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I'm thinking about getting the Minc machine for foiling and hopefully, for 'regular' laminating. I don't want two machines if one will work fine.
It's been out for awhile, so how's it holding up to use?
Any thoughts you would like to share about using it?
How well does it work for regular laminating?
I had the Minc Mini and loved it. I used it about weekly for 2 years before it died. I then bought an inexpensive laminating machine, which didn’t work as well, and it died after 6 months. I’ve now ordered the brand I’ve seen most in tutorials, Royal Sovereign, and hop it lasts longer.
I have the big Minc maschine and I absolutely LOVE it for foiling, but I must admit, I haven�t tryed it for lamination though, as we also have a laminator in the office for that use, so I just keep my Minc in my craftroom, but I certainly would go for another one, if it died on me, as it didn�t work very well with the foiling on my laminator before.
I haven't tried laminating, since I have a laminator for that. But I have the mini Minc, and LOVE it! (I wouldn't use the full-size one enough to justify the higher cost, and the mini takes up less room on my already-crowded table!) I haven't used it a whole lot, so it is still going strong. I forget exactly when I got it, but it's maybe been a couple of years or so now. One tip I would give is to shim your project. (I got that tip from Gina K in an Online Card Classes class.) When I put my project in the carrier sheet, I generally do (from bottom up) cardstock shim (I use a heavyweight cardstock piece), paper that I'm foiling (toner side up), then foil on top. The shim gets the foiled piece closer to the heating element, so you have a better chance at success. Also, it's apparently important you choose the right setting. That's probably the trickiest part for me. I read somewhere that your results can be less than perfect if you have it set too high or too low. But it still gives much better results than my laminator. I do get some splotchiness sometimes, but the shim minimizes that. It's really only a few speckles of unfoiled toner here & there. I've even gotten those on Minc sheets that have toner already on them, so I know it's not a problem with my laser printer. Anyway, I can live with it. I'd recommend it highly!
I have the Minc Mini and love it. Like others, I don't use it for laminating - and I'm not sure I would. I've used it for over 2 years and it has held up well. Once I remembered to make sure the setting was right and to preheat adequately, I've not had problems with splotchiness or inadequate coverage. I love it!
__________________ The future is uncertain, because love changes everything!
Has your Minc held up?
I'd recommend it highly! 
