Do you dread the fact that you have to make yet another trip to Fedex-Kinkos or a similar store to get your binding done? If so, it’s probably time to start looking at getting your own binding machine. Binding machines are surprisingly inexpensive, especially comb binding. When it comes to affordable comb binders, a great model to consider is the Akiles EcoBind-C. It is a low to mid volume range machine. This review will give you some great insight into this machine, as well as help you understand why it will save you time and money.
An important thing to consider, when shopping for binding equipment, is which brand name to go with. Akiles is 100% solid quality and their machines have a great reputation for standing the test of time. Built from all-metal construction, they offer durability and longevity from their most basic models to their high-end industrial binders. They also back up their machines with a great one-year warranty.
A key component to this model that separates it from its competition is a full set of disengaging punching dies. This allows you to select which holes will punch on the paper, thus eliminating those pesky half-punches on the edge of the paper. It also gives you flexibility to bind smaller documents with ease. Most binders in this range will have 1 or 2 disengaging punching dies or none at all.
One thing many people don’t take into account when comb binding is a margin selector. The Akiles EcoBind-C can handle documents up to a whopping 425 sheets. When binding larger documents, it is always a good idea to adjust the margin so that the punch is deeper into the paper. This will prevent your document from coming unbound from the comb.
The modern design also offers a “U” shaped handle, which is perfect for eliminating arm strain. It also features a catch tray for the excess chad (left-over paper). It punches up to 20 sheets at a time (tested…it really does). Many models sport a high punching capacity, but just don’t live up to the hype. Not so with this model. It also has an extended base for your paper. This is great for making sure to punch in the proper place consistently each time.
The Akiles EcoBind-C comb binder (found here) is a good quality machine. I would easily recommend it over some of the more expensive models. You can find our entire selection of comb binding machines here. If you have any questions about comb binding, other models, or binding in general, be sure to contact knowledgeable customer service reps at 1-800-543-5454.
Everyone loves to eat. Not everyone loves to cook, though. However, everyone does appreciate those masterfully smart people that do cook. Just as a noble knight is nothing without his sword, nor the magician without his spellbook, the master chef is nothing without their cookbook. Making your own cookbook can be surprisingly easy. Not to mention fast, affordable, and fun. In this article I will show you how to make your own cookbook, one that will be loyally at your side whenever you need it.
What type of binding should I use?
All you really need to bind your fabulous cookbook is one simple machine. But which one should you get? There are more ways than one to make your own cookbook, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. The most convenient ways to bind your cookbook include comb binding, wire binding, and coil binding.
There are so many different manufacturers to choose from. Which one should you use? Out of the many different brands, I would select a machine between Akiles and Intelli-Bind. Both offer great machines for the price. Akiles has been around for a long time, and their machines have been tried, proven, tried, and proven again to be effective, while at the same time lasting a long, long time as well. Intelli-Bind is the new kid on the block, equipped with the latest technology and unbeatable prices. As I said before, both are great for the money.
You can also get manual binders or electric ones. How you consider which option to go with depends on the money you want to spend, the time you have available, and the volume of binding you’ll be doing. The end result will look the same regardless.
Comb Binding
The biggest advantage of comb binding is the amount of pages you can use. Office Zone carries every comb size you need, ranging from 3/16” (12 sheet capacity) to 2” (425 sheet capacity). Coils and wires max out at 230 sheets. Another great advantage with combs is the ability to debind the book, add or take away more sheets, and rebind it. While not the most professionally looking type of binding, it is the most economical. Here is a great video that shows how a comb binder works:
Wire Binding
Wire binding comes in two different types: 2:1 pitch and 3:1 pitch. This refers to how many holes per inch are in the punch. 2:1 pitch has 21 holes. 3:1 pitch has 32 holes. Which should you choose? Either works great, although the 3:1 typically looks better, but has a limitation of holding a maximum of 120 sheets. 2:1 can go up to 230 sheets. You cannot debind wire binding supplies, and the color options are few. Other than the aesthetic look, wire binding does has some limitations. You can see how they operate here:
Coil Binding
This is the way to go for cookbooks, in my opinion. Coil binding offers versatility, a professional look, and a good quality bind. The best thing about coil binding is the ability to easily turn your pages all the way around from the front to the back. One major thing to look for in a coil binder is the coil inserter. This is an awesome feature that will save you lots of time, at the same time keeping your fingers from tiring too quickly. The other thing you’ll need are the coil crimping pliers. These make sure the document stays bound, thus making sure the coils don’t spin out of the punched document. Most Akiles and Intelli-Bind machines comes with the crimping pliers for free. Check out how these machines work here:
Ready . . . Set . . . Bind!
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of binding, you’re ready to make that cookbook that will rival Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker, and chef Ramsey himself!
Disclaimer: Having a great cookbook does not make your recipes taste better, although it comes seriously close.
We currently have a RENZ SRW Metal Binding Machine and we would like to upgrade. Can I please have more information for a binding machine of similar nature.
Kind regards,
Rebecca W.
Answer
If you want to stay within that brand’s product line, we recommend the Renz ERW Electric Punch And Manual Wire Binder. The model ERW is a high-volume, 3:1 pitch (three holes per inch) wire binding machine. The ERW features a vertical punching design that ensures a precise punch every time. The machine also features disengaging dies that help you prevent half-punched holes. The ERW is most certainly an upgrade in wire binding machines. It will help you punch and bind more documents than comparable models thanks to its 25-sheet punch capacity and half-inch binding capacity (90-120 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper).
I’m looking for a solution to a book binding problem we have. We have a bottleneck in our production at the binding machine. Currently, our 2:1 binding machine only has the capacity to punch 20 pages at a time.
We make about 50 wire-bound books a day, so it’s not a lot, but the time spent punching the holes is too much. Can you help me understand what our options are for maximum punch capacity? Price wise, we’d like to stay under $750.
Thank you,
Megan D.
Answer
We can help speed up your production volume by about five sheets per punch. The Intelli-Bind IM1000 Electric Multipunch Machine will punch through 25 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper at a time. This paper punch from Intelli-Zone was designed for high-volume document binding punching. It is offered with your choice of punching dies including 2:1 wire, 3:1 wire, 19-ring comb and 3:1 wire with a thumb cut for calendars.
The included foot pedal makes it possible to hold paper with both hands while punching. This unique feature alone helps speed up binding production in a significant way. The Intelli-Bind IM1000 does not cost under $750, but it’s definitely in the neighborhood of your budget. It is the ideal punching machine for long-run binding jobs and is typically used by our customers as an accessory to other document binding machines.
I am not sure what the name of the product is that I’m looking for so I wanted to e-mail for your assistance.
We currently are using an older electric punch system to bind (plastic rings and covers) together our presentations. Do you have a machine that can do the same function but is a tabletop version? The other we have is quite bulky.
Thanks.
Sarah R.
Answer
It sounds like you are currently using an older-style comb binding machine. We had one from the 1970′s in our repair shop the other day. The unit weighed at least 80 lbs.! Fortunately, binding machine technology has come along way in the last 40 years. If you still need an electric punch system with your binding machine, the Intelli-Bind IB850 Electric Comb Binding Machine comes highly recommended.
This model is made by Intelli-Zone and is a terrific value. Most comparable electric comb binding machines with its features cost hundreds of dollars more. Electric comb binding machines are a necessity in several offices today. These popular models make it easy to quickly punch and bind stacks of paper in seconds. The Intelli-Bind IB850 is certainly no exception. This convenient comb binder is easy to set up and operate. It comes standard with a foot pedal that makes it possible to handle paper while punching. This provides convenient, hands-free operation. The IB850 can punch through 20 sheets of 20 lb. paper at a time. All punching pins on the unit may be disengaged to prevent half-punched holes.
We are looking at replacing our current binding machine. We need something with high qualities yet reasonably priced.
Sharon B. Answer
To begin, we should ask a few important questions. What are you binding? How many sheets do you need to punch at a time? In addition to paper, do you plan to punch and bind report covers? Do you plan to create professional-looking presentations such as sales proposals? If so, a nice wire binding machine is your best choice. Our customers tell us they prefer the professional look of a wire-bound presentation. Spiral, or coil binding can offer a similar result as well.
What kind of volume do you plan to produce? If you intend to use your binding machine on a daily basis, then plan to budget for at least a $400 investment. If you are binding documents on a lesser scale, you can probably get by with a $150-$200 binding machine. Your best option would be to contact our customer service department to further explain your document binding needs. We can then recommend the best binding machine, at a reasonable price for you.
Here are some handy step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own spiral-bound notebook.
The first and most important thing to do is to make all of the necessary adjustments to your coil binding machine. This may seem a waste of time, but the effort ensures a professionally looking bound document. These minor machine adjustments typically include dialing in the desired margin punch depth and disengaging punch/dies to prevent half-punched holes.
Next, organize the paper you need to bind. This stack may also include a report cover and bottom cover. Now, take a hold of the set of sheets you will punch. The maximum amount of sheets that you can punch at a time depends on the machine model used. Office Zone recommends you punch 80% of the maximum amount specified by the machine manufacturer.
After you have punched the stack of paper and covers, line up the newly punched holes. Spin the plastic coil through the holes. This may be done by hand, or if you have an electric binding machine you can quickly install the binding element with the automatic coil roller inserter.
Finally, crimp off the excess coil with a pair of coil crimping pliers. Be sure to twist the coil so that the binding element does not work its way out of the document. Congratulations! You are ready to coil bind your next document.
One last thing, a binding machine is completely useless without binding supplies. Here is a list some of the recommended supplies you will need for coil binding:
We get this question almost every week. The answer really depends on what you need to do. For example, if you work in a small office where sales presentations (and other similar items) are needed on a weekly basis, we recommend the Intelli-Bind IW250 Wire Binding Machine.
First of all, the Intelli-Bind IW250 is an affordable binding machine. It won’t break your company’s budget. The unit may be used to bind proposals, marketing booklets, reports and more. This wire binder is capable of punching up to 15 sheets of standard 20-lb. bond paper at time. Another reason why this wire binding machine is a preferred choice is simply the fact that it binds documents with wire. Our customers tell us they love the professional appearance of wire-bound presentations.
If you have a slightly larger budget to work with, the Akiles WireMac is a solid recommended choice. The WireMac is a durable wire binding machine designed to punch and bind throughout the work day. Once Akiles binding machines go out our door, they don’t come back. These machines are engineered to last for decades.
I’m interested in the Sirclebind WR-200 manual wire binding machine. Can you tell me the volume this machine is designed for. We expect to have approx. 500-1000 binders to create short-term and then minimal volume afterwards. Is this machine ok for that kind of volume?
Thank-you
Marvin D.
Answer
The SircleBind WR-200 Manual Wire Book Binding Machine will handle the volume that you anticipate. The SircleBind is a medium-grade machine when comparing its features, performance and durability to other models. It’s a rather easy-to-use wire binder. It will punch up to 20 lb. sheets at a time, and that amount of paper equals high production numbers.
The WR-200 is ergonomically designed to accommodate almost anyone. It features a unique U-shaped handle that may be used by both right- and left-handed people. The WR-200 is actually a combination wire binder that will punch documents for both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wire binding elements.
I am looking to purchase a binding machine. I was looking at the Fellowes Quasar E 500 Machine. This is electric powered? Is this a solid machine? Looking or something fairly heavy duty with a 500 sheet maximum.
Valerie S.
Answer
Yes, the Fellowes Quasar E 500 comb binding system is electric powered. Its motor delivers effortless punching at the touch of a button. The machine’s punching dies can punch up to 20 sheets of paper at a time. You can bind books up to 500 pages (20-lb. paper) of paper at a time as well. This equates to a document about two inches thick. The Quasar’s vertical feed makes document punching more precise and easy.
The Quasar E 500 is a highly compact machine that fits in any business environment, and may be used on any flat surface or desk.
Do you dread the fact that you have to make yet another trip to Fedex-Kinkos or a similar store to get your binding done? If so, it’s probably time to start looking at getting your own binding machine. Binding machines are surprisingly inexpensive, especially comb binding. When it comes to affordable comb binders, a great model to consider is the Akiles EcoBind-C. It is a low to mid volume range machine. This review will give you some great insight into this machine, as well as help you understand why it will save you time and money.
Everyone loves to eat. Not everyone loves to cook, though. However, everyone does appreciate those masterfully smart people that do cook. Just as a noble knight is nothing without his sword, nor the magician without his spellbook, the master chef is nothing without their cookbook. Making your own cookbook can be surprisingly easy. Not to mention fast, affordable, and fun. In this article I will show you how to make your own cookbook, one that will be loyally at your side whenever you need it.
