MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are the things that I can do with my laminator?
Laminators are often thought of as large machines used in schools and print shops or small devices used by security desks to create name badges and key cards. However, there are a number of useful things you can create with a laminator in your own home. And we’re talking about helpful items, not simply preserving your kids’ art. Here’s a few:
- Create custom luggage tags. Do you travel a lot? Then you’re well aware of the similarities between the many suitcases piled on a luggage carousel. Making a brightly colored, unique identification tag will help you to quickly locate and retrieve your suitcase so you can be on your way to your final destination.
- Make a chore chart. Whether you have kids or simply need a way to divvy up the chores between you and your roommates, a chart is a useful tool to see what has been done and what still needs to be completed. Kids love to track their progress with colorful stickers or markers and a chart can help ensure that all chores are finished on a weekly basis. Simply wipe off the markings on the laminate to start fresh every week.
- Simplify your grocery list. When you have the same things on your grocery list on a regular basis, you can save time by listing everything you generally buy on a single sheet. Leave room for unique items, laminate the page, and you have a reusable list. This can save you so much time writing; it’s much easier to just circle or check off the things you need than to write every individual item every week.
- Make a reusable calendar page. Design a calendar system that works well for you and then laminate a month (or more) and you’ll be able to easily wipe off any changes that may arise. Posting this in a prominent place will enable your entire family to view what is happening.
- Create a babysitter checklist. This can also be useful if you frequently have someone house sit or watch your animals. Much like the grocery list, you’ll save time by not having to write instructions every time you go somewhere.
- Save your recipes. Recipe cards are often the victim of splatter or spills. Protect your favorite recipes by laminating them. Any spills will easily wipe off and you won’t lose the instructions to baking grandma’s secret cookie recipe.
This is a short listing of the things you can create and save. The possibilities are endless; we’re sure you have a few ideas of your own. Do yourself a favor and get a personal laminator so you can make your life easier with a few laminated documents.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
