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 actuation handle is an adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the spacing between the upper and lower platens when the actuation handle is in the press position. A decrease in the spacing between the upper and lower platens effectively increases the level of compressive pressure applied to the substrate and heat transfer therebetween when the actuation handle is moved to the press position.