HowNest
If you own a heat press like the Color King CH1720 can be a profitable deal for anyone looking to start a small custom printing business
But what happens when things go difficult before you even get started? That’s the situation I found myself in after purchasing a used CH1720 from someone who couldn’t figure it out.
I too got it up and running, so I hired an electrician to install a proper outlet in my garage.
Instead of setting it up, though, he took the machine apart—and left me with a jumbled mess of wires and no clue how to reassemble it.
What followed was a frustrating but educational journey to get my heat press working again.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, this experience might help you navigate the chaos.
1. Dealing with the technical setup:
When I picked up the Color King CH1720, I knew it was a bit of a gamble. The previous owner admitted they couldn’t get it to work, but I figured a professional could sort it out.
I called an electrician to install a dedicated outlet, thinking that would be the end of my troubles. Instead, he decided to “inspect” the internals, leaving me with loose wires, a disconnected circuit board, and no instructions. Worse still, he vanished after the job, leaving me to pick up the pieces—literally.
I’m no electrician, but I’m determined. My first instinct was to find a wiring diagram. I scoured the internet, contacted vendors on Alibaba (where these machines often originate), and even reached out to anyone who might have a lead.
No luck. Most responses were unhelpful: “Contact the salesperson” or “Get the electrician back.” Neither was an option. So, I turned to online forums, hoping someone out there had tackled a similar beast.
2. Taking help from online communities:
The online community didn’t disappoint. One user pointed out that the circuit breaker in my photos was upside down, but reassured me it wouldn’t affect functionality—though it wasn’t a great sign of my electrician’s competence.
Another shared a connector guide for a similar controller, suggesting it might match my setup. The advice was practical: tighten loose wires on the circuit board and test the starter button to see if it triggered the relay contacts. If it did, the wiring should be correct.
Then came the wires—a tangled mess that looked like a plate of spaghetti. Someone asked if the loose pairs were two ends of the same wire. I wasn’t sure at first, but after tracing them, I confirmed they were. “Those are for the temperature sensor,” they said, explaining it would connect to the heat plate. It made sense, but I couldn’t find the sensor itself. Had the electrician removed it? I was starting to feel in over my head, but the encouragement kept me going.
3. Getting It Running
After weeks of back-and-forth, I decided to call in a professional—not the original guy, but a local electrician with solid reviews.
He confirmed the loose wires were indeed for the temperature sensor, reattached it, and wired the machine based on its similarities to a standard electric water heater.
To my relief, the CH1720 hummed to life. Victory! I could finally start pressing designs—or so I thought.
4. Uneven Heating
Just when I thought I was in the clear, a new issue cropped up. One side of the heat plate was scorching hot, while the other barely warmed up. Back to the forums I went. The consensus was clear: the CH1720 has three heating elements, and all need to be functional for even heat distribution. The suggestion? Check the wires for continuity and test the elements by powering them directly.
I’ll admit, I hesitated. “Continuity” sounded simple enough—ensuring a continuous connection with a multimeter—but “powering the elements directly” felt risky. I didn’t want to fry the machine (or myself). The advice came with a caveat: if I wasn’t comfortable, I should find someone with basic electrical skills to help. I took the hint. While I’d gotten this far, I wasn’t about to gamble with live wires.
Conclusion
With help from a friend who knows his way around a multimeter, we tested the heating elements. Sure enough, one was faulty—likely the root of the uneven heating. Replacing it wasn’t as daunting as rewiring the whole machine, and soon, the CH1720 was pressing evenly. It’s not perfect yet; I’m still tweaking the temperature settings, but it’s functional.
Looking back, this ordeal taught me a few things. First, not all “professionals” are created equal—vet them carefully. Second, online communities can be a lifeline when official support falls short. And third, while DIY can save the day, there’s a limit to what you should tackle without expertise. I still don’t have a wiring diagram for the Color King CH1720, but between forum advice and a little trial-and-error, I’ve got a working machine.
If you’re wrestling with a similar heat press puzzle, start by tracing wires, tightening connections, and testing components step-by-step. Reach out to forums, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a steep learning curve, but with patience—and maybe a multimeter—you might just press your way to success.
