Rudy Press Screen Printing FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Let’s be real: manual screen printing can be a grind. When you’re three hours into a 200-piece hoodie run, your wrists feel it, your back feels it, and your print consistency starts to dive. That’s why the Rudy Press has been the talk of the industry. It’s a mechanical bridge that brings the consistency of an automatic press to your manual station.

But we know you’ve got questions. Is it a gimmick? Will it fit your equipment? Is it worth the investment? We’ve rounded up the most-asked questions to clear the air and help you decide if it’s time to change the way you move ink.

How long does it take to setup?

If you can operate a screwdriver, you can set up a Rudy Press. It uses a straightforward four-clamp system that attaches directly to your 20x24 frame. Once you dial in your adjustments to the squeegee & flood bar, you really don't need to adjust again until your next job.

RELATED: Rudy Press Quick Start Guide: Setup & Adjustments

Does it work with my press? What about sideclamps?

The beauty of the Rudy Press is that it attaches to the screen, not the press. This means it’s compatible with almost any manual press with back-clamps that can hold a 20x24 frame, including the Riley Hopkins 150 and the Riley Hopkins 360. While the current version is built for standard 20x24 back-clamp setups, we are currently developing side-clamp attachments and a larger 23x31 version for high-production shops.

What accessories are available?

The standard Rudy Press comes with a 12-inch squeegee and flood bar, but 14-inch & 8 inch accessories are available if you need different options. We also recommend pairing it with different durometer blades depending on the job. For example, using a 70/90/70 triple durometer squeegee is the secret sauce for clearing white ink through high mesh counts.

Do I have to use all Rudy Presses? Or can I use a regular squeegee for the overprints?

You don't have to go all-in on day one. Many shops start by using the Rudy Press specifically for their most difficult screens, usually a white underbase on fleece or tri-blends. You can use a manual squeegee for your top colors. Just keep in mind that the Rudy Press works on a mechanical track from top to bottom, so we suggest using a push stroke on your manual screens to keep your registration movement consistent across the whole job.

Does it actually have better ergonomics? What about Carpal Tunnel?

This is the biggest win for manual printers. When you pull a manual squeegee, you’re putting all that stress on your wrists and the small muscles in your hands. With the Rudy Press, you’re using your body weight and your core to drive the print. It features an easy-grip handle that allows you to stand upright and use your larger muscle groups, which is a game-changer for anyone dealing with repetitive strain or carpal tunnel issues.

RELATED: Rudy Press: Get Automatic Consistency on Your Manual Setup

Does it hold up in multicolor production?

It was built for it. Because it attaches to the frame, you can still use your micro-registration to dial in your job. Once the job is registered, the Rudy Press ensures that every single print in that multicolor run has the exact same ink deposit, layer after layer, without the fading that happens when a manual printer gets tired.

How big can I make my print? Am I losing print space?

You do have to stay within the track of the unit. For a standard 20x24 screen using the 14 in squeegee attachment, your sweet spot is about 13.25 inches wide by 13 inches tall. You'll want to aim for your image to start about 5 inches down from the top of the silkscreen. This prevents the mechanism from crowding the top of the frame and ensures smooth movement throughout the stroke. While you lose a tiny bit of the absolute edge of the screen compared to a manual squeegee, the trade-off is a perfect, edge-to-edge ink deposit that is incredibly difficult to replicate by hand on a large print area. To ensure perfect placement, using a film template is highly recommended.

RELATED: Rudy Press Quick Start Guide: Setup & Adjustments

Can I easily adjust the flood bar and squeegee?

Yes. The Rudy Press is designed for on the fly tweaks. Using a simple 5/32 Allen wrench, you can adjust the angle and pressure of both the squeegee and the flood bar. These adjustments are mechanical and repeatable, so once you find the magic setting for a specific fabric, you can set it and forget it.

Can't I just get better at screen printing instead of using this?

You can always "get better" but even the best printer in the world has a human limit. Skill is vital, but mechanics don't get tired at 4:00 PM on a Friday. The Rudy Press isn't about replacing skill; it's about providing a mechanical advantage that ensures your 500th print looks exactly like your first one. It levels the playing field so you can focus on the business, not just the muscle memory.

Are you working with JT Printing?

Yes! Juan from JT Printing is the brilliant mind who invented the Rudy Press. He approached the Ryonet team at a trade show, and we immediately saw the vision. We’ve partnered with him to manufacture these units right here in Vancouver, Washington, USA, using our engineering resources to scale production and make them more accessible to printers everywhere.

Isn't that expensive for a startup screen printer?

Price is relative to what it saves you. If the Rudy Press prevents one ruined 50-piece hoodie order due to poor ink deposit or saves you from a week of wrist pain, it pays for itself. By bringing manufacturing to our scale, we've managed to get the price down significantly from the original launch price. It’s an investment in your shop’s consistency and your physical longevity.

At this point, why don't you just buy an automatic press?

An automatic press is a massive leap: you need 220v power, an air compressor, a chiller, and a whole lot of floor space. The Rudy Press gives you the results of an auto without the $30,000 starting price tag and the utility bills. It's the perfect bridge for garage shops and growing businesses that aren't ready for the overhead of a full auto setup.

RELATED: 3 Signs You're Ready for an Automatic Press

Does it work well with water-based ink?

It does, but you have to adjust your workflow. When using Water Based Ink, you don't want to leave the screen flooded at the top of the frame where it can dry out. The pro move? Flood the screen, then slide the unit to the middle of the frame. This keeps the mesh covered and moist without letting the ink settle into the open areas of your image.

Will it weight down my screen?

Coming in at just under 11 lbs, the unit is constructed from lightweight aluminum. It’s sturdy enough to handle heavy pressure but light enough that it won't overwhelm your press springs. If you’re using a lighter press like the Riley 150, you’ll find it still performs flawlessly, though some printers like to add a bungee for a little extra snap on the lift.

Isn't that a hassle to setup for multicolor jobs?

Actually, many printers find it simplifies the process. Since the Rudy Press stays attached to the screen, you can register your job normally. The hassle is eliminated because you no longer have to worry about varying hand pressure between colors: the machine handles the variables so your registration stays true throughout the entire run.

Why doesn't it clear the screen?

If you're seeing ink left in the mesh, it usually comes down to three things: off-contact, screen tension, or pressure settings. Make sure you have a stout off-contact setting, especially since the Rudy Press floods in the down position. If you need more bite, a quick turn on the pressure adjustment screws will usually solve it. 

Why does it have to be a push? I want a pull!

It’s all about the mechanics of the track. The Rudy Press is designed to mimic the movement of an automatic press. While it looks like a push from your perspective, the angle of the blade and the way it’s driven through the ink well provides the same control and shearing action as a professional pull stroke. It’s consistent, mechanical, and way easier on your body.

Why do I have to refill the ink reservoir so often?

The Rudy Press works best with a healthy ink well. Because it floods the screen automatically every time you reset, it uses ink more like an automatic press does. You’ll want to keep your spatulas handy to move ink back to the center occasionally, but the consistency you get from that wet flood is worth the extra 30 seconds of ink management.

Can I adjust max pressure?

Yes. If you're worried about smashing the fibers on a delicate fleece or over-pressing a tri-blend, you can set a hard stop on the unit. By turning the adjustment screws down, you limit how far the squeegee can travel, ensuring you never over-ink a garment no matter how hard you press.

How soon can I get one?

Our manufacturing lead time in Vancouver, WA is typically 2 to 3 weeks. We’re working hard to keep up with the demand for the Rudy Press from the screen printing community, so it's always best to get your order in early, especially before the rush of hoodie season.

Still have questions?  Reach out to our team! We’re here to help you grow, one print at a time.