Pressing iron question

[chrisupyonder]

Quoted on Hamish 100th kilt thread by Barb T.

The iron has a teflon sole plate cover that lets you press directly on wool without a press cloth. Although the pressing system was expensive, I've saved its cost many times over. I can press a kilt in 1/3 the time that it used to take me, I can actually see what I'm doing, and the quality of the press is much better.

End quote.

Does anyone know of a cheaper version. My old iron has just packed up after 30+ years. UK supplier.

Chris.

[Chas]

For ironing and pressing, not just kilts, but everything, I would recommend a steam generator. You will have more than enough steam for all uses. Some models in the UK also have a nozzle for general steaming. I have seen steam generators on sale in Argos for under £60.

Regards

Chas

[The Wizard of BC]

Chas is correct.

But there are actually two different things here with similar names.
One is a steam generator and the other is a steam generator iron.
I hope this will help clear up the difference.

The great thing is that with either of these you can do a really good pressing job without the need to spend hundreds of dollars (or pounds) on an industrial quality iron like Barb and I use.



The concept of pressing your pleats is that it is heat and pressure that do the work. You do not iron pleats, you press them.

Steam, not under pressure, is always at the same temperature. That temperature is well below that which will damage wool, but it is perfect for heating it just enough to soften the fibers allowing the fabric to take a crease.

With a steam generator, (also called simply a fabric steamer) if your pleats are just wrinkled from sitting or being packed in a suitcase, a light pass of steam over the kilt as it hangs will allow the wrinkles to fall out under their own weight.

Here is a large steam generator like what I use in the shop to de-wrinkle kilts and jackets.


And a smaller one for home use.

This home fabric steamer costs less than a hundred dollars.

A fabric steam generator like these work really well getting out wrinkles and can press pleats when combined with some sort of pressing tool like this sleeve ironing tool which also serves as a tailors clapper.


Using wood to apply the pressure on your pleats prevents the shiny surface that a piece of smooth iron would cause.

The disadvantage is that with a fabric steamer you do not get the shots of steam you sometimes need to get the heat all the way through the layers of pleats.





Now we get to a new tool to hit the home market in the last few years. These are called steam generator irons.

Professionals have used steam generator irons for decades now. Here is the model Barb and I use.


The advantage of this iron is that it will last for years of daily, 8 hours a day, use. The disadvantage is that they cost hundreds of dollars.


And here is one now available for home use.



The advantage is lower cost but they also will not generate quite as much steam and not last as long before needing to be repaired or replaced.


Steam generator irons, because the steam is created in a separate tank, do not need to get the iron sole plate as hot. This lessens the shiny spots that a normal iron can make.



Remember, that when looking for a new iron for your kilt maintenance, it is the steam that does the work of heating the fabric. So get the iron, within your budget, that creates the most steam

[AKScott]

I have a large volume steam generator like Steve uses to dewrinkle kilts and jackets.

Can I likely get away with the generator I already own and a typical consumer grade clothes iron for 85+% of my kilt presing needs?

Thanks, I figured I would ask while the topic was open.