I’ve been doing dye sublimation for 7 years now. I started with an Epson C88 printer, and would NOT recommend it to anyone. The print heads clog if it isn’t used daily. If you really want a good printer, go with one of the Sawgrass Virtuoso printers. They are based on Richo gel print engines and have been specifically modified to handle sublimation inks. Sawgrass is THE company to go to for sublimation inks.
Here is the rub with sublimation. Shirts must be poly-performance fabrics, or at least 50/50 in my experience. Sublimation ink bonds with the polyester to form a permanent bond. It does NOT adhere to natural materials. If you sublimate a 50/50 shirt, the first time you wash it you will lose all of the dye on the cotton threads and end up with a faded look. Also, you cannot sublimate on to dark colors. White is best, but pale blues, yellows, pinks and greens will work. There is no white sublimation ink, so if you print a photo on a blue shirt, all of the whites will be the color of the shirt. Hats work exactly the same way.
For other items, like tiles, mugs, jewelry, hardboard, etc., the item must have a special coating to accept the sublimation inks.
@uglyknees, I love sublimation, and would be willing to bring in some of my equipment if you would like to see what can be done. It is a wonderful way to decorate with full color, and can make beautiful things.
Edit: I would also recommend www.Sublimation101.com for equipment purchases related to dye sublimation. I’ve been working with Michael since I got into sublimation, and he is now more friend than supplier. He provides wonderful technical support after the sale. and has a wealth of knowledge in all areas of digital decoration. Tell him Cary from Laser Wonders sent you.