How to use a Seary Mfg. Midget Slide Mounting Press?

[cmacd123]

My local film lab will no longer mount my 35mm slides, so I decided to get some equipment to do it myself. I bought the Seary Junior Mounting press, but I am not sure how to use it.

The unit has a cast heating element which is pushed against the back of the unit by a knob. It looks like tightening the knob against the slide will heat the mount, and their is a curved piece below that which looks like it is intended to return the slide.

I can't figure out how to position the slide in place, and hold it while tightening the element. I don't think my fingers should be near the heater. Also if I just loosen the pressure, what is to prevent the film from coming in contact with the heater? The unit came in the original box but with no instructions. Is there another part that is missing?

 

[AgX]

Heating the mount? Is it welded??

 

[cmacd123]

this is for cardboard slide mounts if I am not mistaken.

 

[darkroommike]

I used one of these one place I worked and if you work carefully your fingers get warm but it's not hot enough to burn you, and when you loosen the know the slide drops right out the bottom. If you are only doing a few rolls it's a fine way to go. I have both it's "big brother" automatic heat seal press--a gift! and a Pako M100 that cuts and mounts slides (LUXURY!). Picked up the Pako for $75.00 as I recall. If you shoot a lot of slides either will be better. BTW if you continue to use the "Junior" get a tacking iron and tack your slides into position after you cut them to prevent the slide from moving in the mount before you seal it up.

 

[AgX]

But is using cardboard mounts the way to go?

 

[cmacd123]

But is using cardboard mounts the way to go?

they seem to still be available, and I have about 1000 from way back when. Any of the plastic mount "systems" seem to require their own "tool" and one can not be sure that refills will be available.

 

[darkroommike]

I'll second what Charles said, heat seal mounts are "universal" and were available in numerous sizes including stereo and 127 down to Minox, but all the plastic mount systems use their own unique and proprietary jigs and tools. PAKO and Gepe would probably be OK but I'd be wary of other brands you could invest a lot in a system and then find mounts are no longer available.

 

[CalumetCC400]

I found this thread searching for information on this Seary device. Elsewhere I learned it is also known as their Midget Portable Slide Mount Press. I also found a photograph of the instructions provided by Spiratone (attached below) which read:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPIRATONE HEAT SEAL PRESS​

The Spiratone Heat Seal Press provides a simple, efficient, speedy means of mounting transparencies in any 2X2 heat seal cardboard mount.

Plug the press into any 110v outlet and allow it to warm up for 15 minutes.

Position the transparency in the slide mount and insert it into the press with the folded seam facing downward.

Clamp the slide mount securely by tuning the black knob.

The slide will be sealed in about 30 seconds or by the time you have positioned and prepared the next slide. Loosening the knob will release the finished slide.​

©1981 Spiratone, Inc.