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I was considering buying one. A small one, if there is such a thing. I'd like it for bookmarks, name tags for son's stuff, small projects... I know nothing about them and wondered if you had some insight, suggestions, warnings.
I've been using the 9" Duck laminator for years and haven't had any problems with it. I got it at WalMart. I don't know much about the other brands, but this one is really simple to use, so I don't have any warnings. I use it for the things you described.
I know this doesn't answer your question, but while you're making your decision or if you decide not to buy a machine, try checking out a dollar store. I bought some self laminating tags from Dollarama (I buy way too much stuff there!!!) to make name tags for my students. They're basically two clear stickers that are joined at one end.
I bet if you have a good relationship with your child's school, they'd be willing to slip the odd thing in with their laminating. I also think that most "teacher stores" and places like Staples do laminating too.
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I'll second the Xyron, simply because you can use it for adhesive (with a different cartridge) when you don't need it for laminating. I'm all about making my tools do double-duty.
I have the Xyron 850 also. It was the first major tool that I purchased, and I still like it very much. I also have the 510, which laminates also. I think that would suit your purpose very well. Eileen
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I recently bought one at my local supermarket - it's an "own brand" one so no point me recommending it to you as I'm in the UK but it's very easy to use and quite typical of the hundreds on the market.
The only thing I can think of as a warning of any sort is that if you get a hot laminator, you'll need to check the weight of pouches that it will take. Pouches are measured in microns and you need to make sure you don't try to put ones through your machine that are thicker than it is designed to handle. That information would come with the machine and many are supplied with a starter pack of pouches to get you going and those will certainly be suitable.
They do come in different sizes - mine takes the equivalent of letter size paper which I think makes it very versatile (you can laminate smaller things but not bigger ones). You can get smaller machines, designed for laminating name badges etc at things like conferences but you're then limited to laminating only very small items.
I agree with Joanne about the size. A 9" laminator will take 8.5 X 11 paper and ALSO anything smaller. You can buy pouches in a variety of sizes so you're not wasting lamina. For me, this has been very useful.
Again, these heat laminators are a different breed than the Xyron/sticky/adhesive type.
Thank you ladies! I was thinking about a heat laminator, I guess I didn't realize there were non-heat laminators, but the heat machine is what I was looking for. I appreciate the input!
I have the xyron and the purple cow. I have to say i like the cow one better. It is a bit pricey to begin with but use a coupon. It comes with a ton of "envelopes" in different sizes too. But be careful...at our acmoore the refills come 20 to a pack for 16.99 no matter what size it is..I always but the 12x12 and if I have space left over where I am laminating, i add a scrap piece of paper for later use ie: note pad cover, drink tags etc. I like the hot one because it seals in the item so when you go to cut, you can get pretty close to the edge of the item..I have heard though not to hot laminate important newspaper clippings
I've been using the 9" Duck laminator for years and haven't had any problems with it. I got it at WalMart. I don't know much about the other brands, but this one is really simple to use, so I don't have any warnings. I use it for the things you described.
I put my vote with TheOtherMeg. I have the same heat laminator and, though I don't use it often, it is great when I need it. Not expensive and the laminating sheets are readily available. Just heed the warnings as it does get very hot.
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I have a zyron that I have used for laminating classroom items and have been thinking about investing in a heat laminate as well. Just as a warning the zyron works great for flash cards and such however i have a hard time getting tape or sticky velcro to stick to the laminating. I hope this helps!
I put my vote with TheOtherMeg. I have the same heat laminator and, though I don't use it often, it is great when I need it. Not expensive and the laminating sheets are readily available. Just heed the warnings as it does get very hot.
I have this, too. I think it was $24 or so. I've been using it for at least 4 years now and still is working great! I buy the sheets from Sams Club. I think the price is between $14-$18 for 200 sheets.
Why is there a prefrence to heat lamination as opposed to cold, like the Xyron? I've used the heat laminator at school and haven't been that impressed. It seems after a bit it comes apart. I've only had one Xyron project separate on me so far, but I think it was because I was too close to the edge and had several layers that actually separated instead.
Do you have a laminator?
