1. How many layers can I cut out at once on the letter presses?

With plain construction paper...up to four; laminated...up to three. More than that puts too much stress on the dies.

2 How wide does the paper need to be to cut out shapes?

Most of the regular dies measure 4 1/2 inches wide, with a few being 5 inches. Some of the tiny shapes and bookmarks will take less.

3. Can I use other kinds of material in the letter presses?

Yes, anything you can cut with scissors can be used in the presses; Like, fun-foam, wallpaper, felt, fine sandpaper, and posterboard.

4. Should I laminate my paper before or after I cut out shapes?

If you want your finished product to be laminated, then laminate your paper first. This eliminates having to hand-cut around the shapes.

5. Can I bring my own supplies to the lab or do I have to buy yours?

Yes, you may bring your own supplies and there is no charge for using the equipment or working space.

6. Can I make things for myself personally, church or my family reunion? Even if I pay cash for the materials?

We're sorry, but projects in the lab must be school-related.

7. Can I send someone out here to do something for my class?

Yes, we allow parent volunteers to come to the lab anytime during our regular operating hours, provided they are making things for your class, or school.

8. Can my children come with me to the lab?

Yes. We do not allow children inside the lab because of safety hazards (Risk Management) but there is a children's play room set up adjacent to our room within ear range.

9. Do I have to pay for materials out of pocket or can I charge them to my school?

You may pay for materials with cash or a check (no credit cards, please) or charge materials to your school with prior approval from your principal (Alachua County schools only). We keep most of the charge permission slips on file, but if we don't have a permission slip from your school, you may call the school's bookkeeper.

10. Can I bring food and drink into the lab?

Yes. There are drink, coffee, and snack machines available in a lounge just down the hall. You are welcome to bring food into the lab and eat while you work.

11. Can I call LRC and request letterpress shapes or letters to be punched out and sent to me? Traceables? Laminating?

We're sorry, but we do not punch out letters or shapes, trace and color pictures, or laminate for you. You may send a volunteer to the lab to work for you. The TPL is a self-help lab and we will be glad to show you how to use the equipment and assist you if needed.

We can however design games, brochures, posters, classroom materials, etc. for you or help you with an idea.

12. Can I request a triwall project for my class? Can I buy triwall at the lab?

No. Triwall projects are limited to media centers only. Triwall is not a regular stocked item in the lab because of the cost per sheet. You can order triwall (through your school) from the warehouse, have it delivered to the lab, and use our equipment and space to make something for your class. Assistance provided if needed.