Apache AL18P Professional Hot/Cold 18" (Actually 17.5" max Laminating Width) Thermal Laminator and 20 Laminator Pouches

8/6/14: We've had this laminator 1 year and 1 month, just past the warranty. It suddenly stopped heating up. This one replaced one we had that we'd been using for several years. The reason we got this new one is because the old one was getting pretty beat up and we were afraid it would stop working and we would be left without one. We ended up donating the old one and now are kind of sorry we did. It's still working fine. (Just to be clear, the old one was not an Apache)I saw some other reviews and everyone seems happy with it but I wonder how long they've had them. In my opinion, don't buy this one, it won't last.8/7/14: UPDATE:WOW! I just spoke with customer service and they are sending me a new laminator, 2nd day air! I don't even have to send them the old one back. WOW! If this really happens that is the best customer service I've experienced in a long time! I'm going to update my rating for now and I'll let you know how it turns out.8/14/14: UPDATE:Another WOW! The new laminator came in AND customer service contacted me to make sure I got it. This one is working fine. They sent me a brand new one, even though the other one was out of warranty by a month, no shipping cost, and I don't have to return the defective one. Also, the warranty on this new one is 1 year too. I must say Apache has great customer service and they will make good on their products. I'll be adjusting the stars upward to 5 because of the great customer service. Thanks Apache!

First few tries with 3 mil lam, the temp was set at the recommended setting of 230 degrees- had to bump it up to 240 so I wouldn't get any silvering (patches of laminate that didn't bond and made dark colors look silver). I had to remove the metal covers on top and back of the Apache laminator to prevent the front corners from wrinkling, otherwise it works really well.Same for the 5 mil laminate. had to turn it up to 302 degrees to get a good lam. Overall, it's a great deal! in the last two weeks I've run about 200 sheets through it.Update: After less than 10 months this POS died. It was NOT used every month, maybe every other month or less. Total number of pieces through this machine was less than 50 sheets. Rollers do not work now. Heats up but doesn't turn. Total waste of money. Would suggest to stay away from this.

I've been using this daily since I received it a week ago. I've laminated 3 x 5 index cards for recipes as well as used the 11 1/2 x 17 1/2 7 mil thick pouches for some maps and photo prints. Plain paper as well as photo paper. The unit performed flawlessly ! I was very satisfied with the warm-up time as well as the speed at which the lamination process is completed in. NOW...I've read some reviews pertaining to the fumes. REALLY??? Has anyone ever purchased a new electric oven and not had any fumes the first time? How about a new electric hair dryer first use? It's an electric unit and this is normal. Yes, mine had fumes the first time and being honest, I'm using it in a 8 x 20 foot room. Each time I used it, the odor diminished. But be reasonable, you're still heasting a plastic so there will always be some odor but nor after a week it's very little. When I look at all the possible uses for this machine and the items I will be able to preserve without having to run out and pay to have it done and since gasoline is not getting any cheaper, in my opinion, this unit is well worth the money. BEST PART !!! I called the company as I had a question about the operation of the unit. I GOT A LIVE PERSON !!! Not press 1 for this, 2 for that and so on, but a live person who answered my question immediately ! No song and a dance, no run around, no I'll get back to you...just a straight up front answer. I don't know about anyone else, but that's a big star in my book. I will highly recommend this machine, as well as SPN Performance.

This is the best machine and the best price ever! Cheetah mounts customer service is amazing! I ordered my Laminator and had it sitting in my craft room for almost a month. Today I was really excited to use it for the first time.. ( I have owned one before and know exactly how it works). I fired it up and it was malfunctioning. I called customer service and spoke with Stephanie. She was very sweet and tried to work me through over the phone to get the laminator working properly (we tried several things). With all things there are always potential issues (shipping damage, loose wires etc. I understand that). I was dreading having to send the unit back (it's very sturdy and quite heavy. I said "Oh Stephanie, I don't wanna have to ship it back"! She said,, "No worries, for your trouble I will ship you out a new unit, since we can't seem to get it working with Tech. support"... Ok, Really? could it get any better than that? I am amazed at some of the reviews here saying this unit is "expensive" are you kidding? you can't touch an 18" Hot laminator that does what this machine does for less than $1000.00 and I'm being conservative (from my extensive searching). I have owned this laminator before, I used it for over a year extensively, the temp. started having issues and I returned it to amazon (they charged me shipping which was hefty) I wish I would have known to call Cheetah mounts and deal directly with them. I ended up having to wait over a year to find the 18" Apache for sale again ( I couldn't find it anywhere) and like I said 18" laminators are very expensive so I waited. You can't go wrong with this machine and this price. You may need to play with the heat settings a bit just at first, because everyone's situation can be a bit different. There are folks on here that have given some pretty good advice in their reviews. I could not be happier!! Thanks Cheetah Mounts for making such a great product that we can afford for personal use, and for having such great customer service and standing behind your product like you do. High Five!

Paid a lot of money for this laminator and it doesn't seal properly. We have tried every trouble shooting suggestion and still doesn['t seal properly/