One other thing - when you look at equipment, ask about safety features.
I know with our elementary school, the one they had was several years old (but a workhorse that operated fine). Anyway, they constantly had concerns about someone leaving it on overnight or for a whole weekend. That piece of equipment gets so hot, it can't be a good idea to leave on indefinitely - both from an equipment and a safety view.
I'd bet with all the safety requirements that have come into play in recent years that current models have some timeout or auto-off features. Maybe not, but it's worth asking about.
On the lamintor - check with the other schools in your area to see what brand/model they have and what they do or don't like about it. Also ask what type of film they order for it, from where, and price.
On this type of equipment, I've found it never pays to cut corners. You don't want to waste money, but it's usually worth it to buy the highest quality equipment you can so that it will truly last for years.
Here's one general guide on what to consider when buying a laminator:
One odd thing I've noticed on stuff like this... Folks often pay hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars for speciality equipment, but won't spend a little bit more for an appropriate stand that will hold supplies and help the user operate the equipment more easily. Maybe a countertop or existing table is fine and you don't need anything. But at least look at accessories when you buy equipment. There may be a stand, a supplies holder, a rack that would make life so much easier for the users, but if you don't get it at the start, it will never be purchased.
Before you purchase benches, see if any of your families are in a business that sells these products. I purchased some for our school only to find out later that a parent works at an agricultural supply store and they frequently donate benches and picnic tables! The same kind as I had purchased! I had no idea an ag supply store would even carry that. End result is that this parent had more benches donated. I offered to put little plates on them saying who they were donated from but the business said we didn't need to do that but it's a thought if you go that route. Now I advertise in the newsletter every time we need something and while I can't get everything that way I have found some interesting things: fog machine and spotlights for an outdoor play, a jumpy castle for a family event all of which saved on rental costs; a big discount on a tv/vcr combo, and a bunch of tiles to be used for mosaic stepping stones. You never know what you'll get if you spread the word! Good luck.
We are using Playworld for the second time in a year and their installation contrator was absolutely wonderful.
Just keep in mind that if PTO installs any equipment by using parents, they are liable should something happen. We used a contractor just to remove ourselves from the direct line of fire and our Board of Ed also signed the contracts so they would be on line with us. That way, we would have use of their lawyers and all should someone get injured and sue.
Also, make sure you check with whomever takes care of the property to make sure they can maintain the area around your benches easily and they are safe from vandalism or theft.
You'd think it would be a quick, easy thing to do, but it turns out to be a project rather than a simple day of shopping!
When you look for a new laminator, find out about the temp range , and the cost of their film. It used to be that all laminating film would go in anyone's machines, now the companies are getting smart ( not for us).. and are using different temp ranges so you can only buy their special refills for the laminator you bought from them.. so.. if you find a GREAT price on a laminator.. their after market prices for replacement film may be VERY high to make up for it...................
as far as benches.. we have bought picnic tables and benches from Diversified Metal Fabricators, www.dmfinc.com
and have gotten excellent customer service, timely shipping, and good quality product.. and pricing.
