As custom tumblers continue to grow in popularity, having a tumbler press compatible with various tumbler sizes is more important than ever. In this post, I’m sharing a full review of the PYD Life 2-in-1 Tumbler Press and showing you how it handles a variety of tumbler styles. Keep reading to see if this press is a good fit for your sublimation projects.
Looking for my post about the one-size PYD Life Tumbler Press? Check it out here.
PYD Life Tumbler Press Video Demo
You can actually watch me test out the 2-in-1 Tumbler Press with a variety of tumblers and mugs. Just press play on the video below to learn how to change the coils and press tumblers and mugs with each coil size.
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the information? I have everything you need to know below as well, so just keep reading.
What Is The 2 in 1 Tumbler Press from PYD Life?
The 2-in-1 Tumbler Press from PYD Life is just what it says, a 2-in-1 tumbler press. That means it comes with two different-sized coils. The interchangeable coils allow you to customize not only different sizes of tumblers, but also mugs, and any other type of blank you may have.
PYD Life also offers other types of tumbler presses. They have a 9-in-1, an 11-in-1, and a 7-in-1. You can find out more about each of those options on the PYD website if you're interested. You can also message them, and they can help you find exactly what you need.
NOTE: This press was given to me free of charge; however, all projects and opinions are my own.
Supplies Used
- PYD Life Tumbler Press (for more options, see their website here)
- Sublimation printer
- Sublimation ink
- Lint Roller
- Sublimation paper
- Heat-Resistant Tape
- Artesprix Protective Paper or butcher paper
- Heat-Resistant Mat
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Tape dispenser
Blanks Used
- 20 oz skinny tumblers
- Tall glass tumblers – The tall glass tumblers used in this post (with pink on the bottom) are no longer available. However, here is another option that you can use!
- Medium glass tumblers
- Small glass tumblers
- Mugs
NOTE: All blanks must be sublimation blanks. They must have a sublimation coating to react with the sublimation prints we are applying to them.
Designs Used
- Mug Donut Drip
- Tumbler Donut Drip
- Floral Mug
- Watermelon Tumbler
- Lemon Design
- Plant Leaves
- Pink Sunflower Design
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PYD Life Tumbler Press
The 2-in-1 Tumbler Press operates similarly to the other PVD Life tumbler press I reviewed here. The handle pulls back, opening the heating element so you can slide in your tumbler.
To adjust your tumbler press, you'll use the knobs on the back. Twisting them tighter will tighten the coil so it fits tightly around the tumbler. For smaller tumblers or mugs, tighten the knobs; for larger tumblers or mugs, loosen them.
You will want to make sure you use the right size coil to achieve a nice, snug fit around your project. There will be a gap when the heating element is closed. This means in order to get a complete press, you'll need to rotate your tumbler when the timer stops and press it again for the full time.
What's Included In The PYD Life Tumbler Press Box?
Inside the box, you'll find the tumbler press itself with one of the coils already installed. Mine had the small coil installed and the larger coil in the box. You will also find a user manual that explains how to use your 2-in-1 Tumbler Press, along with a cord for plugging it in. There is also an Allen wrench and a few extra bolts.
PYD Life Tumbler Press Control Panel
You can use the control panel to set the time and temperature. First, plug the tumbler press into one side of the tumbler press and plug it into the wall. You will find the green start button on the other side.
Fahrenheit Or Celsius
Once you turn the machine on, it will indicate either “F” or “C” for Fahrenheit or Celsius. If you want to change that, follow the instructions below.
- Press and hold the “set” button for 5 seconds.
- Use the up and down arrows to switch between F and C.
- Press and hold “set” for 5 more seconds.
Set The Time And Temperature
You can adjust the temperature and timer settings on the control panel to your project's requirements. Be sure to use the correct time and temperature specified in the manufacturer's instructions for your blank. Here is how to alter those:
- Press the set button. (No need to hold it down, just press and release.)
- SP will appear at the top, along with your temperature at the bottom. Use the arrow buttons to increase or decrease the temperature. The maximum for this press is 482 degrees F.
- Press the set button again to confirm the temperature.
- St will display across the top, along with the time your press is set for. Use the arrow buttons to increase or decrease the time. The maximum time is 999 seconds.
- Press set once more when you are done. Your press will start heating up to the set time.
How To Change The Heating Elements
WARNING: Always make sure your tumbler press is cool before changing the heating elements.
After the heat press cools, you can swap out the coils. This will allow you to use the right size coil for your project.
To change out this heating element, we're going to:
- Unplug the machine before starting the coil change.
- Loosen the screws. I find it easier to have the handle closed to loosen the screws.
- Loosen all the screws on the existing coil, and then slide it out. (Your tumbler press does come with extra screws. If you lose a couple, you'll be fine. Just don't lose too many.)
- To slide out the element, open the handle and just lift it out.
- Disconnect the coil on the side with the start button by twisting the nut.
- Set that heating coil aside.
- Then, add the other coil, slipping it into the press.
- Connect the cord on the new coil to the start button. Tighten the nut on the cord.
- There are various screw holes on the press itself. You want to align it with the holes in the heating element.
- Start on the handle side and add the screws through the element and into the holes. Get them about hand tight.
- Line up the other side. Again, depending on the heating element, it may be better to have the handle closed.
- Line up the holes on this side and then add the screws.
- Once you have all the screws in, go through each one and make sure they're tight. Just hand-tighten; you don't need any tools.
- Plug it in, and heat it up.
Prepping Blanks For Your Tumbler Press
- Remove the top, straw, and anything else that may melt.
- Clean the tumbler well. You can use a lint roller or a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol. If you use rubbing alcohol, make sure your surface is completely dry before putting it into your press.
- Trim your sublimation print to size.
- If you're wrapping your whole tumbler, make sure you line it up and wrap it nice and tight.
- Add heat-resistant tape along the edges of the sublimation paper to ensure it's well stuck down everywhere.
- Add protective paper to prevent ink from leaking onto your tumbler press.
- Tape your protective paper into place as well.
TIPS: To get your wrap straight, set your tumbler (or mug) on your work surface and wrap it around. If the print touches the work surface all the way around, you will know it's straight. Also, be sure to pull it really tight as you wrap and add more tape than you think you need. I add tape along the seam and all the way around the top and bottom.
Pressing Your Sublimation Blanks
Once you have everything taped down, you'll slide your tumbler (or mug) into the tumbler press. I like to place mine with the seam lined up with the open part of the tumbler press. This makes it easy to know how far to rotate the tumbler before pressing it again.
NOTE: You can add two mugs or small tumblers to this press at one time.
Once your tumbler has been pressed for the full time, rotate it 180 degrees and press again for the full time. If you're pressing a mug, you can skip the second press.
To remove the finished tumbler, you'll open the 2-in-1 Tumbler Press and slide the tumbler out. This will be the same process with a mug. Your tumbler/mug will be very hot. Make sure you're using heat-resistant gloves and place your tumbler onto a heat-safe surface. Allow it to cool.
Finishing Your Sublimation Tumblers Or Mugs
After your tumbler has cooled, remove the protective paper and the sublimation paper. Look at the gorgeous design on that glass tumbler. The reveal portion is my favorite! Mugs and tumblers made with sublimation are permanent once you remove everything from the surface. There is no need to add any sealer or do any other operation.
Final Thoughts On The PYD Life Tumbler Press
Now that I’ve had the chance to really use the PYD Life 2-in-1 Tumbler Press and make a variety of projects with it, it’s time to share my honest thoughts.
- I do like a press for tumblers. It may not make sense for you if you're only wanting to make one or two a year. If you don't think you'll be making many tumblers, there are less expensive options, like using a convection oven. If you think you're going to make more than that or to sell, I really think a tumbler press is a good investment. A tumbler press makes tumblers and even mugs, quick and super easy to make.
- I do like that I can change this one out. I feel like the glass tumblers are getting super popular, and they are definitely way too skinny for the other tumbler press I had. That one was just for the 20-ounce blanks. With the 2 coil sizes, I can make a variety of tumblers and mugs.
- I'm happy to report that even after the tumbler press reached temperature, the front and back portions remained cool to the touch. However, the heating element inside will be hot. Make sure you're always wearing heat-resistant gloves when your hands are near the heating element.
- Overall, I think it did an amazing job on every single project I made, which is the true test of a press for me! I would say, for the mugs, keep the design a little farther from the handle. I wasn't exactly sure how far to keep it, but I think I would go a little farther with the design on the handle for the larger mug. Otherwise, I love the projects I made!
Model Comparison
This new design has a control panel on the front instead of on the side, and I like that. It makes it a little bit smaller and more compact. Not as big and bulky, with the control panel hanging off the side. I did like that feature of this new design.
This design also doesn't have double adjustments. There were adjustment knobs in the back and the front of my other tumbler press, and four knobs to adjust could be a little tricky. I like the two-knob adjustment over the four-knob one. I give the improvements they've made to the press two thumbs up.
FAQs About Tumbler Press
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about the PYD Life Tumbler Press and tumbler presses (in general) If your question isn’t listed, feel free to drop it in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!
PYD Life Tumbler Press
Below are questions about the PYD Life Tumbler Press!
I see PYD Life Has A 9-in-1 and an 11-in-1. What Is The Difference Between Them And The 2-in-1?
Just more coils for more sizes!
Does It Just Smoke For The First Time When Heated?
Yep. When you plug it up for the first time, it does. After that, it does not. Definitely open a window.
I Used My PYD Press For The First Time, And It Had A Horrible Smell. Is This Normal? Will It Go Away?
Yes, definitely. I feel like it gets better over time, but at first, it is really strong.
This Press Has Been Burning My Tumblers. I Checked The Temperature And When Set At 400 It's Actually 435! Do You Know How To Calibrate The Temperature Or If I Can?
I don't think you can. I would just turn it down.
Can You Do The Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumblers In This Press?
A wine tumbler doesn't have straight sides, so it can't really be done in a press like this. I do those in my oven.
Would You Still Recommend This Tumbler Press?
Yep, this is still the one I use!
Tumbler Press
Below are questions about tumbler presses in general!
How Do You Press A Sublimation Tumbler?
You should always research the instructions for your specific blank. The manufacturer should list the time and temperature you should use when pressing their tumbler.
Can You Heat Press A Tumbler In A Mug Press?
You can; I have done a variety here. I will say using a mug press to make custom tumblers can be a bit more difficult than using a tumbler press, and you're more limited on sizes.
Can You Sublimate Tumblers In A Regular Oven?
You should never use your regular oven for sublimation or Infusible Ink projects. Both products turn into a gas when heated, which is not food-safe. You can use a small convection oven that you ONLY use for crafts and not for food.
Will Cricut Make A Tumbler Press?
I'm not sure if anyone knows the answer to that question. They've released a lot of awesome sublimation products, but the Cricut Mug Press is relatively new, so I don't expect a tumbler press any time soon.
So, are you considering the 2-in-1 Tumbler Press from PYD Life for your sublimation crafting? I think it would be a great addition for those of you who plan to do a lot of tumblers in a wide variety of sizes!
5 More Tumbler Resources
Did you love learning about the PYD Life Tumbler Press, and are looking for more tumbler resources? Then check out the resources below!
- Go2Craft Auto Tumbler Press Review
- How to Tape a Tumbler to Minimize Seams and Uneven Edges!
- How to Use a Tumbler Press for Tumblers and Mugs
- Best Sublimation Tumbler Tools For Better Seams!
- HTVRont Auto Tumbler Press Review with Mugs and Tumblers
Bought this machine after watching your video. Made my first tumbler. Turned out great! Love your site. I get so many ideas. Thanks so much!!
I love hearing this! I’m so glad you’re enjoying your crafting! Thanks for being here.
Can I use Infusible Ink are or do I have to use sublimation printed graphics only?
You can use Infusible Ink with the tumbler press 🙂