How to Make a Silk Screen Machine

Silk screens

Silk screening is a fun and educational process that is great for kids and adults alike. You can print your own designs on anything that has a flat surface, from shirts and hats to mugs and tables. The possibilities are endless. Now, make your own silk screen and let the fun begin.

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Silk
• Router
• Rope

Instructions

1. First, construct a wooden frame out of 4 pieces of 1" square wood. The size of the frame is up to you, but most silk screens are around 12" x 18". This should give you a sizeable printing area.

2. Next, take a router and a 1/4" plunge bit and create a 1/4" deep cut all the way around the wooden frame. Essentially, you are creating a moat in the wooden frame. This will be used to secure your silk screen.

3. Now, take your section of silk and stretch it over the wooden frame. Using the rope, push the silk into the moat created by the router bit. The rope should fit snugly and keep the silk from sliding out. This will keep the silk stretched nice and tight across the frame.

4. Alternatively, you can also skip the router step and instead just staple the silk to the frame after stretching it across the opening in the frame. However, this doesn't allow you to remove the silk for easier cleaning, or to re-stretch the silk across the frame if it loosens up over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Go slow and enjoy your work. This will help you minimize mistakes.

• Always exercise caution and use safety equipment when operating any power tools.