If you are like most hobbyists or scrapbookers, you know that low cost equipment, while it saves you money, ultimately breaks. Most of the time, these machines or equipment do not even offer replacement parts. Many go on buying cheap equipment after cheap equipment, and spend sometimes hundreds of extra dollars. Why bother? There are so many machines out there that cost a little more than the average low cost solution, but last longer, and work more efficiently.
Here are some recommendations that I have when it comes to higher quality hobby equipment. With the holidays coming up, these will serve as excellent gifts for you or your favorite hobbyist.
1. Professional Grade Rotary Trimmers
Rotary paper trimmers are easy to use, and guarantee a straighter cut than a guillotine cutter. These trimmers can cut in two directions, making them ideal for photo cutting, and scrapbooking. The Dahle Rotary Trimmers offer professional quality for less. These machines are so accurate, that many print shops and advertising agencies use them. They are more expensive then the cutters that you will find Michaels, but with the smallest cutter starting at $42, they are quite a steal.
2. Professional Pouch Laminators
Anyone who values photographs should invest in a pouch laminator. These affordable machines keep photographs safe from exposure to dust, finger tips, and more. While personal laminators offer an easy lower cost solution, a more professional model will last longer, and will be less likely to jam. This Jam Free Laminatoris priced at $135, and will laminate smaller pouches as well as letter size documents with ease. Professional laminators also heat up and laminate documents faster than personal models.
3. Wire Binding Machines
While many scrapbookers tend to use comb binding machines, I recommend wire. Wire binding looks a little more professional and keeps it shape longer. Binding machines have many possibilities for projects. Notebooks, recipe books, calendars, scrapbooks, and more can all be done quickly and easily without having to go to the local print shop. This manual Akiles wire binding machine is perfect for low volume use, and is priced around $270.00. It can punch and bind in either 2:1 for low volume projects and 3:1 for higher page volume projects. It uses Double O Wire spines, which are easy to close and look great.
While these machines may be a little more pricey than your average equipment found at the fabric store, they provide professional quality for the home and make a great gift for anyone who loves creative projects.
