser to the shirt seams, vs aligning the shirt to the laser. It’s really all a matter of preference, there’s no really wrong way to do it. Glad I can help, good luck with pressing!

@PMPerformance 5 жыл бұрын

@@SignMeUpDesigns Thanks for the response. It is cheap enough that it is worth a try to see if I can cut down on time a little. The stuff I cut is a little harder to line up, but this may help me. I find that I do an initial press of the shirt alone and then remove and take to my table to put the graphic on and measure a ton of times and then take back to the press to press. Hoodies are a pain because I flip them upside down so the hood doesnt get in the way. So that was where I was going with having to realign each time.

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

PMPerformance Hoodies are definitely tricky in their own way. I also used the same technique at first...preheat, remove the garment and lay it flat on a table, then take it back to the press. If you have a smaller size press that seems to be the best way for larger 2xl + garments. My press now is 20” wide and I only had to remove a hoodie once to get the graphic lined up. It was a 5XL! But you’re correct, if $6 has the potential to save you a ton of time, why not. And search for a harbor freight coupon too. They always have a 20% discount coupon active on their website.

@PMPerformance 5 жыл бұрын

Sign Me Up Designs thanks much! It’s deff a learning process. I am using a similar Chinese made 16x16 press. Yea large hoodies are a pain. I did not think about that when buying it. Thanks again for the advice. I am at Harbor Freight frequently as it’s down the street from work. I’m gonna run and grab one today to try out.

@AWOL1969 2 жыл бұрын

I’m new to heat pressing and this was a great idea. Unfortunately I live in Canada and Harbour Freight doesn’t deliver to Canada. I looked on Amazon and the least expensive laser like the one you have is selling for $39 , I was like NOPE! I’ll keep looking for one. Thx again for the video. Cheers

@SignMeUpDesigns 2 жыл бұрын

The Canadian equivalent of Harbor Freight is Princess Auto. I checked out their website and unfortunately they don’t carry this laser marker. They are on eBay for around $17 but unsure of the shipping to Canada. $39 is definitely higher but after years of using this tool I’d happily pay that. It will pay for itself in no time. Good luck!

@mommy2twinsplusone 6 жыл бұрын

This is genius! I bought one after watching your video, but then realized I don't have a clamshell heat press, but a swing away one. Any ideas for using the laser on that kind? Thanks!

@SignMeUpDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

I have a swing away press as well and it has a steel heat shield similar to my clamshell. I would suggest placing the garment on the platen, swinging the press in to where it's just above the shirt and then placing the laser on the shield. It may take some maneuvering, but as long as the laser line sets up where the sleeve seam is located, it should work just fine! Try it and let us know!

@toscp123 5 жыл бұрын

Damn bro you are the shit!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

toscp123 🤘🏻glad I could help!!

@minedbojo 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@josepjusta3594 2 жыл бұрын

I would like to buy it but I do not find it available in Spain or Europe

@richardlueth9961 4 жыл бұрын

Can the laser be used vertically as well

@donnajs100 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@davebeveridge4332 4 жыл бұрын

Whereabouts can I get a laser beam up here in Canada

@jackfrost3995 2 жыл бұрын

It is going to be different lining up sublimation prints run off from my Epson printer, maybe you have some ideas. Looks like you just do the vinyl or do you do both types of print? Oh I am new to all of this.

@SignMeUpDesigns 2 жыл бұрын

This is actually a very good question. I mainly use Versatrans transfers anymore with an occasional vinyl transfer. I don’t have any experience with sublimation but I have an idea that may work. I assume that there’s a printed side for sublimation and a paper backing. If possible, you can download and print a grid pattern on the reverse side of the sublimation paper, then run the paper back through for the sublimation print. That’s what I would try if it were me. I’m genuinely curious if this would work, please share your results if you try!

@cjnola5047 6 жыл бұрын

I was just looking for a way to make a laser pointer to align and came across your video. Thanks for tip. I wonder if you could place one on the side to get the vertical line as well

@SignMeUpDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

CJNola504 check out the other comments on this video. One of the guys had the same idea and made it work! I was always curious of the vertical alignment as well. So it is possible!

@blsd1im 5 жыл бұрын

Nice!!!

@terrivh 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@vydoan6231 6 жыл бұрын

This. Is. Genius.

@xemo1617 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought one at Harbor freight but trying to use with cricut... any suggestions on a contraption to mount it on? And are these the same tools the internet is trying to sell for $49.99?

@SignMeUpDesigns 3 жыл бұрын

I’m actually unfamiliar with the cricut presses so I can’t be much help there. As for the $50 internet tool, it’s probably just a repackage of this $6 one from a “company” that hopes you won’t see this video. 😂

@MrNatethegreat2008 Ай бұрын

You can turn the shirt around , so the collar is towards you

@felipeguerrero2409 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff man! Can I ask what kind of paper that is? I normally print my logo on transfer paper and cut out my logo with scissors, but yours looks much more straight forward. Thanks!

@SignMeUpDesigns 3 жыл бұрын

This is a Siser Easyweed heat transfer vinyl. It is designed to be run through a vinyl plotter, similar to what would be used for graphics and lettering. The machine makes the cuts and you peel off the unused vinyl before pressing.

@felipeguerrero2409 3 жыл бұрын

@@SignMeUpDesigns thank you!

@LOIS101449 5 жыл бұрын

How do you use it on a swing away heat press? Also what is the brand of your heat press?

@SignMeUpDesigns 5 жыл бұрын

I've personally never used it on a swing away press, but I believe as long as you have the steel heat shield around the heating element you can magnetize to it. This particular press is an unbranded 16" x 20" clamshell from eBay.