deacon,
As we explain at the show, in my classes, and on my DVD,
available through Frank's Fabrics, PFM Bookstore, and soon through the PPFA Bookstore for $45+S&H, heat press or vacuum press are not nessisary MOST of the time.
It's always good to have a "Dry" iron [$29.95 for a very good one at Target], for touching up edges, and flats.
A heat/vac press is a wonderful thing... and I've actually worked in a few shops that have had them.... but probably 90% of my 30 years wrapping fabric, is with out a press.
In the shop I'm at now, we have a 50 year old "Frog" mechanical press. I use it about 10% of the time.
The DVD will also be availabe March 19th in Seattle at the Spring Fling. $10 of each sale will go directly to Evergreen Picture Framers Guild, but don't tell them, because they don't know yet.