I just purchased an SP540 and the Daige 4 55" laminator, in fact, I received it Friday. I had never used a laminator before, so this is coming from a complete novice.
I first set the machine up with the 30" laminate. It is pretty easy to load, except for trying to tape the release liner to the top roller because the tape doesn't stick to the liner too well (it shouldn't, right?). I made a couple of 6" sleds, one for 30" and one for 54" material to feed the material through start up. It was pretty easy to get the sled going, as I made sure to adjust each side the same amount. Then, I taped my print to the back of the sled. As the sled passed through, I just re-adjusted each side. Pretty easy, just go about as tight as you can reasonably go (don't get a wrench or anything) as it bottoms out. Then, just push the pedal. I had 8 30"x12' long prints, and did them easily in about 15 minutes. The hardest part was just figuring out the tracking, but after the first couple it was pretty obvious. I just taped all the prints together to go in one long train. So this part worked like a champ.
Now, to the bad part. I loaded the machine with the 54" material. I figured I pretty much mastered this deal by now with all the experience I gained, so I just went ahead with my real print. I did everything the same, ran the sled through, and even a piece of release liner. Everything looked good, I put my print in, then disaster. The laminate started wrinkling from one side, and then it was soon over, ruined my print. I think this has more to do with my set-up error (I would have to believe I did not have it loaded square).
I think the machine is Ok for the money. The stand sucks, I will for sure build a new one. And I think some massaging of the process, by creating some line up marks for the full roll, the laminate and the release liner will aid set up. And then some marks for tracking the print would be of big help as well.
RJ, you wanted me to give you feedback on this thing, so I hope it helps.
Oh, one more thing. The first prints I laminated looked really good, no bubbles or wrinkles at all. There was a tad bit of silvering, but not much, as you have to get really close to see it.
I also ran application tape in it to see how it worked, and that works like a thing of beauty. I would like to buy another machine and just have it set up for that alone.
Jimmy
