If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been putting my new xTool Apparel Printer Plus to work! I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with DTF printing, and today I’m sharing a closer look at another piece of equipment I’ve been using in my studio, the xTool WonderPress!
xTool WonderPress Review: Heat Press and Craft Oven for DTF Projects
What caught my attention about the WonderPress is its versatility. With interchangeable modules for different creative applications, it’s more than just a traditional heat press. I’m using the Heat Press and Craft Oven modules with my Apparel Printer Plus to create custom DTF projects, and I love having both capabilities in one system.
Let’s take a closer look!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. The xTool WonderPress and Apparel Printer Plus featured in this review were provided to me by xTool. As always, all opinions and project ideas are my own.
What Is the xTool WonderPress?
The xTool WonderPress is a modular crafting system designed for different heat-based applications. Instead of having a separate machine for every process, you can use interchangeable modules depending on the project you’re making.
The WonderPress system includes three types of modules:
- Heat Press Module: Designed for applying heat transfers to compatible materials, including DTF transfers.
- Craft Oven Module: Provides an enclosed heating environment for compatible crafting applications, including curing DTF adhesive powder.
- 3D Form Module: Expands the system into applications such as vacuum forming and compatible three-dimensional sublimation projects.
For this review, I’m focusing on the Heat Press and Craft Oven modules because those are the two I’ve been using with my xTool Apparel Printer Plus.
I really like the idea of equipment that can serve more than one purpose in my craft room, especially when I’m working with several different creative machines.
Using the WonderPress with the xTool Apparel Printer Plus
If you haven’t seen my xTool Apparel Printer Plus review, be sure to check it out! I shared my experience setting up the printer, its features, and my first projects.
The WonderPress has been an important part of that experience because I’m using it to complete the DTF process without the additional Shaker Oven.
My workflow is straightforward:
- Print my artwork onto xTool DTF film using the Apparel Printer Plus.
- Manually apply xTool DTF adhesive powder.
- Remove the excess powder.
- Cure the powdered transfer using the WonderPress Craft Oven Module.
- Apply the cured transfer to fabric using the WonderPress Heat Press Module.
This gives me a complete DTF workflow using the equipment I already have in my studio.
The Shaker Oven offers automation for powder application and curing, which can be helpful for production efficiency. But it’s not required to create finished DTF products or operate a small business.
For me, having the option to manually powder and cure my transfers is a great way to work on custom projects without adding another large piece of equipment to my craft room.
xTool WonderPress Craft Oven Module
One of the features that caught my attention was the Craft Oven Module. I’ve been using it to cure my DTF transfers, but there’s actually quite a bit more you can do with it!
For my DTF projects, I manually apply the xTool adhesive powder to my printed transfers, remove the excess, and use the Craft Oven Module to cure the powder before heat pressing.
The oven features built-in three-stage air filtration and can accommodate DTF film up to 17 x 17 inches. I appreciate having a dedicated curing option that works with the WonderPress system without needing an additional automated shaker oven.
More Than Just DTF Curing
What makes the Craft Oven especially interesting is that it isn’t limited to DTF printing. According to xTool, the module supports several other creative applications, including:
- Sublimation Mugs: Use sublimation shrink wrap to apply designs to compatible mugs. The oven has room to process up to three mugs at once, depending on their size.
- Shrink Plastic: Remember Shrinky Dinks? You can use compatible shrink plastic to create miniature charms, keychains, ornaments, and other embellishments.
- Polymer Clay: Bake compatible polymer clay projects, including handmade charms and decorative pieces.
- Acrylic Bending: Heat compatible acrylic materials for creative shaping and dimensional projects.
- Dried Flower Crafts: The Craft Oven also supports flower-drying applications for decorative projects.
I already work with sublimation and several other crafting techniques, so I really like the potential of having these capabilities in one system.
Sublimation with the Craft Oven
Another feature worth mentioning is the ability to sublimate mugs using the Craft Oven Module. Instead of using a traditional mug press, the process uses sublimation shrink wrap to hold the printed design against a compatible mug while it’s heated inside the oven.
The WonderPress includes a dedicated Baking Sublimation mode with settings for different applications. I haven’t tested mug sublimation with the WonderPress yet, but it’s definitely a feature I’m interested in exploring, especially since I already create sublimation projects in my studio.
Creative Possibilities Beyond Sublimation
I’m also intrigued by the shrink plastic applications. I’ve worked with so many different materials over the years, and the idea of using the same equipment for DTF transfers and miniature embellishments opens up some fun possibilities.
While my hands-on experience with the Craft Oven has primarily been DTF curing, these additional applications are worth considering when evaluating the overall versatility of the WonderPress. Just be sure to follow xTool’s recommended materials and settings for each application. The Craft Oven is designed for compatible crafting materials and should not be used for food preparation.
xTool WonderPress Heat Press Module
Once the DTF transfer is cured, it’s ready to be applied to fabric. This is where the WonderPress Heat Press Module comes in!
One feature I appreciate is the built-in settings for different transfer types and materials. When I’m working with DTF transfers on cotton, I can select the DTF and Cotton settings instead of entering all the pressing parameters manually. This makes switching between projects more convenient, especially since I use several different types of heat transfers in my studio.
I’ve been using the WonderPress to apply my xTool DTF transfers to different fabric projects, including my Route 66 tote bag and custom printed muslin.
Making a Route 66 Tote Bag with DTF
For my Apparel Printer Plus review, I created a colorful Route 66 tote bag with a California-inspired graphic. I wanted something that felt a little more contemporary than a traditional Route 66 souvenir design, and I thought a tote bag would be a fun way to showcase the print quality.
After printing the design with the Apparel Printer Plus, I manually applied the adhesive powder and cured the transfer with the WonderPress Craft Oven Module. Then I positioned the transfer on the tote bag and used the Heat Press Module to apply it. I was really impressed with the vibrant colors and fine details in the finished design!
What I especially like about DTF is being able to create colorful graphics without cutting and layering multiple colors of heat transfer vinyl. And with the WonderPress, I can handle both the curing and application steps using the same modular system.
Creating Custom Printed Fabric for Christmas Ornaments
Another project I’ve been working on is a collection of vintage-inspired Christmas ornaments. Instead of purchasing printed fabric, I’m creating my own designs and using DTF to transfer them onto muslin. I started with a nostalgic Santa design and a coordinating print for the back of the ornament.
After printing the designs, I applied the xTool DTF powder, cured the transfers using the Craft Oven Module, and pressed them onto the muslin using the Heat Press Module. The Santa design transferred beautifully!
The next step is cutting, sewing, and stuffing the fabric to create dimensional Christmas ornaments. This is exactly the kind of creative application I enjoy exploring. DTF isn’t limited to decorating T-shirts and sweatshirts. You can use it to create custom materials for all kinds of handmade projects. I’ll be sharing the complete Christmas ornament tutorial separately, including how I prepare the fabric and assemble the finished ornaments.
Do You Need a Shaker Oven for DTF Printing?
One of the advantages of pairing the WonderPress with the Apparel Printer Plus is the flexibility it gives you when planning your DTF setup. The xTool Shaker Oven automates powder application and curing, which can reduce the amount of manual work involved in preparing transfers.
With the WonderPress, I’m taking a different approach. I apply the powder myself, cure the transfer with the Craft Oven Module, and then use the Heat Press Module to apply it to my project. Both workflows can produce finished DTF transfers. The difference is how much of the process you want to automate.
For a small business creating custom orders, personalized products, or smaller batches, the WonderPress workflow is worth considering. If you’re regularly producing large quantities of transfers, automated equipment may offer advantages in labor efficiency and production capacity.
But you don’t have to invest in every piece of automated equipment to get started or create professional-looking products.
What I Like About the xTool WonderPress
After using the WonderPress with my Apparel Printer Plus, there are several things I appreciate about the system.
- Modular design: I like being able to use different modules for different crafting applications instead of purchasing completely separate machines.
- DTF curing capability: The Craft Oven Module allows me to cure manually powdered transfers as part of my DTF workflow.
- Built-in heat press settings: Being able to select settings based on the transfer and fabric type makes the pressing process more convenient.
- Compatibility with my projects: I’ve been able to use the system for both finished accessories and custom printed fabric.
- Flexible production workflow: I can create DTF products without purchasing the additional automated Shaker Oven.
For me, the biggest advantage is having equipment that fits the way I like to create. I’m constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques, so versatility is important.
What Could Be Improved?
While I like the flexibility of the WonderPress system, there are some considerations.
- First, manually applying DTF powder requires additional handling and cleanup compared with an automated powdering system.
- You also need to account for the time involved in curing transfers separately. If you’re producing a high volume of DTF transfers, that additional handling may affect your workflow.
- Another consideration is that a modular system requires changing modules when switching between different functions. Whether that’s convenient depends on how frequently you need to move between curing and pressing.
And as with any heat-based crafting equipment, you’ll want to make sure you have an appropriate workspace, follow the recommended safety precautions, and use the correct settings for your materials.
Is the xTool WonderPress Worth It?
After using the xTool WonderPress for my DTF projects, I can see why this system would appeal to crafters and small business owners who work with multiple materials and techniques.
What I like most is the versatility. The Heat Press Module makes applying DTF transfers straightforward, while the Craft Oven Module gives me a way to cure my transfers without investing in a separate shaker oven.
But the Craft Oven isn’t limited to DTF. With xTool’s recommended applications for sublimation mugs, shrink plastic, polymer clay, and more, there’s potential to use this system for a variety of creative projects.
For someone who primarily makes T-shirts, a traditional heat press might be all they need. But if you’re like me and enjoy experimenting with different crafting techniques, having multiple capabilities in one system is appealing.
There are a few things to consider, including the investment and whether you’ll actually use both modules. I wouldn’t recommend buying additional equipment just for features you might never need.
My verdict? The xTool WonderPress has quickly become my favorite heat press, hands down! I’ve used quite a few heat presses over the years, and until now, my HTVRONT Auto Heat Press and Cricut AutoPress were my most-used machines. But the WonderPress has taken the top spot in my craft studio. I love how easy it is to use, the results I’ve achieved with my DTF projects, and the versatility of the interchangeable modules. Paired with the xTool Apparel Printer Plus, it’s an especially convenient setup for creating custom projects. I’m also excited to explore more of what the Craft Oven can do beyond DTF curing.
My verdict? The xTool WonderPress has quickly become my favorite heat press, hands down!
If you’re looking for a heat press system that can grow with your creative projects or small business, the xTool WonderPress is definitely worth considering.
Where to Buy the xTool WonderPress
If you’re interested in learning more about the WonderPress, its interchangeable modules, or the Apparel Printer Plus, you can explore the equipment and available configurations through xTool.
Shop the xTool Apparel Printer Plus
Be sure to check which modules are included in the configuration you’re considering, since the WonderPress system offers different capabilities depending on the modules selected.
More xTool Projects Coming Soon!
I’m having so much fun exploring what I can make with the Apparel Printer Plus and WonderPress together!
My vintage Christmas ornament collection is coming along, and I’m also working on a concert T-shirt featuring black knockout artwork.
These projects are giving me plenty of opportunities to experiment with different designs, materials, and techniques.
Be sure to check out my xTool Apparel Printer Plus review for a closer look at the printer and my first impressions.
Happy crafting!
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