Having a laminator does make badges a snap. I got mine at WalMart for $25 a couple of months ago.

If you don't have one of your own, Kinko's is a good bet. Their prices are decent and the quality's the same; they tend to have sturdier laminate than I've been able to find for my own machine. One downside to using Kinko's is Kinko's "customer service." For me the $25 to buy my own (plus the money to resupply laminate sheets now and again) was beyond worth it.

I was wondering around how much a machine would cost. If it's only a $25 investment, then it's well worth it! I was afraid it'd be something $50+, which take more serious consideration. But $25 I could do for sure.
Haha, gas prices to drive over to Kinko's constantly would far outway the cost of a machine real quick.
I'm assuming refills/lamination sheets aren't that steep either?

Sounds good! I'll definitely look into it next week.
Thanks a ton for the advice and information! I really appreciate it! :D

I hear/get this question a lot, and all I can say is, a laminator was one of the best purchases I ever made for myself. They're totally worth it to me, but then again, I LOVE making badges! I think the only thing you need to consider before you buy one is what sort of paper the badges will be made on. I've heard that some people require a laminator that can be adjusted to fit thicker papers. All of my badges are made on cardstock, so I just needed something normal and cheap. The bigger, better machines can go for a couple hundred dollars, but I've never had an issue with mine!

Like Maui, I got my laminator at Wal-mart. This is the brand and same exact product that I use: Scotch Thermal Laminator TL-901 (http://www.amazon.com/3M-TL901-Ther...../dp/B0018G3NVS) The price they have listed is not what I paid, and it's only so high because they're tossing in 80 laminating pouches, which may actually be a good deal depending on what sizes the pouches are. When I bought mine, it was $25. You can find these machines and laminate pouches (of all sizes) in the office supply area of Wal-mart, where the shipping products are (stuff like boxes, packing peanuts, envelopes, etc.). The pouches that I buy and use are these: http://www.createforless.com/Scotch.....;zmap=00479288 You can also find them in the same area as the laminator, hanging on the wall. I have a variety of sizes for the different badge styles I offer. If you like that badge I made for you and how I laminated it, then you have an example of how my machine works!

Good luck to you and I hope that helps! I may have to get a badge from you someday if you start offering them. :3!

Haha, someone needs to make an "A Newbie's Introduction to Furry Fandom Commercialism and Sales" starter guide for us folk who don't pick things up so easily.
I find most people in the fandom own one so I figure they should be fairly inexpensive/easy to get my hands on.

Haha, I'm a really simple person. At most I draw on either cardstock or regular computer paper so paper weight shouldn't be a problem. Cheap and normal is good for me!

I was afraid the machines would go for higher prices, but $25 is amazing and definitely worth the while! And the refills aren't as steep as I expected either (I'm used to the crazy prices they charge for printer paper and inks. This is heaven in comparison.)
The quality of your laminator looks exactly like what I'd be looking. *grins* I have the badge for you hanging on my lamp right in front of me. It's a good reference and the lamination job looks great.


Thanks a ton for the links and information, Quaylak! That really helped a lot! :D I'll have to make a stop to Wal-mart and get myself some supplies soon.
Really appreciate the help!

I agree with quaylak. I have the same laminator and it works great. The pouches are cheap (scotch brand, you can find at walmart) so I never have to worry about how much they cost ^^. I also use a standard hole-puncher I got from Jo-ann fabrics, they have some neat stuff in there for badge-making.

Haha, Jo-anns is my second home. I should go work for them.

Thanks for the information! Glad to know that the supplies aren't as costly as I originally imagined. I'll be sure to check out it out soon.
Thanks a ton for your input! :]