Ah...I love the smell of lamination in the morning! Yesterday, I had an oversize poster to laminate, and as soon as I stepped in the Teacher Store, I knew the laminator was hot and ready. Seriously love that smell. At my school, only two adults are allowed to work our laminating machine. We joke about needing a special security clearance and a correspondence course mimeograph. So, I save the laminating at school for larger items only. At home, I have a Scotch TL901 laminator. It has been serving me about a year without technical problems, but I have learned a few things along the way.
Yes, I'm one of those people who read the small print in the owner's guide. Insert the closed end of the "pouch" first. I have never had a paper jam, this is likely the reason. And yes, if you aren't pleased with the seal or you have a bubble, you CAN run something through twice.
My laminator has 2 settings: 3 mil and 5+ mil. From observation, I have learned the 5+ takes longer to heat up to "ready". Inference is it's hotter? And the 3 mil feed is a bit quicker. For most things I use the 3 mil, but if I have anything on card stock I use the 5+ mil setting.
For Concentration game cards, it has been necessary to print onto card stock, so you can't see through the paper when face down. I learned this one slowly. I'm embarrassed to admit I was cutting out the cards and laying them onto card stock, then laminating. HA ha!!
Wipe-off cards can be made easily with the laminator. I print with black ink onto colored paper (save that color ink!) and recommend black Expo dry-erase markers for the best erase.
If you must cut out shapes or cards from the laminate, cut approximately 1/8" away from the laminate seal on the side of the shape. It will stay "sealed" for durability. I have found that really sharp scissors work best. If those aren't available, a Scotch-brand gift wrap cutter works well too.
In my experience, the worthy 8.5x11 pouches are never at bargain basement prices. I've used several brands without noticing a difference, but have always purchased from a store with office supplies (yes, even Walgreens).
We'd love to hear from you! Any other tips or ideas for using the laminator?
~A
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