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Frequently Asked Questions About Comb Binding Machines

Posted on Sep 08, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Plastic comb binding is one of the most popular styles of binding. If you're reading this, you probably have some questions about this binding style, and are wondering what are its benefits and what it can be used for. So here are the most frequently asked questions - with corresponding answers - about plastic comb binding.

  1. What is plastic comb binding? It is an easy way to add a professional look to your reports, catalogs, cookbooks, and any other documents you want to bind. The document is bound using a plastic spine that has teeth and resembles a comb, hence the term "comb binding."
  2. Is plastic comb binding better for the home or office? It's good for both! Crafters can find a multitude of uses for a comb-binding machine, such as assembling photo albums and scrapbooks. Businesses can bind reports and marketing materials. Comb binding machines can even be used by schools and churches. Anyone can use one!
  3. What's so great about comb binding? First, it's inexpensive, especially when compared to other binding methods, such as thermal binding. Basic comb-binding machines often cost less than $100, so it doesn't take a lot of money to get started. The materials are also cheap: all you need to bind is some paper (even photocopier paper will work), something for the cover, and the plastic combs. (A box of 100 combs will cost between $5 and $20, depending on size.) Another great thing about this binding method is that documents bound with plastic combs can be reopened, so you can edit your work even after it's bound. Finally, combs are available in many different colors and can be imprinted with your company's name, logo, and/or the title of your document.
  4. Who are the major manufacturers of comb-binding machines? General Binding Corporation is the leading manufacturer of comb binding machines and their products are very popular. If fact, GBC machines are so popular, comb binding is sometimes referred to as "GBC binding." Other manufacturers of com binding machines include Fellowes, Tamerica, Akiles, DFG and Renz.
  5. What are important factors to consider when buying a comb binding machine? What to look for in a comb-binding machine greatly depends on your budget, how many people are going to be using the machine, and how often the machine will be used. Some key things to consider include:
    • Warranty and construction. How well-built is the machine? What's the warranty like? Tamerica's machines come with a two-year warranty, while GBC only offers one year of protection.
    • How much control do you want? If you want a machine that can bind documents of different sizes, look for a machine with disengageable dies. (Dies are the teeth that punch the holes in your work.) If controlling the placement of the holes is important because you'll be using combs of different thicknesses, a depth of punch margin control is a must-have. You might also want to look for a machine that allows you to punch and bind at the same time.
    • What's the machine designed for? If you're an individual or a small business owner who will only be binding once in a while, a personal-sized machine is ideal. However, for higher-volume outfits such as copy centers, a professional-grade machine should be purchased. You may even want to consider buying an automated machine (such as one with an electric punch). Machines such as these can greatly speed up the binding process.
  6. Can I use my comb binding machine with other types of binding supplies, such as spiral coils? Unfortunately not. Only plastic combs can be used with comb binding machines. However, there are some machines available that can bind documents using both combs and wire. These are known as combination binding machines.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/presentation-articles/frequently-asked-questions-about-comb-binding-machines-1361371.html

About the Author

If you are looking for a high quality Plastic Comb Binding Machine for your office you might want to check out MyBinding.com. They carry the full line of comb binding equipment from manufacturers such as GBC, Fellowes, Akiles, Tamerica, DFG, Renz and Rhin-O-Tuff. Plus, they have great prices and offer free shipping on all orders over $75. They also have great prices and a huge selection of Comb Binding Supplies. Check them out today. You won't be disappointed.

Introducing the Prima Paperlock Eco-Comb Binding Machine

Posted on Sep 06, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Are you ready for a revolutionary twist on plastic comb binding? If so, then you're reading the right article because this piece is all about the new Prima PaperLock Eco-Comb binding machine. This is a wonderful new system that takes the convenience of comb binding and pairs it with eco-friendliness, professional-looking results, and the possibility of saving you some cash. If you are wondering if this is the machine for you, continue reading to find out the top five reasons why this gadget might be your best choice.

  1. You care about the environment. With the word "eco" in its name, there's no doubt about it: this binding machine can give you one of the most environmentally sound ways of producing top-quality booklets and documents. Unlike the plastic combs used in traditional binding, Eco-Comb spines are 100% recyclable because they're made from paper. (The adhesive is non-toxic.) You won't even have to take apart your booklet to recycle it - it can just be recycled as is. This is not only environmentally friendly, it's convenient, too!
  2. You need to save space - and money. Documents bound with plastic combs tend to be a bit on the bulky side and can really hog a lot of space on your bookshelves. Plus, they can be difficult to mail. Eco-Combs allow your documents to lie flat and be stacked easily, saving you prime real estate in your home or business. They can also be mailed with no problem and you won't need to worry about the spine getting mangled or broken. These spines are also cost-effective because they only come in small, medium, and large, which means you won't need to keep a lot of different sized combs in your supply cabinet.
  3. You already have a plastic comb binding machine. This binding machine was designed to give plastic comb binding aficionados a greener way of binding their documents. And since the PaperLock Eco-Comb binding machine lacks a punching device, you'll need to have a "normal" comb binder on hand. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it really isn't, because it gives you two possible looks: paper or plastic.
  4. You want documents that look their best. And speaking of looks, Eco-Combs can really make your documents stand out. These spines are available in many colors, so you're bound (no pun intended) to find one to complement your company's image. Plus, these spines can give your document the elegant look of a perfect- or tape-bound document. This is one binding method to choose when you want/need a great-looking report that's between four and 200 pages long. (Two-hundred pages is the machine's maximum binding capacity.)
  5. You don't need to edit your booklets. Documents bound with Eco-Combs will withstand a lot of use and abuse because the spines are so durable. However, you should note that while durability is an asset, it does mean that you won't be able to make changes to your booklet once binding is complete. If you're okay with that, then great, because this binding method is ideal for documents that need a secure binding, whether it's a legal brief, anthology, or some type of marketing material. This is definitely one of the most secure binding types available.

Now that you know all about this machine, it should be a breeze to decide if the Prima PaperLock Eco-Comb binding machine is the machine for you. Very few binding methods are this elegant, earth-friendly, and cost-effective, so be sure to consider purchasing this machine for your business!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/introducing-the-prima-paperlock-ecocomb-binding-machine-1718778.html

About the Author

If you're interested in buying the PaperLock Eco-Comb Binding Machine, you should really visit MyBinding.com. They have this product available at a low price, and they also carry the entire line of PaperLock Eco-Comb Binding Supplies. Plus, they also offer free shipping on all orders over $75.00. Check it out for yourself today!

Reviewing the GBC Comb Bind C340 Comb Binding Machine

Posted on Aug 01, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

The GBC CombBind C340 plastic comb binding machine is a relatively new product from the company, which still has the market cornered when it comes to binding machines. This machine has several features that really make it stand out and it should make binding easier for busy professionals. To find out more about this binding machine, please keep reading.

The GBC CombBind C340 plastic comb binding machine is a unit that was designed for offices needing a fast and easy binding method. This machine can punch almost 25 sheets of paper at once (this is one of the largest punching capacities available on a manual comb binding machine), and it binds documents that are up to 425 pages long. You can use regular plastic combs with this machine, as well as GBC ZipBind spines.

This machine has a few brand new features that are designed to make the binding process as quick and painless as possible. The first is a new paper-centering system that, when combined with a vertical feed alignment, ensures you'll always accurately punch your paper. There's also a paper separator that helps you figure out just how much paper you can realistically punch so you won't wind up with poorly punched pages or even a paper jam. A rotary control helps you open and close your binding combs, as well. As an added bonus, the machine's handle is ergonomically friendly, and can easily be used by both right- and left-handed people. The handle can also be used to transport the machine and since the machine has a small footprint, it can be stored just about anywhere.

The CombBind C340 retails for approximately $320.00, so it's a pretty affordable option for most offices. However, because of the price, the machine does have some limitations. First, the machine lacks disengageable pins, so you won't be able to bind documents that are custom-sized. The machine also lacks an open throat, so you can't use it for legal or A4-size punching either. You'll only be able to punch letter-sized documents, so if you need to punch documents of different sizes, the CombBind C340 definitely isn't the machine for you. This is also true if you'd like a machine that has a depth of punch control. Without this feature, you can't control the position of your document's holes. (Then again, you really only need this feature if you're working with custom-sized documents.)

There are two other drawbacks to the CombBind C340. Since the machine has a manual punch and a punching capacity of 25 sheets, this is obviously not a good machine to use if you'll be producing a lot of documents. Also, the rotary comb opener isn't as good as an old-fashioned comb opener. Those are typically easier to use, so inexperienced users may have some trouble with the rotary opener. The parts used in the comb opening mechanism are also not as durable as we would like to see. If you aren't careful it might be possible to break the comb opener on this machine. If the machine isn't under warranty you will end up buying a new machine since there are no parts available for this machine.

Despite its drawbacks, the GBC CombBind C340 would be a good choice for offices that bind occasionally and need a feature-rich plastic comb binding machine with a great punching capacity. The document separator and auto-centering guide make this machine unique amongst its peers. This machine is also affordable, so it's an obvious choice for people who need a plastic comb binding machine.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/reviewing-the-gbc-comb-bind-c340-comb-binding-machine-1462491.html

About the Author

If you'd like to purchase the GBC CombBind C340, you should really check out MyBinding.com. They have a great price on this machine and they also carry a huge assortment of Plastic Comb Binding Supplies. Plus, they offer free shipping on all orders over $75.00.

Fellowes Galaxy E Electric Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

Posted on Jul 25, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Overview:

  • The Galaxy E is the largest and most heavy duty electric plastic comb binding machine offered by Fellowes. It is designed for frequent use in medium to large office environments.
  • This machine offers a sleek, ergonomic design that is intended to blend in with other equipment inside of your office.
  • This machine is the electric version of the Fellowes Galaxy manual plastic comb binding machine. It includes a high quality button activated electric punch and a heavy duty modular plastic comb opener.

Strengths / Features:

  • The Fellowes Galaxy-E offers an electric punch that can punch up to twenty five sheets of 20lb paper per lift. The electric punching mechanism is activated by a push button control on the right side of the machine and is exceptionally easy to use. With a punching capacity of 25 sheets, this machine is comparable to far more expensive electric binding punches on the market.
  • Like the entire line of Fellowes plastic comb binding machines, this machine offers a sleek ergonomic design. It is designed to fold closed when not in use providing a neat and tidy appearance for your office. Most other electric plastic comb binding machines on the market have an industrial look that tends to stick out in a contemporary office environment.
  • The plastic comb opener included on this machine is modular. You can use the comb opener while it is attached to the machine. Alternatively, the comb opener can be removed and used by a second operator to help increase productivity. One user can punch documents while another uses the comb opener to insert the pages onto the combs.
  • The Galaxy-E is designed primarily for users who are looking to bind letter sized (8.5" x 11") documents. However, it also includes three disengageable punching pins for binding custom length sheets. The Galaxy-E can be used to punch half letter sized documents, letter sized documents, oversized covers and A4 length sheets.
  • This machine also has a slide out storage tray on the right hand side of the machine. The storage tray provides room to store a variety of plastic comb binding spines. However, it also provides a document sizing guide that allows users to select the correct size of spine for their documents.

Weaknesses / Limitations:

  • Although the Galaxy E has a great punching capacity and an electric punch it is not an industrial grade machine. This machine is designed for use within an office environment. Users who need a production quality machine should consider a larger all metal machine such as the GBC CombBind C800pro, Akiles CombMac 24E or DFG E Titan Comb. The larger alternatives offer metal construction, foot pedal operation and industrial grade punching pins.
  • Although this machine has three disengageable punching pins, it is still limited in its ability to punch custom length documents and legal sized sheets. Users who need to bind document sizes other than 8.5" x 5.5", 8.5" x 11" or A4 size should really consider a machine with fully disengageable punching pins.
  • Although the storage feature on this machine seems like it should be incredibly useful, it is actually far too small. The document sizing feature included on the slide out tray is useful. However, most users will probably find that they will not use the storage tray since it is only large enough to hold a handful of combs. Considering the capacity of this machine, it would probably have been better for Fellowes to simply leave this feature off when they designed this machine.

Recommendation:

  • The Fellowes Galaxy E electric comb binding machine is an excellent choice for organizations that are looking for a high quality electric comb binding machine for their office.
  • This machine has a selling price of around $500 and includes a competitive set of features that make it an appealing choice in its class.
  • Extremely large offices, print shops, mail rooms and schools who do a lot of binding will probably find that this machine is too small for their needs. Instead, they should really consider a heavy duty, all metal, commercial grade comb binding machine. However, these machines come with a pricetag starting at about $1400 and are obviously a big step up in terms of cost.
  • Still, this is one of our favorite electric desktop comb binding machines for the money and is definitely a good choice for many users.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/fellowes-galaxy-e-electric-plastic-comb-binding-machine-review-864635.html

About the Author

If you need more information or would like to purchase the Fellowes Galaxy E Electric Plastic Comb Binding Machine or any of the other Plastic Comb Binding Machines that we carry please feel to visit our site or contact us with your questions.

This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com. Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers, 3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.

An Introduction to Fellowes Plastic Comb Binding Machines

Posted on May 24, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

If you've been shopping for a plastic comb binding machine, perhaps you've come across the name "Fellowes." Fellowes is a company that manufactures some great products and this article will introduce you to the company's lineup of plastic comb binding machines. All of these machines have two-year warranties, as well as document sizing guides, vertical loading mechanisms, and comb storage trays. They also come with binding starter packs to help you get binding in a hurry. So read on and get ready to meet the Fellowes plastic comb binding machines!

  • Starlet. This is Fellowes' most basic comb binding machine. The Starlet has a punching capacity of 7 sheets and it binds documents that contain up to 90 pages using combs that are 1/2" thick and smaller. This machine is designed for occasional use both at home and in the office, and even at school, so it's good if you need a binding machine but won't be binding everyday. Since this is such a basic machine, it lacks a lot of advanced features such as disengageble dies and a depth of punch margin control. Still, for basic binding needs, it's hard to beat the Starlet.
  • Star. The next step in the Fellowes lineup is the Star. The Star is similar to the Starlet, although it has greater binding and punching capacities. It can bind documents up to 150 pages long (3/4" thick) and it can punch 10 pages per lift. Like the Starlet, it lacks a lot of advanced features, but it would still be a good choice if you need a binding machine for casual use.
  • Pulsar and Pulsar E. The Pulsar (and its electric counterpart, the Pulsar E) is the mid-range Fellowes plastic comb binding machine, and it can produce documents that are up to 300 pages long. (Its punching capacity is 15 sheets.) The manual version of this machine has an ergonomically friendly handle that can comfortably be used by both righties and lefties, and the electric machine can punch and bind with the touch of a button. These two machines were designed for moderate use in small and medium-sized offices
  • Quasar and Quasar E. These machines are some of the most advanced comb binding machines that Fellowes produces and they're designed for frequent use in mid-sized and large offices. Both the electric and manual versions of this machine can punch up to 20 sheets of paper and bind documents containing 500 pages (which is equivalent to two inches thick). You can use both round and oval-shaped combs with these machines (oval ones are a must for binding longer documents), but keep in mind that the machine doesn't have releasable pins, so you'll be limited to producing letter-sized documents.
  • Galaxy and Galaxy E. These products are the true stars of the Fellowes plastic comb binding machine lineup and are manufactured for heavy-duty use. The Galaxy (and its electric sibling) has the highest punching capacity of any Fellowes comb binding machine: it can punch 25 pages at once, which is impressive. (Its binding capacity is the same as the Quasar's.) The Galaxy has some advanced features that should make it appeal to anyone who needs a feature-heavy binding machine. First, the machine has three releasable pins, so you can bind several different sizes of documents, including A4 size, so the machine is really very flexible. The Galaxy also has a detachable binding mechanism so you can increase your output by having one person punch and another bind.

Now that you know all about Fellowes plastic comb binding machines, choosing the right one should be simple. Whether you need a machine like the Star for simple binding projects or you're intrigued by the more advanced features of the Galaxy, you can be sure that there's a binding machine that is perfect for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/an-introduction-to-fellowes-plastic-comb-binding-machines-1534884.html

About the Author

If you want to learn more about Fellowes Comb Binding Machines, you should really visit MyBinding.com. They have great prices on both binding machines and Plastic Binding Combs, plus they offer free shipping on all orders over $75.00. Check it out for yourself today!

Dfg Titan Comb Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

Posted on May 04, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Overview:


  • The DFG Titan Comb is a heavy duty manual plastic comb binding machine that is designed for organizations that are looking for a high quality binding system for binding a huge variety of document sizes and thicknesses.

  • The Titan Comb includes a heavy duty manual punch, depth of punch control, disengageable dies, a high quality comb opener and an open throat design for punching longer documents.

  • With all of these features, the Titan Comb is one of the most feature rich and powerful manual comb binding machines available on the market.


Strengths / Features:


  • The Titan Comb has a heavy duty manual punch that is capable of punching up to 28 sheets of 20lb paper at a time. This is one of the largest punching capacities available on a manual comb binding machine. The large punching capacity offered by this machine is great for increasing productivity when binding your documents.

  • This machine also has twenty one disengageable dies. Thus, the Titan Comb is ideal for punching documents that are A4, letter size or smaller. Plus, it has an open throat so that you can use it to punch longer documents using a two step punching process.

  • It also includes a depth of punch margin control that allows you to move the holes closer to the edge of the paper for binding small sized documents and further from the edge of the paper for binding thick documents. With this feature it is possible to bind documents from 3/16" up to 2" thick using the DFG Titan Comb.

  • The Titan Comb is also made of heavy duty steel. It's metal construction makes it incredibly durable. In fact, this machine should have no problems binding documents for years in your organization.


Weaknesses / Limitations:


  • Although the Titan Comb has a large punching capacity, it is still a manual binding machine. Organizations that are looking for added productivity or who bind large numbers of documents may want to look at a machine that has an electric binding punch.

  • The Titan Comb has an 11 inch punching throat and plastic comb opener. It is a great option for binding letter sized documents but is not great for binding longer documents. For companies that need to bind legal sized documents a true legal sized binding machine is a better option.


Recommendation:


  • The Titan Comb is ideal for small binderies, quick printers, copy shops, and professional organizations that need a high quality manual plastic comb binding machine.

  • This machine has a number of great features including a large punching capacity, disengageable dies, depth of punch margin control and a heavy duty comp opener.

  • All of these things help to make it one of the best manual comb binding machines available on the market.

  • However, it is not ideal for organizations that need to bind large numbers of documents or need to bind legal sized reports.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/dfg-titan-comb-manual-plastic-comb-binding-machine-review-373678.html

About the Author

If you need more information or would like to purchase the DFG Titan Comb Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine or any of the other Plastic Comb Binding Machines that we carry please feel to visit our site or contact us with your questions.

This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com. Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers, 3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.

Fellowes Starlet Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

Posted on Apr 08, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Overview:

  • The Fellowes Starlet 90 binding machine is one of the most economical plastic comb binding machines on the market.
  • Designed for home and small office users this machine is designed to give users the ability to bind their own documents, reports and proposals without spending a fortune on a binding system.
  • This machine is small, easy to use and even includes a convenient carrying handle for transporting the machine.

Strengths / Features:

  • The Fellowes Starlet binding machine is one of the least expensive comb binding machines available on the market. With a price of just over $50, this machine is a great choice for someone who needs to occasionally bind a few documents or reports.
  • The Starlet has a unique design that allows the machine to fold flat when it is not in use. When folded there is a convenient handle to carry the machine from place to place. It also includes a slide out tray for holding a limited supply of plastic binding combs and provides a special sizing guide to help determine the correct size of spine for your document.
  • Unlike many other low priced plastic comb binding machines, this unit offers metal fingers and hooks as part of the comb opener. Units with plastic fingers and hooks will often break over time and are far less durable.
  • The Fellowes Starlet also includes one handle for punching and another handle for opening plastic combs. The two handle design helps to reduce wear and offers a nice small footprint for the machine.
  • This machine can punch up to 7 sheets of 20lb paper at a time. Although other units can certainly punch more, this is a respectable number for a low priced unit such as this.

Weaknesses / Limitations:

  • One major limitation of this unit is that it is only designed for use with plastic combs up to 1/2" in diameter. This allows users to bind documents up to 90 sheets using this unit. It is certainly possible to punch documents that are thicker than this. However, the comb opener is only designed for use with smaller combs. If you need to bind thicker documents, you might want to look for a heavier duty larger binding machine.
  • The Starlet is designed for use with letter sized (11") sheets and oversize (11.25") covers. It can not be used to bind documents that are shorter or longer than eleven inches. Organizations that need to bind legal sized documents or half size books need to consider other binding machines.
  • Although the hooks and fingers of the comb opener on the Starlet are made of metal, virtually everything else on this machine is made out of plastic. For light occasional use this shouldn't be a huge problem. However, this machine is not designed for heavy use and if used heavily, the plastic parts will most likely break.

Recommendation:

  • For individuals or organizations that are looking for a low cost plastic comb binding machine to bind letter sized documents up to 90 sheets thick, the Fellowes Starlet is a good choice.
  • It has a nice sleek design and the fact that it folds flat and contains storage for comb binding spines makes this a great choice.
  • However, the Starlet is not a good fit for organizations that need to bind custom length documents, need to bind large numbers of documents or need to bind documents that are thicker than 1/2".

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/fellowes-starlet-manual-plastic-comb-binding-machine-review-864623.html

About the Author

If you need more information or would like to purchase the Fellowes Starlet Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine or any of the other Plastic Comb Binding Machines that we carry please feel to visit our site or contact us with your questions.

This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com. Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers, 3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.

Fellowes Quasar 500 Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

Posted on Mar 05, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Overview:

  • The Fellowes Quasar 500 is a full featured manual plastic comb binding machine designed for small and medium offices that are looking to do plastic comb binding.
  • The Quasar 500 offers the same contemporary and ergonomic design found in other Fellowes comb binding machines such as the Starlet and the Star. However, this machine includes features that are simply not available in those less expensive models.
  • This machine is designed for use with both round and oval shaped plastic comb binding spines and can bind documents up to two inches thick (approximately 500 sheets of 20lb paper).

Strengths / Features:

  • The Quasar 500 has contemporary design that sets it apart from many other plastic comb binding machines on the market. The machines folds closed when it is not in operation. The dark grey and silver colored plastic housing provides an elegant and contemporary look that is designed to blend in with other pieces of office equipment. Plus, the machine offers an ergonomic handle that is easy to use by operators who are both left and right handed.
  • Unlike the Fellowes Star and Starlett which only punch 7 sheets of paper at a time, the Quasar 500 is designed to punch up to 20 sheets per lift. Even the largest and most powerful manual plastic comb binding machines are only rated for between 20-25 sheets of paper at a time.
  • The Quasar is capable of binding documents with plastic combs as small as 1/4 inch and as large as two inches. It includes a heavy duty plastic comb opener with metal fingers and metal hooks. The system can open both round combs (1/4 inch - 1-1/8 inch) and oval combs (1-1/4 inch - 2 inch).
  • This machine has a storage tray that slides out of the side of the machine. The storage tray will hold a selection of binding combs and has a plastic comb size selector. The selector allows you to determine the correct size of comb for use with your document and it also allows you to determine the size of any comb that you have on hand.

Weaknesses / Limitations:

  • Although this binding machine can be used with virtually any size of plastic binding comb, it is not designed to bind documents that are shorter or longer than 11 inches in length. It doesn't have disengageable pins or an open throat design. Without any open throat it is impossible to punch documents longer than 11.25" (oversized covers). Without disengageable punching pins, documents less than 11 inches in length will most likely end up with a partial hole on the edge of the page.
  • Although the slide out storage tray seems like a good idea, it is not large enough to hold any real quantity of binding combs. The document measuring device is nice, however, this machine would benefit from having a larger chip tray instead of built in comb storage.
  • Although this machine has an excellent punching capacity and is capable of binding documents up to 2 inches thick, it is still made primarily out of plastic. Although this machine looks great, it might not be the best choice for heavy duty users or for applications where the machine may be abused (such as schools). These environments will most likely benefit from a machine made from metal components.

Recommendation:

  • The Fellowes Galaxy 500 is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a contemporary binding machine that will fit in a small office or medium office environment.
  • It has an excellent punch capacity, an ergonomic design and can bind documents that are up to two inches thick.
  • However, this machine is not an excellent fit for high volume users or for applications where multiple users may abuse the machine. In those cases it may be best to sacrifice style and settle for an all metal machine such as the Tamerica 210PB.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/fellowes-quasar-500-plastic-comb-binding-machine-review-864488.html

About the Author

If you need more information or would like to purchase the Fellowes Quasar 500 Plastic Comb Binding Machine or any of the other Plastic Comb Binding Machines that we carry please feel to visit our site or contact us with your questions.

This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com. Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers, 3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.

Fellowes Galaxy Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

Posted on Feb 25, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

Overview:

  • The Fellowes Galaxy manual plastic comb binding machine is designed for frequent use in a medium to large office environment.
  • This machine offers a sleek contemporary look that is designed to blend into an office environment.
  • Although the Galaxy offers a similar look to the Star, Starlet, and Quasar comb binding machines, this machine offers a number of improved features that makes it a great choice for larger volume users and offices.

Strengths / Features:

  • The Fellowes Galaxy manual comb binding machine offers an impressive punching capacity of 25 sheets. This is one of the largest capacities that we have seen offered by a manual comb binding machine. Plus, the design used by the punching handle made it easier to punch the maximum capacity of the machine.
  • One of the real strengths of this machine is its contemporary design. Many other plastic comb binding machines have an industrial look that sticks out like a sore thumb in an office environment. The Galaxy is designed to fold closed when it is not in use and uses a combination of gray colors and smooth curves that helps the machine to blend in with desktop printers and other contemporary office equipment.
  • This machine offers a unique style of comb opener that can be removed and used separately to increase productivity. That allows one person to punch documents and another to insert the pages onto the binding combs. The comb opener uses a separate handle on the side of the machine and it can handle plastic combs up to 2 inches in diameter.
  • The Galaxy binding machine offers a rotary edge guide to easily adjust the side margin on the punch. The machine is designed primarily for users who need to bind letter sized documents with flush cut or oversize (8.75" x 11.25") covers. However, it also offers the ability to selectively disengage three of the different punching pins for users who are looking to bind half letter size and A4 sized documents.
  • The machine has a built in storage tray that slides out of the side of the machine. The storage tray can hold a few plastic combs for convenient access and also offers a document sizing guide that helps you determine the correct size of plastic comb that you need for your documents. The sizing guide will also help you to match up loose plastic combs so that you can determine what size they are.

Weaknesses / Limitations:

  • Although the punching capacity on the Fellowes Galaxy is impressive, organizations that do a lot of binding may want to consider a binding machine with an electric punch. Fellowes offers an electric version of this machine for about $150 more. It is an upgrade that some organizations may find worthwhile.
  • It was nice to see Fellowes include some disengageable dies on this machine. However, there are still only three releasable punching pins. Many other more industrial manual comb binding machines in this price range offer fully disengageable dies which allow users to punch virtually any size of document.
  • The storage tray on this machine seems like it would be a really useful feature. However, it isn't large enough to hold any real volume of plastic binding combs. The document measurement tool is useful but it would have been nice if they made the comb storage area larger.

Recommendation:

  • For a medium or large sized office, the Fellowes Galaxy manual binding machine is an excellent choice. It offers a sleek contemporary design that will blend in with other office equipment without looking industrial.
  • It offers an excellent punching capacity, a removable plastic comb opener and the ability to bind documents in a wide variety of lengths and thicknesses.
  • However, offices that need to do a lot of binding may want to consider upgrading to a binding machine with an electric punching mechanism.
  • This machine is also not a good fit for organizations that need to punch custom length documents or need to bind legal sized sheets.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/fellowes-galaxy-manual-plastic-comb-binding-machine-review-864587.html

About the Author

If you need more information or would like to purchase the Fellowes Galaxy Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine or any of the other Plastic Comb Binding Machines that we carry please feel to visit our site or contact us with your questions.

This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com. Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers, 3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.

Three Entry-Level GBC Plastic Comb Binding Machines

Posted on Feb 17, 2011
Author: Jeff McRitchie

GBC is the market leader when it comes to plastic comb binding machines, having been in the business for more than 50 years. They produce some really great products and they have several plastic comb binding machines that are ideal for people who are on a budget and need a simple, entry-level binding machine. This article will take a look at three of GBC's least expensive plastic comb binding machines. After reading this, maybe you'll decide that one would be good for your office.

GBC CombBind C55

If you need the most basic comb binding machine money can buy, the C55 is the machine to get. It's very affordable (under $50.00) and offers a portable method of binding documents, thanks to the machine's built-in handle. The C55 can bind documents that are up to 90 pages long and it can punch 5 sheets of paper per lift. Obviously, the punching and binding capacities aren't that high, but if you just need a machine for occasionally binding thin booklets, the C55 isn't a bad selection. Just be careful when you use it because the entire thing - even the punching teeth - are made of plastic, so it won't hold up to a lot of heavy duty use (or abuse).

GBC CombBind C75

The C75 is a good basic comb binding machine for homes and offices that need an inexpensive machine for infrequent binding. The machine can punch 10 sheets of paper per lift and your bound documents can be up to 125 pages long. This is a small machine that would be able to fit on any desk, and it would be great for binding both business documents and personal ones, such as photo albums and school reports. It's definitely a step up from the C55: it has metal punching teeth, so this machine should last longer than the C55. The C75 will set you back less than $100.

GBC CombBind C110

This is a relatively new machine from GBC and is one of their least expensive. The C110 is an easy-to-use plastic comb binding machine that can punch 15 sheets of paper at once and bind documents up to 300 pages long. It has a full-size handle that both southpaws and righties can easily use, and there's a comb size selector so you never have to worry about choosing the wrong size comb. The C110 can handle both standard plastic combs and GBC ZipBind spines, so your binding options are wide open. Of all the machines talked about in this article, the C110 is the best, both in terms of binding capacity and construction, but it's also the most expensive, retailing for $209.00. However, we have seen some C110 binding machines selling for less than $100. That is a great deal for this machine.

Something to note about all three of these binding machines is that none of them have disengageable dies nor do they have an adjustable depth of punch margin control. These features make it possible to bind documents of different lengths and they're typically found on the higher-end machines. However, if you're just going to be binding letter-sized documents, the lack of these features shouldn't be a problem.

GBC is truly a leader in the binding industry and you can start binding at a minimal cost with these three machines mentioned in this article. Buy one today and get binding!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/presentation-articles/three-entrylevel-gbc-plastic-comb-binding-machines-1506068.html

About the Author

If you are looking for more information on GBC Binding Machines or are looking to purchase a plastic comb binding machine for your office you should really check out MyBinding.com. They carry the full line of GBC Binding Equipment along with a huge selection of GBC Binding Supplies. Their prices are great and they offer free shipping on all orders over $75. Check them out today!