Just wondering, for the small amount of sealing I want to do (maybe 25 bags total) do I need to buy a heat sealer or can I just use my wifes curling iron?

Just use a regular clothing iron.

There is a video on youtube that shows how.  It is VERY simple.

+1 on clothing iron. Worked great for me.

Cool, cloothing iron it is.

Thanks for the input.

Quoted: +1 on clothing iron. Worked great for me.

yip ditto....

heres the youtube vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk9b0dAtJ80

Just sealed some mylars this weekend with a clothing iron (not curling).  First time, so I wanted to verify that I was getting a good seal.

I took a bag for practice and rolled it over a closet rod (1.25" dia wood) and made a pass with the iron.  Seemed good, no issues with the iron (highest setting), pretty straightforward.

To check the integrity of the seal, I partially filled the remainder of the bag with approx 1/2 gal water and ironed a seal above the water.  Then took the sealed water "pillow" outside and applied pressure with my foot.  After I put my full body weight on the bag with no leaks, I had more confidence in my technique.  Then I did a couple more sections of the same bag with faster iron speeds to see how forgiving the process was.  Surprisingly forgiving.

Use a bag to learn with and make air or water pillows to build confidence in you seals.