I use a Scotch tl901 it's worked for yearsss, Cheap too. This one https://www.ebay.com/p/3M-Scotch-Th.....d=183324153772

Oh nice! I've looked into the Scotch ones too and they seem fairly good! Just maybe a bit slow?
How long have you had yours? never had any problems with it?
Thanks for commenting on this journal btw!

You're welcome. :)

They aren't super fast, but not much slower than pro models. I'd say around 15-20 seconds to pass through a 9 inch piece. Slow is good so it heats all the way through so you don't get bubbles, but you can always run it through a second time. I worked as a sign artist for awhile with some spendy pro model and often had to run things through twice.

I've never had issues with it, I've had it since 2010 I think. They warn about dropping them or jarring them as there is a ceramic heating rod that could break. I've bumped mine pretty bad during moves but have not had an issue.

Note on laminating, they say don't use anything other than a full sheet, because the adhesive could gum things up. just fold a piece of paper, and insert the material, then run it through fold first, it's nice and safe, then you can use scraps with no worries. I also do this with fresh sheets as it puts more pressure and gives better results. It has a lever that adjust for thickness though.

Hey thanks for the review! Much appreciated.
I've actually tried folding a piece of paper and running it through laminator that way, but I was pretty disappointed when I saw the outcome... it did not seal properly (you can see the tiniest bubbles on the paper but maybe I am too nit picky?) It just looked like it did not receive enough heat because the paper fold was in the way, I ran it twice and it didn't improve, in fact I would say it got a bit worse even... so I'm not sure what to think. ;w;

Usually I need to laminate smaller badges which means laying several smaller pieces of paper next to each other in an A4 format, and some people warn about the possibility of jamming. But that only ever seems to happen if you don't put the sheet in the lamination straight?

I've never had a laminating machine before so I am still trying to figure out what are the do's and don'ts. :3

There are usually a couple of heat settings. Yes, the paper could keep it from heating enough. Thin paper is best if you do it that way. Make sure its fully preheated before starting.


You can also use an iron if you have access to one. Put paper between the plastic and iron. Press firmly and drag across a couple of times.

I don't have an iron :c

I'll definitely check out the Scotch laminator though, they have pretty good reviews too! :3
Thank you for suggesting it!!