Laminator info required.

[PRJ]

Hello all. Need help choosing a reliable laminator that's not too expensive(as it will only be used for occasional home use) Do i go for a hot or cold one?, or one that doe's both? and what are the merit's and pitfall's of either system?
I would appreciate any helpful replie's. Regard's Phil.

[robertwgross]

What size are you looking for?

That will make a lot of difference on the price.

---Bob Gross---

[PRJ]

What size are you looking for?

That will make a lot of difference on the price.

---Bob Gross---
Hello Bob, thanks for replying. I am looking for one that will do photo's from 6"x4" size up to A4....if that's possible with just one laminator.
regards Phil.

[ed2day]

I just bought one without doing much research. I got it primarily for topo maps, photos were kind of an afterthought. I bought a 3M unit A4 size. It's a passive cold (adhesive) press. The disadvantage of hot presses is they can color shift some prints. Both are reputed to do a good job against fading. I can tell you what I think of mine so far: the quality seems to be very good, clear, no bubbles. Though they claim it's A4 size, there's about 2mm border on each side, not near enough. Also the two layers don't align perfectly, so there's a tiny amount of stickiness around the edges--they should be trimmed. Handy things to have around the house though--newpaper clippings, recipes, wallet photos, etc.

PS Sounds like you need one about 12". They go much larger too. Youre probably looking at around $100 for a cold model, maybe closer to $200 for a hot. (USD)

[PRJ]

Thanks for that Ed.

[robertwgross]

Youre probably looking at around $100 for a cold model, maybe closer to $200 for a hot. (USD)

What is the cost for consumable materials?

I used to have access to one at an office, but the materials were hideously expensive.

---Bob Gross---

[ed2day]

What is the cost for consumable materials?

I used to have access to one at an office, but the materials were hideously expensive.

---Bob Gross---

Actually quite reasonable. 3M uses a single cartridge you plop in. I believe others require two seperate rolls. The cartridge is $30 for a 100 ft. by 8.5 in. roll. So roughly 30 cents for an 8x10, .15 for a 5x7, etc.

[robertwgross]

If you do not have a laminator, you can buy some materials that will do the job without one.

W.T. Rogers Plain-Vu
Self-Adhesive Protector Sheets
Contains 2 sheets, 9x12 inches
5 mil thickness

I bought it at some office supply store.

---Bob Gross---

[Sathi]

Did you find the appearance of your prints acceptable with the protective sheets? Not too shiny with a glare or diffusing effect or anything? I'd love to find a solution to making prints from my i960 that last more than a month.

[ed2day]

Sorry, I havent even tried a photo yet. But it will be shiny. They make different sheet styles, inc. matte finish. Personally, it's not the way I prefer photos, but it's nice to hang on a fridge etc. (informal setting) or if it gets handled alot. It makes a lot of sense for wallet pics so they don't get bent/marred.

[Alan Neilson]

Like you I just needed on for occasional use and got one from the stationery box it is there on brand model and works well I ended up getting the A3 model only because it was only a few pounds more, It was not very expensive about £25-£30 for the A3 size if memory serves me right, and does what I need which is the odd photo or sheet of paper laminating, Only ever used it for A4 and A5 stuff but if I get around to getting am A3 printer then I will have it if needed.

[robertwgross]

Did you find the appearance of your prints acceptable with the protective sheets?

The only trick is getting all of the air bubbles out before it seals.

I'd love to find a solution to making prints from my i960 that last more than a month.

That doesn't sound right at all.

When I first got my Epson 1270 (more than five years ago), I was disappointed with the prints that I made on ordinary flat inkjet paper. I used cheap glossy inkjet paper, and they were horrid. Then I found a few types of Epson paper, glossy and luster, that work perfectly. To my eyeball, my oldest prints (on the good paper) have not faded at all.

---Bob Gross---

[Sathi]

Maybe I should look into epson...or the new line of canon printers with the better ink. I have been using only canon inks and paper. I am very happy with the quality of the i960 prints, it is just the longevity that bothers me. I do not frame my pictures but like to put them on the wall bare with some poster tac. Its weird, some of them seem to have lasted reasonably well, and others fade in under 2 weeks.

The only trick is getting all of the air bubbles out before it seals.

That doesn't sound right at all.

When I first got my Epson 1270 (more than five years ago), I was disappointed with the prints that I made on ordinary flat inkjet paper. I used cheap glossy inkjet paper, and they were horrid. Then I found a few types of Epson paper, glossy and luster, that work perfectly. To my eyeball, my oldest prints (on the good paper) have not faded at all.

---Bob Gross---