Laminator

Updated on December 04, 2010
J.V. asks from Wheaton, IL
8 answers

I want to buy a laminator to make little cards for matching games, etc. for my preschooler. I have never used a machine before and am confused by all the different "pouch" sizes. Can you cut it to size after you laminate or do you need to put the item in the right size pouch?

Also, recommendations on brands? I want as cheap as possible without being junk. I am planning on home schooling, so I need something that will keep up with being used a lot.

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone. I ordered a Scotch laminator this morning. I want to make bookmarks for xmas cards, so I moved fast early this morning. Thanks for the all the input!

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A.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

don't have a brand recommendation--I use one at work but cannot remember the brand. You do cut to fit after you laminate...so whatever you are laminating does not have to be the same size as the lamination sheet.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

I don't know if this would be a heavy-duty enough solution for you, but in our house we use wide packaging tape to instantly laminate things like insurance cards. It's quick, neat (if you apply the tape carefully), and cheap, and holds up through lots of handling.

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L.S.

answers from New London on

you can cut it to size, but leave a border of laminate around item.

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E.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi there! I was thinking of buying a laminator too. I heard the Scotch Thermal Laminator one was pretty good & reasonable: http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Thermal-Laminator-roller-TL9...
Right now I'm using my sister's. She has a GBC H340HS. You can laminate up to 8 1/2 x 11 sheets. The different pouch sizes are helpful. I use the 4x6 ones to laminate pictures/flashcards. I use the bigger sheets for regular copy paper and/or to laminate lots of smaller items. Hope this helps. Have fun shopping!

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

I use a Zyron, too. I have a Zyron 510. It laminates but also makes magnets and stickers. It is the perfect size for making book marks, and turning photos in to refrigerator magnets. You can buy whatever cartridge at Michaels and JoAnns. The cartridges are always on sale or you can use their coupons. There are at least three different sizes but I would not reccommend smaller than the 510. It is not a heat laminator so it is safe for your kids to use. (Ours has been used by my kids for many school projects.) Good Luck!

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

I have a SCOTCH Thermal Laminator. I use it to make membership cards for my school. I love it. we use the small pouches for buisness card size, but have also used bigger sizes to laminate the kids certificate...etc. You can use any size that fits and trim the edges. ( the closer to the size the better so your not wasting the sheets.) Keep it straight and to the center. We had a teacher put too many in at once and it jammed and melted them. Have fun!

Updated

I have a SCOTCH Thermal Laminator. I use it to make membership cards for my school. I love it. we use the small pouches for buisness card size, but have also used bigger sizes to laminate the kids certificate...etc. You can use any size that fits and trim the edges. ( the closer to the size the better so your not wasting the sheets.) Keep it straight and to the center. We had a teacher put too many in at once and it jammed and melted them. Have fun!

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have a xyron brand I am giving away. It was my morher's and i have no need for it nor can i speak for it's quality. I live near midway. It is yours if you would like to pick it up. If your not comfortable then let me know and we can meet somewhere public like say Starbucks or my office which is near comisky park (cellular field).

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

you want an 9X11 size Duck brand - after you laminate the items you can cut out what you have laminated, so that is the perfect size

I have had my Duck brand for at least 8 yrs and love it

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