Ask Ozone

Question

Looking for an economical way to accomplish folding 11×17 paper into a bifold (landscape, fold right edge to left edge, then fold that top sheet in half back to the right fold).  Can you help?  Is there a name for that type of fold?

Connie S.
Gainesville, FL

Answer

It sounds like you want to do a Cross Fold. Some office machine industry veterans also call this specialized paper fold a French Fold (we’re not sure how the French have anything to do with this) or a Right Angle Fold. Office Zone carries a few automatic paper folding machines with advanced features that will perform the fold. One model that we highly recommend is the MBM Model 207M Paper Folder.

The 207M comes complete with paper support guide wheels. The operators manual for the machine provides more information about these special wheels. What they essentially do is support the paper after it’s been folded the first time and is ready to run through the machine once more to complete the cross fold. It’s sometimes a tricky proposition folding a sheet of paper twice in a paper folding machine, but with the right set up and some practice it can be done.

Question

Our office is considering replacing our Akiles CombMac 24E binding machine.  We have plastic combs (they are the standard plastic combs from Office Max) from our old binding machine.  Would they fit this machine or would we need to order combs compatible with this machine?

Thanks,

Melinda B.
Kingston, NY

Answer

You can use your existing plastic binding combs on your binding machine. However, when you run out be sure to contact Office Zone. We have much lower prices on binding combs than Office Max and a larger selection. Our plastic comb binding supplies are not only inexpensive, they are easy to use and made from high-quality plastic.

Our binding combs are durable and re-useable. They were designed to take a beating without degrading or losing functionality. We have the largest selection online of binding combs, available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Our binding combs are in stock, in our own warehouse, and we can ship them out to you the same day you place your order.

Question

I am looking for a strip cut paper shredder for a school (special ed dept.) to shred paper to sell to a pet store for bedding please let me know what you have that might work for me, and prices.

Thanks

Norm F.

Answer

We recommend the HSM 104.3 strip cut paper shredder. You may be surprised to learn that we have several other customers who use a strip cut shredder to make bedding for their pets. We’ve even sold cardboard shredders to make horse bedding.

The HSM 104.3 shredder has several user-friendly sensors and switches that make it one of the easiest shredders on the market to operate. A sensor located in the feed opening detects paper and turns the shredder on. The machine automatically shuts off after the paper is shredded and no longer present. A reverse function also helps eliminate paper jams.

Another useful sensor will let you know when the shredder is full. The 104.3 strip cut shredder has a removable waste container that holds nearly nine gallons of shredded paper. HSM is well known for their high quality paper shredders, and you won’t be disappointed in the 104.3 strip cut shredder. This particular model can shred up to 24 sheets of paper at a time, and is designed for continuous, high-volume operation.

Here are a few handy features you simply must insist on with your next binding machine. The first is adjustable margin depth. The margin depth adjuster lets you set how deep you want to punch the holes into a stack of paper. This is a convenient feature if you plan to punch and bind books of varying thicknesses. The rule of thumb here is the thicker the book, the deeper you should punch the margin holes. This prevents pages from easily ripping out of the binding element. However, if you do not intend to bind thicker books (100+ pages), this shouldn’t be a big concern.

Another binding machine feature you must insist on is disengaging (disengageable) punch dies. Disengaging dies are also sometimes called variable punching dies. This lets you determine what holes to (or not) punch. This is a useful function if you plan to bind documents of varying sizes. Adjustable punch dies help prevent annoying half-holes, which often happen when the punching die exceeds the length of the paper and merely punches part of it. However, if you plan to punch standard 8-½ x 11-inch paper on a consistent basis, this feature may not be absolutely necessary.

Be sure to check the Ask Ozone blog from time to time for more helpful binding machine tips and suggestions.

Question

Good Morning:

We are preparing to replace our shredder here in the airport. We shred an extremely high volume of sensitive security materials are in need of a very heavy duty security shredder for our 24/7 – 365 operation. We are considering the Kobra Model 400 Cross Cut C2 Shredder. What do you recommend?

Sincerely Yours,

Jerry G.

Answer

If you are looking for a high-volume, high-security paper shredder, the Kobra model 400 is an excellent choice. This Level 4 security machine can certainly withstand the rigorous requirements of your organization. The Kobra 400 Cross Cut C2 has carbon-hardened steel gears and chain drive. This helps the shredder easily cut through paper (up to 29 sheets at a time), staples and paper clips. Unlike some other shredders in this class, the cutting head is completely unaffected by staples and paper clips. It will also shred ID cards and credit cards. A sensor detects paper and turns the machine on and off accordingly.

Kobra shredders also feature a liberal manufacturer’s warranty. The Kobra 400 Cross Cut C2 has a limited one-year warranty, with a five-year guarantee on the cutting heads. We have used Kobra shredders in our office for several years. We are consistently pleased with their performance and reliability.

Question

We are interested in purchasing a new folder/inserter. We currently have an older model and I’m looking for something comparable but have been unable to find any information on our model online. I was looking at Formax Formax FD 6100 Folder Inserter and wondered if it was close to what we already own.

Dawn F.

Answer

Unfortunately, we are not at all familiar with the particular machine you provided. We did a little research online and found a few pictures of your model, but it appears to be a completely different design than the Formax FD 6100 Folder Inserter.

We’re unsure of how that particular machine compares with the Formax model. However, we can confidently assure you that the FD 6100 is a quality, well-built entry-level machine. This budget-friendly machine makes it possible for most small organizations or businesses realize the advantages of an automated paper folder/inserter.

With a folder inserter, your staff will no longer waste time and money by manually folding and stuffing office mailings. You can automate all of your mailings with the Formax FD 6100 paper folder/inserter and maximize your efficiency.

The FD 6100 features an easy-to-read control panel that guides the user through the setup and operation of the machine. It allows you to program up to nine folds for the most frequent folding/inserting tasks, saving you time and hassle. Sample envelopes must be sent in for testing on all Formax models to ensure you’re getting the right machine for the job.

Question

I am looking at the GuilloMax – Plus paper cutter and would like to know if the stand and/or any replacement blades are included with purchase? I also need warranty information.

Thank you.

Gary S.

Answer

Yes, the stand is included with the GuilloMax – Plus. This is a nice feature since most cutters in its class do not come standard with a stand. The GuilloMax – Plus has a high-strength, long-lasting steel blade that will endure several years of heavy use (it does not include a replacement blade). The blade may be easily removed for sharpening and should last for several years.

The GuilloMax – Plus comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. This guillotine cutter can slice up to 800 sheets of paper at a time with the single pass of its strong blade. It also features a laser paper cutting guide for added precision.

Its wheel-driven paper holding clamp (very similar to a submarine hatch) keeps a stack of paper firmly in place, eliminating cutting errors. This is not only a precise cutter, but it is also very safe to use. If you need a precise stack cutter with high-end features, the Tamerica Guillomax stack cutter is definitely your best solution.