P3D Re: PHOTO-3D digest 3501

[Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've used basically the same type of setup although I borrowed the full
page laminator from work so adding a rheostat was not an option.

I also used the protective sleeves that were provided with the laminator
rather than putting the mounts in unprotected.  I make sure the hinged
edge is the first to enter the rollers so the slide is folded over as it
runs through.  I think I got a jam one time when I had the open edge
going through first.  Although, with the mount inside the protective
sleeve, it shouldn't make a difference.

You can find some good deals on eBay for laminating machines.  Just make
sure you read the description and don't get one of those "heatless"
laminators.  Unless, of course, you want to encase your slides in
plastic :-) :-)

HTH,
Ron

> 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.
>