My first impression after pulling it out of the box was that it seemed cheaply made. It also made a funny smell after I turned it on.
It took about 5 minutes to warm up to the 5 mil heat setting. Because my bookmarks were pretty thick it had a hard time sealing right up to the edge of the bookmark, running the pouch through a second time helped.
I got a few tiny air bubbles here and there, but nothing jammed. I was able to fit four 1.5x5 inch bookmarks in each pouch. It took me about 45 minutes to laminate 20 pouches, most of which was me aligning the bookmarks just so.
The finished product is VERY sturdy, and all the edges are sealed. The laminate doesn't see to have affected the colors of the bookmark in any way. I need to round off the corners of the final cut bookmarks because you could stab someone with them.
PROS
- the machine isn't too expensive (~$30)
- pouches aren't bad either, 20 5x7 is $2.88
- do it yourself
- made a good seal, very sturdy
CONS
- looks fragile (be gentle with it!)
- smells funny (use in ventilated area)
FINAL VERDICT
Good investment. I laminated 50 pouches without a single problem. My mom has her eye on it now...
Warming up
Bookmarks in the pouch
In they go
And out
In again
Out again, with a tighter seal
Done!
