P3D Re: mounting options

[Stephen Kearney <slk@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> For all those using heat seals, just what method do you use and just
> how fast can you seal a slide?

I run my heatseal mounts through a modified laminating machine.  When
adjusted properly, it never damages the film.  The machine was around $25,
and I wired a light dimmer into the heating element circuit.  Works pretty
well, except the element inexplicably cools on occasion, until I crank up
the dimmer voltage for half a minute, then return it to its normal setting.
Also, the mount is *almost* too thick to go through he rollers.  I believe
professional laminating machines are available that have adjustable
temperature and roller clearance.  However, they are probably in the $200
range.  It takes 15-20 seconds to go through, but the whole process takes me
longer since I like to tape the chips in place along their top edges and
check the image in my viewer before mounting.  On average, I can mount a
roll in around an hour (including a fair amount of fiddling with the chip
alignments).  If I just slapped the chips in mounts and feed them through
the machine I think I could do it in half an hour.