Laminator Update
As I mentioned in my photoetching articles, Canon has long ago discontinuted the laminator I'm using.
19 May 1999
John Jarvis, who is doing some incredible etching to reproduce astrolabes (a vintage navigational instrument with much intricate engraving), writes:
I recently purchased a Royal Sovereign RPA-5954 pouch laminator for the purpose of applying dry film photoresist to brass sheet. The laminator was purchased at the local Sam's Warehouse for $80 plus tax.The RPA-5954 has a variable heat setting and can handle materials up to 9" in width. One of the big plusses in my purchase decision was the variable heat setting. As it turns out, all heat settings work satisfactorily. I think the brass draws the heat away from the heating element so quickly that the thermostat has the heater running wide open at any setting.
The RPA-5954 has two sets of rollers situated on either side of a spring loaded heating element. The roller sets are each spring loaded with plenty of give. As a result fairly thick material can be laminated. I routinely laminate 1 mm thick brass sheets with no problem.
I had one problem at the outset. The laminator that I purchased was assembled minus a bushing for one of the rollers. So much for Royal Sovereign QC. As might be expected, it initially didn't work very well. I quickly discovered the assembly error and proceeded to correct it. As it turns out, it was the beginning of a three day holiday weekend and no one was answering the technical support telephone line. I went to the shop and turned one out on the lathe in just a few minutes. After reassembling the unit, all worked well and it has laminated flawlessly ever since.
