Laminator Questions

[fallenpeachlane]

Hi :)

I'm looking into buying my own small laminator, but the last time I went looking I had a problem. I need the laminator to come with or be able to work with a carrier because my items (bookmarks) are so small. I want to put more than one on a sheet and the carrier would allow me to do that without them moving.

Last time I looked the laminators I found advertised that you didn't need a carrier for it, does that mean it won't work with one?

any help would be appreciated. I'm looking for a heat based laminator.

[Former_Member]

i'd suggest contacting the laminator companies and ask them this question. they probably have online or email customer service. not sure what you mean by a 'carrier'

[spindlecatstudio]

A carrier is a special folded sheet of coated cardstock that the items to be laminated go inside to be "carried" through the laminator.

You would have to check with the manufacturers. If they are advertising no carrier needed and you try to use a carrier the temperature may not be hot enough (through the carrier) to laminate your bookmarks.

[fallenpeachlane]

Thanks for the tip!

[2BlueMoons]

I bought a Scotch Thermal Laminator for ~$30.00 last Spring. i absolutely love this laminator! I have laminated 8.5" x11" pages and many bookmarks. I just insert the bookmarks into the pouches and send them through the machine. You can buy smaller 5.31" x 7.28" pouches or larger 9" x 11.4" pouches. I've never had a problem laminating multiple bookmarks in a single pouch.. They stayed in position and did not shift. Not sure how small your bookmarks are..if about 3"x4" I think they will be fine. The bigger Walmarts sell the Scotch laminators and laminating pouches.. I purchased my laminator from Hancock Fabrics. Try Target, Walmart, Joanns, maybe Michaels... Hope this helps!

[fallenpeachlane]

I was worried about price if I bought smaller laminating pouches, but I'll definitely look into this laminator. Did you use a carrier at all or just stick the larger pieces through?

[2BlueMoons]

I'm not sure what a carrier is...There are guides on the "ramp" that you can adjust to fit the size of the laminating pouches but I never need to use them..or if I do, I rarely use them. The inside of the laminating pouch has a bit of a tooth and I think this helps to keep the bookmarks, etc. from sliding around. I thought the same thing about $$ when I first purchased the machine but since I can fit multiple bookmarks in the pouches it has really not been too expensive.. I only laminate my own bookmarks because I tend to be so hard on them ..and I've given some as gifts... Because you produce many at a time u will have to figure ok how many can i fit into an X-size pouch? How much does each pouch cost, etc. and work it into your final pricing. Don't know if I gave you tmi or if this helps at all. Hope it helps. L P.S. Check for sales:)

[2BlueMoons]

P.P.S. Just checked out your shop...nice stuff!!

[fallenpeachlane]

A carrier is like a folded over piece of cardboard (which apparently you can substitute for a carrier) that you put the laminating pouch into so it doesn't stick or move around.

I've never seen a "tooth" in the laminating pouch, what kind were they? I think next month I'll do some more serious investigating.