Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the housing and to the upper platen is a linkage mechanism for maintaining the upper platen in substantial alignment with the lower platen when the actuation handle is moved between its press and release positions.