Back To School - Fellowes Saturn2 95 Laminator + Coupon Code

There have been many times over the past few years that I wished I had a laminator. As my children get older, I have found myself needing one for handmade gifts, crafts, and teaching. Just this past Christmas, I wanted one so that the kids could make inserts for travel coffee mugs that were waterproof. With Evan starting Kindergarten next week, Fellowes sent us the Saturn2 95 Laminator to put to the test.

Features:

• Designed for small office applications
• 9-1/2" entry width accommodates multiple document sizes
• Hot lamination for 3-mil or 5-mil pouches; ready in 5 minutes
• Cold setting for laminating self-adhesive pouches
• HeatGuard Technology™ keeps heat inside so laminator is cool to touch
• Release lever disengages pouch for re-centering or removal
• Includes laminating starter kit

I had never used a laminator before and didn't really know what to expect. The Fellowes Saturn2 95 Laminator is extremely user friendly and the instructions were easy to follow. As a safety feature, it automatically starts with the cool setting - which is great if you have small children. When ready, you can select the 3-mil, 4-mil, or 5-mil(I was sent 3-mil so that is what I used) and it takes several minutes for the machine to heat up. The power button blinks until it is ready. The heat stays on the inside and the machine was always fairly cool to the touch. There is a jam release on the back if anything should go wrong.

I decided that our first project would be to laminate the word flash cards that we've been using with Evan. With three small children, having them laminated will keep the cards dry and safe. First, we opened the sleeve and put the paper in.

Next, we simply put the sheet up to the laminator and it started to feed itself through. When it came out the other side, it was completely clear and hard.

I then cut them into cards and since they are waterproof, he can use dry erase markers to trace the letters and practice.  We can use them with several games now that they won't tear or get wet.

I can't wait to use the laminator with several different projects this year. The possibilities are endless and Fellowes has many great ideas on their site.

Coupon Code:
From August 5 – 25, 2012, you can use exclusive coupon code 87298 to receive $30 off the regular price ($159.99) of a Fellowes Saturn2 95 at Staples.com! while supplies last; maximum two machines per person

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Fellowes and received a product sample to facilitate my review.