Anyone know where I might find a device that'll apply a pressure sensitive "cold" laminate? My Father-in-Law has one... (I think that's what it is anyway.)

In case you're unfamiliar, it's an extremely simple device that works like one of those old wringer washers. Apply the laminate to the edge of a print...stick it in on one end, hand-crank both pieces through the rollers and it's newly laminated on the other end.

He's had his for quite some time and doesn't know where I can get one. The only thing I've been able to find online have been either industrial laminators costing thousands... or these smaller cartridge laminators like 3M or Xyron. I'd look into those but...

1) I don't know about the quality of the laminate in the proprietary cartridges
2) I'd like to be able to change the laminate (to matte, canvas, etc.) as needed depending on the needs of the client and I don't know which (if any) of these cartidge laminators will allow that
3) I already have some really nice rolls of laminate that I'd like to use without having to constantly truck across town to the in-laws to do it.

It's a kicker that such a simple device would be so difficult to find or need to be so expensive. Anyone got any ideas?

Here's a site I found doing a search. The laminator is still costly as far as I'm concerned but no where near the thousands you stated. this one is $250. http://www.laminators.com/brady/bls1200.htm
Here's another one you might check out
http://www.discountlaminators.com/cold_laminators.htm
Here's another one for a pretty good price
http://www.electronicprods.com/lam.htm

Hope that helps.

I just spotted this post so I may be a little too late with the response to do you any good but I believe I have one in my storage room ...If you havn't found one, I'll dig it out and email you a pic to see if it's the piece of equipment you are looking for ...if it is, you are in luck, the price will be right! :-)

Jim Conway

Jim:

While you're in the storage room, see if you have anything else you might have to list in the classifieds forum (this goes for anyone with a storage room, or closet, or garage, or trunk)

How about a few AOL disks?

Truth is that I given away tons of studio equipment to the schools (tax deductible) and a whole 2-1/4 enlarger and dark room setup to a nurse just a short while back (long story) ...but I'll see if I can find a few dozen things to put in there - prefer horse trading though, I like to keep the store room full - are swaps allowed?

Jim Conway

I love barter (I rarely have horses to trade). "Free to good home" and "pay shipping and it's yours" are also allowed. Or profit is good, too :)

Originally posted by Jim Conway
I just spotted this post so I may be a little too late with the response to do you any good but I believe I have one in my storage room ...If you havn't found one, I'll dig it out and email you a pic to see if it's the piece of equipment you are looking for ...if it is, you are in luck, the price will be right! :-)

Jim Conway

Hey that'd be great Jim!

You can email me at bjbuckley@qwest.net

Very much appreciated :)

Barry