Originally Posted by Gun Grape

I remember burning the crap out of my arm with one back when I was a kid.

You are talking about the old Mattel machine from the 60s right?

I also remember wasting lots of sheets of plastic. With so-so results.

Don't know what price range you are looking for but I have seen plans on various model forums on how to make your own. Using a standard shop vac as the pump and a toaster oven or home stove to heat the plastic.