Bind It, Shred It, Laminate It, Finish It: A MyBinding.com Blog

How to Use the New Fellowes Callisto 95 Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …How to Use the New Fellowes Callisto 95 Laminator. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Fellowes has started the new year by putting out a bunch of new laminators. Some of the machines are new and improved versions of such classics as the Saturn and Cosmic. However, the office machine giant has also released an all new machine, the Callisto 95. This machine works with items that are up to 9.5” wide so it's a good choice for everyday lamination. Just follow these tips to use this new machine:

• Turn on the machine and press the arrow buttons up or down to select your temperature/pouch thickness setting. The Callisto 95 has settings for 3, 4, and 5 mil pouches. There's also a cold setting for heat-sensitive items. If you choose a thermal setting, you will need to wait for 5 minutes for the machine to heat up.

• Place your item in a laminating pouch. Make sure the item is fully enveloped and that there are even edges around it. When the Callisto 95 is warmed up, place the envelope in the feed opening. The folded edge needs to go in first.

• The Callisto 95 will begin processing your item. When it's done, your laminated document or photograph will come out of the back of the device. Set it aside and give it a chance to cool off.

• If you need to switch to a different temperature setting, just select the appropriate one. The Callisto 95 has a Heat Swap system that allows you to do so without waiting for the machine to heat up or cool down.

• If your item becomes stuck in the machine, use the pouch release lever. You'll find it on the back of the device.

• Turn the Callisto 95 off when you are finished. If you forget to turn it off, it will go into sleep mode after an hour of inactivity.

As you can see, it's pretty easy to operate the Fellowes Callisto 95. You can pretty much just turn the machine on, select the appropriate setting, and go. Good luck and happy laminating!

Tips on Using the Lamitek PhotoPro 13 Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Smooth and Simple Laminating with the Lamitek PhotoPro 13. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

When choosing a pouch laminator, it's always a good idea to select one that's packed with user-friendly features and is easy to operate. Luckily, the Lamitek PhotoPro 13 fits the bill beautifully. This laminator is compatible with laminating pouches that are up to 10 mil thick and it has a 13-inch feed opening that can accommodate large and small documents. The PhotoPro 13 also has a cold setting for those heat-sensitive materials and it has four rollers so everything will be smoothly processed. Here are a few tips to help you successfully use this machine:

• Turn on the laminator and let it warm up. This device takes about 5 minutes to heat up, so you'll be able to start laminating pretty quickly.

• Select the appropriate setting for your pouch. For example, if you're using a 5 mil pouch, turn the rotary dial to the number 5 position. If you're using a pressure-sensitive laming pouch, select the cold setting, and so on.

• Place your document in a pouch and then place the pouch in a carrier. Run the carrier though the laminator and place it to the side afterward. Your document needs to cool off before you can use it.

• Just repeat the above steps for your other documents. Turn off the PhotoPro when you're done so that the motor doesn't overheat.

Finally, you might want to try foil laminating with PhotoPro if you're feeling adventurous. Foil laminating is the process of adding a bit of decorative foil to your documents and you can do this with a machine that uses 10 mil pouches. Click here to watch a video that will walk you through the process.

Overall, the Lamitek PhotoPro 13 is a great pouch laminator that's versatile and easy to use. (Watch the video to see it in action.) Try out the tips listed above you can produce beautifully laminated documents.  

 

 

Four Reasons to Check Out the Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra Pouch Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Four Reasons to Check Out the Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra Pouch Laminator. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Searching for the right pouch laminator is challenging since there are so many great machines available. However, there is one that stands out above all the rest: the Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra. Here are four reasons why you should check it out:

1. It's versatile. One of the best reasons to check out the Pro-Lam Ultra is that it's very versatile. This machine has a 13-inch feed opening which allows you to laminate large and small documents. Also, you can use laminating pouches up to 14 mil thick. Thus, you'll be able to use a variety of different pouches. (Keep in mind that the thicker pouches will make your documents more rigid so they'll last longer. However, they do tend to be more expensive than thinner pouches. That might be an issue if you're on a budget.)

2. It's easy to use. The Pro-Lam Ultra is easy to use so you'll get good results with it even if you've never used a laminator before. The machine has a digital keypad that's easy to access as well as a chart that displays the recommended settings for various pouch thicknesses. Also, there are 7 preset settings you can use if you don't want to fuss with the machine too much.

3. It will make your documents look great. Laminating your documents will not only protect them from over-handling, it will make them look their best. The Pro-Lam Ultra is one of the best machines for this because it has 6 silicone rollers. The rollers will smooth out wrinkles and bubbles, as well as prevent heat marks from forming. Thus, your materials will emerge from the machine looking like they've been professionally laminated.

4. It's durable. Most office machines are a bit pricey, so it's important to get a machine that will be in it for the long haul. That's why the Pro-Lam Ultra is a great choice. This laminator is one of the few to feature all-metal construction. You'll be able to get a lot of use out of this machine, so it's a terrific investment. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

The Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra is a great pouch laminator and there are four reasons why you should check it out. This machine is versatile, durable, and user-friendly, plus it will make your documents look fantastic. Check out the Pro-Lam Ultra today. You're going to be glad you did.

An In-Depth Look at the Fellowes Titan TL-125 Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … The Titan TL-125: One of Fellowes’ Best Pouch Laminators. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Fellowes makes excellent laminators and one of their best machines is the Titan TL-125. This is a fairly new pouch laminator that's outfitted with some great special features. Here's an in-depth look at this device so you can decide if it's the right machine for your laminating needs: 

• The Titan TL-125 can be used to laminate both small and large documents. This machine features a 12.5-inch feed opening so you can laminate items like certificates, business cards, menus, signs, lists, and more.

• This machine can warm up in just 4 minutes and process a letter-sized document in about 30 seconds. It's one of Fellowes' fastest laminators, so it's a good choice if you want to crank out work quickly. Also, everything you laminate will look great since this device has 4 rollers to ensure a smooth finished project.

• The Titan TL-125 can handle laminating pouches that are up to 10 mil thick. It can even switch settings automatically so you can use pouches of different thicknesses during one laminating session. This feature makes the Titan TL-125 incredibly easy to use.

• This device is equipped with HeatGuard technology that helps trap heat inside the laminator. Due to this, the Titan TL-125 is very safe to use and you won't need to worry about burning yourself when using it.

• Maintaining this machine is really easy. That's because it has a clamshell design so you can open it up like you would a printer. When you open it, you'll have access to the rollers so you can clean them as necessary. You can also open this device up to take care of pouch jams if any occur.

• Finally, this laminator comes with a 2-year warranty.

The Fellowes Titan TL-125 is a top-notch laminator that's perfect for busy offices. This machine has a lot of special features (such as the HeatGuard technology) but it's still easy to use. Also, this device works quickly and it will give you great results. You really can't go wrong with the Titan TL-125, so consider getting it for your office today.  

Three Excellent Roll Laminators to Check Out

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Three Excellent Roll Laminators to Check Out. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Roll laminators are machines that make it easy to preserve and protect a variety of documents ranging from name tags to point-of-purchases displays. There are many of these devices to choose from, so to help you narrow down the field, here are three excellent roll laminators to check out.

1. The Ledco Premier 4. This is a terrific roll laminator from Ledco. It can process materials that are up to 25” wide and 1/8” thick. The Premier 4 is compatible with all of the typical thicknesses of laminating film from 1.5 to 10 mil. It offer variable speed settings so your work will be properly laminated no matter how thick your film is. (When the machine is on its highest setting, it will be able to laminate your document in one minute if it's no more than 10 feet long.) The Premier 4 is easy to use thanks to features such as an LCD temperature display, side slitters, and a bottom idler that threads the film through the laminator. The Premier 4 has a two-year warranty.

2. The Xyron 2500.  Xyron is known for their popular crafting supplies but they also make professional-grade cold laminators such as the 2500. This machine doesn't require electricity to operate so there's no heat involved. Due to this, the 2500 is safe to use, environmentally friendly, and can process thermally sensitive documents. The 2500 can laminate materials that are up to 25” wide and it can process mounting boards so you can make signs, mock-ups, and more. Since this device doesn't use electricity, you don't need to wait for it to warm up, which will help you save time. The 2500's warranty lasts for one year.

3. The GBC HeatSeal Ultima 35 EzLoad. Loading a laminator with film can be tricky, but it's really easy with the Ultima 35. This is one of GBC's EzLoad machines and it utilizes snap-in film cartridges so loading the film is a no-brainer. The Ultima 35 is a bit small than the other two laminators already mentioned; it can only handle documents up to 12” wide. However, it's great for banners, maps, placemats, and anything else printed on letter- and legal-sized paper. Laminating film up to 10 mil wide can be used with the Ultima 35. This laminators heats up in just one minute and it can shut off automatically if it's left on after use. The Ultima 35 is backed by a one-year warranty.

All three of these roll laminators are worth checking out, especially if you're trying to find a high-quality machine for your office, print shop, or school. Whether the Ledco or Xyron models appeal to you, or the GBC device is more your speed, these machines can help you produce professional-looking work. Take a look at them today!

Buying a Pouch Laminator: Three Things to Look For

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Buying a Pouch Laminator: Three Things to Look For. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

If you're looking to buy a pouch laminator, you probably already have some idea of what to look for. You know that it's important to choose a machine that can handle documents of different sizes, can warm up quickly, and so on. But there are a few other things that you should look for so you can be sure to get the device that's right for you. Here are three of them....

1. A cold setting. If you're buying a pouch laminator, chances are good that you're getting a thermal device that heats up so the adhesive in a laminating pouch will melt and encapsulate your item. But you need to know that the thermal process isn't good for certain items. These include photographs and documents that have been printed with waste-based ink, including ink-jet printouts. The best way to handle these kinds of materials is to choose a machine that has a cold setting. A cold setting will allow you to process you thermally sensitive materials without damaging them. This is definitely an important feature to search for and luckily, there are many laminators on the market that have it. That means you'll be able to choose one that's just right for you.

2. Double-walled insulation and the ability to shut off automatically. Laminators tend to get really warm, especially if you use them for an extended period of time. The last thing you need when laminating your documents is to get burned, so the device you choose should have double-walled insulation. This feature will keep the heat inside the machine so the exterior is cool to the touch. Also, your new machine should be able to shut off automatically. This is a necessary feature for a couple of reasons. First, it will help you conserve power which is good for the environment. It will also help you save a bit of money on utilities. Second, if your device runs too long, there's always the chance that it could overheat. This can really damage the motor and possibly lead to you having to completely replace the device. That can be very inconvenient (not to mention costly), so this really is a must-have feature.

3. A good warranty. Even if you buy a small laminator, you're still making an investment. Therefore, it's essential to choose a machine that has a good warranty. When you're looking at laminators, a good warranty is generally one that lasts for about a year. Machines with warranties of this length tend to be of higher quality anyway, so you'll be getting a device that can help you out for a long time.

These are some of the things you should look for when you're shopping for a pouch laminator. A cold setting will allow you to process as many materials as possible without damaging some of them and the double-walled insulation will keep the process safe. Plus, an automatic shut-off feature and a good warranty are necessary for the life of the machine as well as your bank account. So make sure to look for these features when deciding on a device. Good luck!

Three Time-Saving Office Machines You Should Consider Getting

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Three Time-Saving Office Machines You Should Consider Getting. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

One of the most important professional skills to master is time management. Saving time can help you remain productive and meet deadlines. To succeed at time management, there are devices that can assist you. Here are three time-saving office machines you should consider getting:

1. A paper folding machine. Folding documents is one of the easiest office tasks, but it also happens to be one of the most time-consuming. If you only fold a few documents a day and don't send out large numbers of invoices or newsletters, you can probably do just fine folding your documents by hand. However, most people can benefit greatly from having access to a paper folder. This is a type of device that can take a stack of documents and fold them so they can be popped into envelopes without a lot of hassle. Paper folders can be small, desktop devices that are good for light use or they can be more heavy-duty and fold hundreds or even thousands of documents per hour. Since there are so many different folders to choose from, there's definitely one that's right for you.

2. A letter opener. If you get a paper folder, a letter opener can be a terrific accompaniment. A letter opener makes it quick and easy to process your mail, which can be really handy during the middle of a busy workday. There are a number of handheld openers to choose from, as well as larger devices that are perfect for companies that handle hundreds of pieces of mail per day. One of the many advantages to using a letter opener is that one can typically open a letter in such a way that the enclosed document doesn't get cut up. Also, using a letter opener can reduce the likelihood of paper cuts which is always a plus.

3. A pouch laminator. It almost goes without saying that paper can be easily damaged whether it's due to spills, rips, or overhandling. If you frequently have to recreate documents because they've fallen apart or become lost, you're probably wondering how you can save time so you can do something more constructive. The good news is a pouch laminator can help you out. You can use one of these devices to protect items ranging from name tags to placards, safety inspections to photographs. Using a laminator is easy once you get the hang of it and doing so will definitely make your materials much more durable. This will allow you to use your documents as often as possible and not worry about them becoming useless.

Saving time during the workday is important and if you have the right equipment, doing so can be easy. The three machines discussed in this article can help you manage time more efficiently, process incoming and outgoing mail, and protect important documents. Consider getting a paper folder, letter opener, and/or a pouch laminator to see how your workday can be easier and more productive. You'll be happy that you did.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pouch Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … What to Consider Before Buying a Pouch Laminator. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

The best way to prepare your documents for regular handling is by processing them with a pouch laminator. If you're interested in this type of device, here's what you need to consider before buying one:

• The size of your documents – and your workspace. Obviously, you're going to want to get a laminator that's large enough to handle the things you want to protect. Pouch laminators run the gamut when it comes to size with small, medium-sized, and large machines available. As a rule of thumb, it's usually better to err on the side of caution and get a machine that's slightly larger than what you think you'll need. That way, your device will be big enough to handle a variety of documents. Also, try to figure how much space you have available in your work area so you can pick a machine that can fit in it.

• If you're going to work with thermally sensitive items. Almost all of the pouch laminators available are designed for use with thermal laminating pouches. It's not advisable to process certain sensitive items on a hot setting including some photographs and anything that was printed with water-based ink. If you want to work with these kinds of materials, you need to look for a machine with a cold lamination setting. This will allow you to process your items without damaging them.

• How much protection your documents require. It's important to know that laminating pouches vary in thickness. Pouch thickness is measured in mils (a mil is 0.001 of an inch) and 10 mil pouches offer the most protection. (They'll also make your materials fairly rigid.) Determine how much protection your documents require and choose a machine that can handle that pouch thickness.

• What safety features you need. Using a pouch laminator can be dangerous since the one you choose will likely have a heating element inside of it. These parts reach very high temperatures so that the adhesive in a pouch will be properly melted. It's important to seek a machine that has good safety features to make the process as risk-free as possible. Some devices have two layers of insulation to trap heat inside. Some have the ability to shut off automatically. Choose a device that has the safety features you need.

• The device's durability and warranty. It never hurts to choose a laminator that's well-built and can handle a lot of use. The best ones have metal components so they can be used frequently. The downside is that they can be pricey, so you might have to go with a device that's a bit less durable if you're on a budget. The machine you choose should also have a good warranty so you don't need to worry if anything goes wrong with it.

That's what you should consider before you go out and buy a pouch laminator. Thinking about these things will enable you to select a pouch laminator with which you will be happy. Good luck!

Five Things to Make Your Workday Easier

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Five Things to Make Your Workday Easier. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Do you want your workday to be easier? If you do, there are a lot of things you can use that can help you stay organized, save time, and stay productive. Let's take a look at five of them....

• A good letter folder. No matter what you job is, chances are you have to deal with mail at some point. If you send out a lot of correspondence, a letter folder will come in very handy. This type of device can fold letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”) into thirds so you can pop the letter into an envelope and go about your day. Some letter folders can handle stapled documents or even perform different kinds of folds, so there's one that's just right for your needs. Best of all, a lot of these devices are fairly compact so you can find one that will easily fit on your desk.

• A high-quality pouch laminator. Paper can be ruined if it's handled too much, so it's a good idea to laminate those documents that you frequently refer to. To do that, a pouch laminator is what you need. There are some high-quality ones available that have a lot of great features including multiple rollers (to ensure great results), cold settings (so you can laminate thermally sensitive items), and the ability to shut off automatically. You can use a laminator to protect signs, photographs, calendars, and just about anything else that needs protection. Also, there are some laminators that can laminate a letter-sized document in about a minute, so you can finish the job quickly.

• A selection of index tabs. Do you use binders at work to store and organize documents? If you do, you should keep a supply of index tabs on-hand. These supplies will help your separate the sections in binders so it's faster and easier to refer to something when the need arises. (Something else to have around is a good three-hole punch so you can get your documents ready for the binders.) You can also use index tabs in documents bound with a binding machine, so they're pretty helpful supplies all around. Just make sure the hole pattern is right for the binding supplies you're going to be using.

• A high-capacity electric stapler. A high-capacity electric stapler is a great addition to any office. These machines make it possible to staple thick documents in a couple of seconds. They make it easy to finish up a variety of large jobs so you can get on with your day. There are even some portable electric staplers available if you want to be able to use the device anywhere in the office.

• A whiteboard for your cubicle. Although a lot of people use things like computers and smartphones to stay organized these days, using a whiteboard can be really helpful. For one thing, you can erase them quickly, and they're also easy to refer to. You can just glance at them and not worry about turning them on, waiting for them to boot up, etc.

All of these things can help you have an easier workday. They'll help you streamline your workflow, stay on task, and save time. Consider getting these items for your office so you can enjoy having an easier time at work. 

What You Need to Make Your Own ID Cards and Name Tags

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … What You Need to Make Your Own ID Cards and Name Tags. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Do you want to make your own ID cards and name tags? If you do, you'll be happy to know that's it's easy to do. You just need the right equipment and supplies. These are the things you'll need:

• Something you'll want to get is a pouch laminator. This type of device will laminate your cards so that they become more durable and will be able to withstand frequent handling. There are a lot of laminators available, so you'll have your choice of size, brand name, price, and so on. If you're only going to be using the laminator to process small items, a machine with a smaller feed opening (i.e. less than 8” wide) is ideal. Be sure to pick up some laminating pouches that are compatible with the device so you can start using it right away.

• The next item you need to get is a slot punch. This is simply a device that will punch nice, clean holes in your cards and tags so you can attach them to lanyards, badge reels, and so on. There are different types of slot punches available ranging from handheld devices to more sophisticated electric ones. A handheld one would be great if you're not going to be creating a lot of tags but if you will be making them on a regular basis, an electric one would be a better choice.

• A lot of people like using lanyards, so you should keep a good supply on them on-hand. While lanyards used to be pretty basic, there are now some really great-looking ones available. There are still polyester ones available in different colors (black, blue, etc.) but there are also ones that are beaded, emblazoned with social awareness symbols (such as the pink ribbon for cancer awareness), made from bamboo, and so on. You can even order customized lanyards or purchase reflective ones which are perfect for people in risky jobs such as construction.

• Badge reels and wrist coils are nice alternatives for people who don't like to wear lanyards for whatever reason. These supplies allow the user to keep his or her card/tag nearby at all times. Some badge reels can even be customized so you can show off your company's logo or whatever else you want.

• If you prefer not to use paper to make your tags and cards, you can use PVC cards instead. These supplies are easy to use, but you'll need to have access to a PVC card printer to get the best results. The great thing about using PVC cards is that they're really durable so you don't need to laminate them. This can be extremely helpful if you're looking to save time.

Making your own ID cards and name tags isn't terribly difficult but you do need to have the right equipment and supplies to do so. If you don't have the items you need to get started, consider getting them. You'll be off and making your own professional-looking ID cards and name tags in no time. Good luck!