Laminating/Binding services?

[pgc hunter]

I've got a printout of Torres' Tri Atlas C charts and I've been thinking of getting these laminated so I can use them in the field. After a bit of googling, it seems that this will be very expensive. Some places offer discounts for bulk (this is over 500 A3 sheets) and even with that, it appears I will be paying well over $500!

Does anyone know of any place in Melbourne where I could get these charts laminated without remortgaging the house?

[tlgerdes]

That's not that bad for the volumes you are asking.

DIY equipment from Officeworks will set you back $275

Laminator = $100
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/fellowes-laminator-a3-mars-white-fe5730701?searchTerm=a3 laminator


Laminates = $35*5=$175
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lowell-a3-80-micron-laminating-pouch-gloss-100-pack-ccbl80ma3?searchTerm=a3 laminator

[miker]

You might also consider Matte pouches instead of Gloss.

Michael

[blexxx1769]

Maybe a s/h ipad with free Triatlas app for outside use & paper charts for planning/review would be an option. Much as I like having paper charts to refer to, I find the convenience of the ipad ( same chart, night vision preservation & easy to get the orientation right ) heaps better in the field.
Cheers

[pgc hunter]

Sounds like DIY is much cheaper. How good are these cheap laminators? Never having used one, just worried about jams and all that. Those pouches are 200 pack so I'd only need 3, bringing the cost to $205.



Definitely.



I still prefer using paper charts.

[michaellxv]

I looked at this some time ago even to just get the B-Set laminated you could buy a very nice bound atlas for less. I just have them in plastic sleaves and if one gets damaged I can just reprint it.

[pgc hunter]

I've been looking at doing this aswell as an alternative. Put them in plastic pockets in a binder. I am definitely not prepared to pay over 500 bucks to get them laminated, but if it costs 200 or so doing it myself I am considering it. It is the deepest and most concise atlas that's not a computer program as far as I know so there is incentive there. I much prefer paper atlases, love browsing through them and enjoy starhopping with them in the field.

[michaellxv]

I'm with you on the paper atlas especially printed at the larger size. I have the B set printed and only a few of the C set where I had a specific need rather than printing all 500 pages. This might be something to consider.

[tlgerdes]

I haven't done a3 laminating, but do a lot a4 at home. I only have a cheap one and it works well. Most problems I've had are to do with the laminate not the laminator.

Like most things, better quality products produce better more consistent results.

[pgc hunter]

True. Cheaping out with the equipment when doing a high volume like this might be asking for trouble. I'm considering putting the charts in plastic pockets, but geez even those aren't cheap in A3 size. $59 for 100pk at Officeworks. I'll need at least 3 packs so nearly $180! Although these are labelled as "heavy weight". Hmmm, maybe I should just get the charts hole-punched, put them in a binder and use them for indoor reference/session planning.

[miker]

Maybe you could just keep the non laminated charts in a folder and put the 2 or 3 you want for the night in plastic sleeves.

Michael