Decided between 2 laminators

[mpn]

I have the cover off the non-op side, so here is what it looks like. (Auto roller lift) This model has went through quite a few rolls of 54" and the only problems were operator error.

 

[Dennis422]

I have the cover off the non-op side, so here is what it looks like. (Auto roller lift) This model has went through quite a few rolls of 54" and the only problems were operator error.

Yup, that is the pic. Chains, no belts or rubber thingies

 

[SightLine]

I'm also looking very close at their 64" Pro C or S model.... Our old GBC is really starting to get out of whack more and more frequently. I'm thinking things are just getting worn out on it.

 

[Desert_Signs]

My only complaint is that the AK600 is a little low. Although this is not just US Tech, I think all laminators are about the same height. I'm going to build something to raise it up. I'd like the outfeed to come out at table height so I can feed it right out onto my work table.

 

[player]

Put bigger wheels on it to raise it up.

 

[trakers]

How do you like it otherwise? Does it do a good job on 8 foot and less jobs? Are the manual knobs a PITA?

My only complaint is that the AK600 is a little low. Although this is not just US Tech, I think all laminators are about the same height. I'm going to build something to raise it up. I'd like the outfeed to come out at table height so I can feed it right out onto my work table.

 

[Desert_Signs]

Put bigger wheels on it to raise it up.

I need to raise it 5.5".

I think I would need very large wheels to do that. Current wheels put it about 3" off the floor, so I'd need some massive wheels. I was thinking about removing the current wheels. Build a 'spacer' out of a 2x4 and a 4x4 bolted through the frame, then bolt the wheels to the spacer. That would give me 5" of lift. That would be close enough to deal with. My table top is 5.3" above the outfeed of the laminator.

 

[player]

You would want to make it wider so it does not get tippy.

 

[Salmoneye]

Ours has run like a clock. I guess I didn't notice not having a second bar because we never use craft paper.

 

[Desert_Signs]

You would want to make it wider so it does not get tippy.

Well, I did it today. 2x4 and 4x4 lagged together. Bolted the factory wheels to the bottom of the wood, drilled new holes in the legs and used big lags to bolt the wood to the frame. It's as sturdy as it was before. Not wobbly or tippy at all. I really like the ability to feed right to the table. No vinyl piling up on the floor, no roll to have to unwind.

And I did my first 'big' run on it today. About 40' of print. I attached a pic of the run-out over the 40' (its sort of hard to see, but the one on the left is the first piece - the lam is hanging over about 1/8"). No more than 1/4". I'm perfectly happy with that. I'm quite satisfied overall. It's a little more complicated to load than the last machine I used (Seal Pro 62), but laminated just as well.

Click here for a video of it running:

http://s300.photobucket.com/user/we.../2014-05/20140523_123313_zpszuqpimcs.mp4.html

 

[Desert_Signs]

Ran a full roll (50yds) of 54" 3165RA and 210G lam today. Skew was no more than 1/2" over the full 150'.

I couldn't be happier!