Laminating Machine

[Kristi]

I posted this on another website but I just realized this is probably the better place to post since it's for lapbooking...
We are looking into buying a laminating machine. Actually, we just did but It's not what I thought it was. I bought a Xyron EZ Laminator http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Products/ezLaminator.html with a rolling cartridge rather than pockets and its a cold laminator not hot. I just used it last night and it's not bad but I was thinking for some reason that it was a hot laminator. I like that non stop rolling thing its seems faster but the quality of the photo or paper is dulled because it's just like contact paper. Also it was a little more pricey than I had hoped. The refill cartridges are about $30 for 60 feet, it seems like even though the laminator cost about $20 more than some of the heat ones I was looking at, that maybe ultimately it will cost less overall with the amount of laminating I can get done with the refill cartridge. But if it's not going to last well because it's not heated on maybe it's not a good option??? I'm so confused!!!
Is anyone familiar with laminators? Why one a hot is better than a cold or not? Where I can get the most bang for my buck in the long run (more papers laminated & quality lasting lamination and less waste). Also, I heard that if you cut a sheet that you laminated with a heat laminator it may peel?

[motherofonesm]

I am intersted in this also. I am looking at purchasing a laminator myself and trying to do some finger shopping by looking online before I purchase.

[Kristi]

I've spent hours searching online! I just wish there was a place I could go and try them out at then I would know what worked best...grrr :) I'm hoping people will share their experience with the ones they have to help me make a more informed decision.

[Mindy]

My friend got the Jackson Hirsh laminator and LOVES it. You can either buy it or rent it for the year. It is a hot laminator so it does the good hard laminating not the soft contact paper type. They have the envelopes that you put it in to laminate so you can actually pick the thickness that you want. I really want to get this machine - I am just waiting for the okay from my husband. They do offer a three week trial where they send several different envelopes of varying thickness. I hope this helps. The website is http://www.jhlaminating.com/

Good luck!!

Mindy

[Jimmie]

My laminator can do either hot or cold. I just have to buy different film for either. Heat laminated things can peel or bubble if it doesn't get hot enough during the laminating process or if you cut too close to a sealed edge or if it's got varying levels of thickness. I'm not really sure how to advise you, since I get varied results from my own. But I still love having it.

[Lisa]

I bought the Scotch Thermal Laminator... I got it at Sam's for less than $25...and it came with 20 sheets, plus I bought a refill pack of another brand to use and got 200 sheets for about $20...So I have enough to do alot of file folder games and projects... I think that the reason for cold settin is if you were laminating things that would not hold up under extreme heat... So far, I have laminated several things and cut them apart without any peeling or problem... =)

[Brenda B]

I also have the Scotch Laminator. I love it and have not had any problems. Everything has help up very well. A terrific price ($25-$30). And, the refill pouches are cheap enough that I can just grab a pack whenever I need them from Walmart. The only downfall is it does only regular printer paper/card stock size and smaller. But, that was all I needed anyway. I wrote a review on this laminator on Epinions awhile back if you would be interested in checking it out HERE :-) I still use mine often :-)

[Kristi]

Thank you all for your comments! I returned the Xyron cold laminator without any problems. I just bought the Scotch and used it. What a difference in the quality of the lamination. It looks much more crisp and clear. I think the only reason to have the other is if you need to laminate something longer then a traditional size sheet. I really like it and appreciate your responses. I'm glad I went through the hassle to return and buy the other.

[Kelly]

I jjust bought the Scotch brand one for $25.00 at Sams club it come with 20 pouches and it is awesome and easy to use!

[motherofonesm]

Another group I get information from talked alot about getting the pouches for laminators at www.laminator.com. They run specials quite often from what they said where you buy two boxes and get a third free. They sell various sizes and also sell laminators. Just wanted to pass this info on. In fact I purchased a laminator from them just waiting on it to arrive.

[motherofonesm]

Another group I get information from talked alot about getting the pouches for laminators at www.laminator.com. They run specials quite often from what they said where you buy two boxes and get a third free. They sell various sizes and also sell laminators. Just wanted to pass this info on. In fact I purchased a laminator from them just waiting on it to arrive.