Two days ago I got a big order - someone ordered every shadow puppet product I had in my shop 
Unfortunately, I made part of one of my puppets, and it got stuck in the machine - this happened a while ago, but I tested the machine and things worked fine. Now every time I use it things get stuck. It's a $40 machine, but I'm using it properly and keep it clean, etc etc. Point is, that I need to get this order out, but my machine's obviously not going to do the job.

So if anyone has recommendations for a machine replacement, please let me know! I have only had the machine for a few months, and while it's under warranty, I can't find the receipt (damn it! I kept the thing and now I can't find it when I need to) and I'm guessing repairs would cost the same amount as the machine.

Also, given that I've had it for about 3 or 4 months, I've only used it about 4 or 5 times, and I'm using to spec. I'm thinking this probably isn't a good machine to own anyway....

Please help!  (On the other hand, I'm glad I at least only have three shadow puppets in store and the rest are shadow puppet patterns.... And that I have 'display' models that I may be able to send... I am absolutely raving  because I spent all the time making the puppet, only to have four hours worth of work go down the drain in less than a minute)

You failed to specify "what" the machine was, but I'll assume you mean your laminate machine.


Did you change materials at all... plastic or board stock you are using for shadow puppets.  While $40.00 would be the low end of a laminate machines, it still should have lasted you at least a year. I the US you can go to office supply stores or printing stores (KinKos) and have them laminate things for you or even do it self serve.  Is there something like that in your area? That might get you past this emergency and then you could get your personal one fixed or replaced. You are right that it would cost more the fix it then to just buy a new one. If you can find the receipt it could be they would replace it for free.

Ooops - sorry, yeah laminating machine... Got myself into a little tizzy :P

1. I've used it about 4 times before, and it's been fine. I used it once on a cardboard puppet (not very thick cardboard, probably about 2/3 mm thick... don't know what that is in gsm or inches) and it got stuck. I did do my jellyfish shadow puppet recently, using transparent paper, and that worked fine. Now it's getting stuck everytime using the same materials. It maybe needs a clean, although it shouldn't, because I keep it packed up in its box when not in use.

2. I bought this at a post office, so probably no chance of getting it repaired unless I find a machine repairer. If I find the receipt, which isn't likely considering the state of my house at the moment, then it's also likely the manufacturer won't repair it anyway because it's a model from 1995 and the company is UK based with no apparent rep. in Australia.

3. Yes, we have Officeworks, which do laminating. However, I'm really not going to give it to them unless I want it screwed up; I'm just not taking the risk of a 16 year old boy looking at it and saying 'oh we can't laminate that', and trying anyway and getting it wrong (heck, I'm doing a good job of that myself without any help). They don't have self serve laminating (I don't think anyone offers that here). On a side note, my sister used to work there, and if she still was, I'd happily give it to her to do (I wonder if I could convince her to work there again just for a day )

... I think I've just decided to buy a new one and hope that I'll find the receipt soon and get the other one fixed. ... Sigh...

Anyway, I've calmed down a little now, but am thinking it's probably good to look into purchasing a more heavy duty machine. You get what you pay for :P

... Hang on... no I remember, I bought this machine cause I'd used it quite a bit in Sth Korea (we laminated hundreds of cut out footprints to lay a path around the theatre over the course of a couple of days) - we never had problems. So there's definitely something wrong with my machine.

I have one Na, I got a A3 one from Officeworks for about $50.00.

I have used it 3 times no problems yet.

How long do you feel this job would take you to do?

I'm happy to come out to you or you to come to my town of Sunny Dandenong. Anything for a fellow puppeteer mate.

Thanks Bret, I may have solved the issue: yesterday in my panic I contacted the manufacturer via email and asked them for help. They replied a few minutes ago. They suggested to try and clean it - haven't tried it yet but will in a minute. I'll let you know if that doesn't work

Ok, I tried cleaning it, and now it works - yay! (I don't know why they don't include instructions for cleaning with the manual, but they don't). For others: cut one half of a manila folder and run it through the machine, and it cleans it... don't get how that works, but anyway... I stuck in an empty laminating pouch to test it, and it was fine, and then I stuck in my puppet, and it worked fine too.

Fingers crossed it keeps working now!

No worries Na, any time. Nice to know that the show is back on the road.

That's why I like this place, encourage you to continue, learning many tips you don't even imaging!

I learn from all of you guys!

Thanks!

Miguel!

Nothing like a little adhesive to gum up the works.  Glad you got it all cleaned out and the solution is so simple and easy.  Maybe you should keep some manila paper around and run it through every now and again to ensure no lost material.

Its true, you don't know when you're going to use them!