Laminator -- which one do you have and do you like it?

[Momma Aimee]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

I found this Laminator on amazon.comm.

price seems good.,

i know that some of them -- you can get refill packs at like Sams cheap.

advice???

This is what i am asking DH for for Christmas ... a Laminator ... but i want to tell himt eh excate one i want, and one i know i can get refills for at not a $$$$ so it is useable for us.

TIA

Aimee

[skueppers]

I have a GBC HeatSeal 210; I think the current equivalent is the 212. I've laminated a couple of hundred pages with it without incident.

I like that it has a cold lamination setting in case I ever needed to laminate something that couldn't be heated, though of course that requires different pouches.

I bought my laminator and laminating pouches from laminator.com.

[Marimami]

I don't know what the advantages are with a heat laminator but I have used Xyron cold laminators for well over 10 years now with crafting/scrapbooking. I love them and they are easy and safe for DD to use too. We have a few different models for different sizes. Michaels and AC Moore carry them and they always have coupons.

Holli

[sheilige]

I have this one (Scotch, thermal) and although I have only laminated 5 sheets, it worked well and was super easy to use. I am happy with it. HTH Sara

[Momma Aimee]

is there any advantage of heat vs cold?

does one last longer? is one cheaper?

Thanks everyone.

Aimee

[itsrtimedownhere]

i have the one you posted. i like it. i haven't had any problems with it at all.

i get these sheets.

[tbone]

I've got the one you linked to. I got it at (gasp) Walmart for around $25. Works great, no problems at all. I got 200 Laminating Pouches from (again gasp) Sam's Club for $20. I'm not actually a member, but I went in with a free day entrance thing and just paid the extra 10% surcharge, it was still cheaper than I could find anywhere else and they are great quality.

[skueppers]

Originally Posted by Momma Aimee

is there any advantage of heat vs cold?

does one last longer? is one cheaper?

Thanks everyone.

Aimee

Hot laminating pouches are typically available for much less money than cold laminating pouches or film, so hot laminating is usually cheaper. My understanding is that the end product is more durable with hot laminating, though I have no personal experience with cold laminating, so I can't say for sure. I do know that I've left signs laminated with my hot laminator outside, exposed to the weather, for months on end without any deterioration of the laminate.

On the positive side for cold laminating, you don't have to wait for the machine to warm up, you don't have to wait for the finished product to cool off, you don't have to worry about your kids burning themselves on it somehow, and the process is safe for materials that can't go through a hot process. Some cold laminating machines can also apply laminate on one side, and adhesive on the other, to make stickers.

[Marimami]

I have Xyron cold laminators because I use them for scrapbooking and don't want to risk thermal damage to photos and memorabilia. Mine also lets me use it for adhesive or magnetic backing. It's just far more versatile for my needs.

It's also more environmentally friendly because it doesn't use electricity. I have never heard the word "pouch" before. That's not how the Xyron ones work. I just switch different cartridges in/out depending on whether I want lamination, magnet, adhesive. I can custom cut to any size. DD can use it safely, and she loves it!

I've never had any need to laminate something and put it outside so I can't attest to the longevity as compared to thermal laminate.

Holli

[Momma Aimee]

thanks all