On the outside, paper shredders seem like very basic, simple machines. The inside, however, can be much different. If you own a shredder under $50.00, then it probably is simple inside and out. However, if you’re in the market for an office shredder, industrial shredder, shredder baler, or government high security shredder, they can be a bit more complicated on the inside. This article will focus on a few tips to maintain, fix, and operate your shredder more efficiently.
How to oil a paper shredder
Even if your shredder sports a dust free environment, it is still recommended to oil your shredder. Luckily, oiling a shredder is much easier than it sounds. First off, how often should you oil your shredder? Typically, you’ll want to oil your shredder after every bag change. The best way to oil your shredder is to grab some paper, usually as big as your paper shredder’s throat width, and squirt the oil directly onto the paper – similar to making a honey sandwich. Once you have the paper mildly coated with oil, simply run it through your shredder like normal. The main reason to oil your shredder is lubricate the cutting wheels or cutting heads inside the machine. This will prolong the life of your shredder, as well as eliminate jams.
Be aware of what your paper shredder can and can’t do
More than one shredder has met its end due to a staple, a paper clip, a CD, or a floppy disc. Many shredders on the market these days will handle these things with ease, but some of the older ones might not be equipped to handle them. Another major reason shredders fail or jam up is overuse or too much paper at once. Shredding more sheets than allowed is like driving on the fast lane 20 MPH under the limit—it’s simply not recommended.
How to fix a broken shredder
No matter how powerful it is, sometimes your shredder will stop working properly. Like any equipment that runs on power, the first thing you need to make sure you do is unplug the shredder. I would recommend letting your shredder cool off for an hour before trying anything. More often than not, your shredder might be overheated due to prolonged, sustained use. It is easy to forget that not all shredders have a continuous motor.
Another thing to always try is your reverse function. Most shredders on the market today will have this feature. It could be that too many sheets went into the shredder at once and caused a jam. Reversing those sheets could solve your problem. It can also make sure there aren’t any tiny bits of leftover shred that, for whatever reason, won’t shred all the way.
Many shredders will turn off automatically once the bag is full. Your shredder should have an indicator that shows you if the bag is full, but if not, simply open the front door and take a look.
Now, if none of the above work, it’s probably time to take the shredder head off and examine it further. Many times you’ll notice a big clump of shredded bits stuck in between the gears. Grab the bigger pieces slowly and pull them out. Make sure not to yank them out quickly, else you might risk damaging the motor. If there are any bits that are too small to grab safely, you can use tweezers to help get them out.
If you’re still having problems with your shredder after that, I would recommend calling our knowledgeable service department at 800-543-5454 x 129 or email them at service@officezone.com.
Officezone.com has a huge selection of paper shredders, ranging from your basic personal use to industrial shredder balers. If you have any questions about which ones works best for you, make sure to contact our highly trained sales reps. Or visit our many shredders guides available online.
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.
Just as capturing Osama Bin Laden is important to the war on terror, so too can saving time and money be for your business. No matter what type of business you run, it’s always a good idea to save energy, time, and money. Have you been pondering up ideas to make your business run more efficiently, simultaneously making happiness a bigger part of your life? If so, a coin counter might be the perfect fit!
One of the greatest things about coin counters that most people don’t realize is they are incredibly affordable. Starting as low as $150.00, you can find a great solution for all your coin counting needs. Whether you’re running a local laundry business, a church, an arcade, or any business with a lot of coins, there is definitely a coin counter just waiting to help your business run smoother, while at the same time making yourself or your employees more content. Nobody likes counting coins when there are so many better things to do in life.
How do coin / currency counters work?
Coin counters come with many various functions. With speed and amazing accuracy, all coin counters will add up your coins for you. However, a lot of counters come equipped with the ability to sort, wrap, batch count, crimp, and bag. They will use a metal basin that rapidly spins the coins into their respective slots or tubes.
If you run a business that deals mainly with quarters, there are many currency counters on the market for that, as well. Take, for example, the Model 915 from Magner.
With this model, you simply set the machine to count the desired coin (quarter, dime, nickel, or penny) and dump in your stash. The machine will automatically recognize the coin you selected, count it, and sort it into a bag or tube attachment, while at the same time rejecting all other coin types into a separate bin.
For counters that count and sort, either into tubes or drawer sets, here is a great video tutorial on how they operate:
ABC440 Coin Counter Video Demo
If wrapping or bagging is more ideal for you, here is another great video to show how they work:
You might be wondering if coin counters will only work with U.S. currency or standard coins in general. The answer is no. Many currency counters will work with tokens, loonies and toonies (Canadian coins), and many others. A great model to consider for this would be the Semacon S-120 coin counter.
As a pioneer in the money handling industry, Semacon has been around for nearly 20 years. I have been selling these machine for over 5 years, and I’ve found Semacon to be one of the most reliable brands in the market.
From the most basic and affordable counter, to the high end robust models, Officezone is an excellent–okay, the best–source for finding the highest quality currency counters from all the great brand names like Semacon, Magner, Klopp, Cassida, and many others. You can find our entire selection of coin counters here.
Also, don’t forget to supplement your new currency counter with our great selection of bill counters, counterfeit detectors, and other great money handling equipment, all of which can be found here.
If you have any questions regarding currency counters, or any other money handling products, feel free to call us at 800-543-5454 and speak with our highly trained sales reps.
The best type of laminator ultimately depends on how much you want to laminate. Both roll and pouch laminators have many similarities. For example, both types of machines can process a wide range of film thicknesses. Both can preserve and protect documents and photographs for decades on end.There are some significant differences between these two types of laminators, however.
Pouch Laminators are ideal for people who typically only laminate a few items in a day. If you plan to do a high-volume laminating project, a pouch laminator can only laminate one item at a time. You typically save significant time when using a roll laminator.
Pouch laminator film requires more of an investment when compared to roll film. Several pouch laminator models work best when you use a protective carrier. A carrier ensures optimum performance and longevity. You do not need to use a carrier with a roll laminator.
Roll Laminators are best for anyone who plans to laminate in large quantities. Most of our customers who choose a roll laminator include schools (from elementary to universities), government offices and business. Roll laminators are fully capable of laminating more than one item at a time. This can translate into significant time and supply savings.
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:
This is a common question, and the answer really depends on the type of paper cutter you are using. You may re-sharpen the blades on stack paper cutters and guillotine cutters, but Office Zone recommends you still have a replacement blade on hand. This eliminates production downtime while the dull blade is being re-sharpened.
Rotary paper cutters often have self-sharpening blades, but these eventually become dull as well. Once the blade is completely dull, it must be replaced. Arm paper cutters may be re-sharpened, but replacements blades are also an option for these as well.
Do you need your paper cutter blade re-sharpened? If so, be sure to contact Office Zone’s Service Department today. We would be happy to help you get your paper cutter blade cutting at its best as soon as possible.
This is a question we hear on a frequent basis at Office Zone. Our customers want to know why we encourage them to buy a bottle of shredder oil with their machine. It would initially appear that the main benefit would be in providing lubrication to the shredding heads. Shredder oil indeed helps cut down on the wear and tear that paper shredders endure when they are used. Shredder oil helps lubricate the moving parts in the shred head, and does help extend machine life. By the way, Office Zone recommends you oil your shredder at least every time you change the shred bag or waste bin.
Those are all valid considerations why you should use paper shredder oil. However, the most significant reason why consistent shredder lubrication is important has to do with maintaining the machine’s maximum shred capacity. Each shredder has a paper shredding rating handed down by the manufacturer. This lets you know how many regular sheets you can safely insert into the machine and shred at a time. Consistent oiling helps prevent build-up of paper dust and other substances that can gum up the cutting blades, thus decreasing performance. This ensures maximum shredding operation and extends the life of the machine.
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.
You just used your coil binding machine to punch small holes into a stack of paper. Next, you spin the coil through the punched holes. Once this is done, you are left with the problem of the coil spinning back out of the holes. If the coil spins out, your document is left free to fall apart.
The best answer to this problem is a pair of coil crimping pliers. Crimping pliers cut off excess coil and then crimp, or flatten the coil ends, thus preventing it from spinning back out. Coil crimping pliers are specially tooled and are relatively easy to use after a little practice. Office Zone offers an informative coil crimping pliers video demonstration to give you a better idea of how these work.
Customers often ask if they can crimp their strand of coil with a regular pair of pliers or needle-nose pliers. That’s definitely a possibility, but you would still need a separate tool to clip off the excess coil. As you can see, coil crimping pliers are a handy tool and a must-have for anyone using a coil binding machine.
Here’s a useful tip for customers who own a Dynafold Model DE-102AF, DE-202AF, or a DE-322AF automatic paper folding machine. When you first install the top folding plate on the unit, you will notice a silver bar that spans almost the entire width of the machine. I have included a photo here for convenient reference. The white arrow in the photo points to the silver bar.
For optimum performance, you need to first gently lift up this spring-loaded bar, and then insert the top folding plate under it. Make sure the top folding plate is snug and doesn’t move. This little procedure will ensure accurate performance with the folding plate on your machine and prevent possible paper jams. You do not need to follow this procedure for the bottom folding plate, but be sure it’s installed correctly and does not move.
If you need further assistance with your Dynafold paper folder, please contact our service department. We are more than happy to help.
On the outside, paper shredders seem like very basic, simple machines. The inside, however, can be much different. If you own a shredder under $50.00, then it probably is simple inside and out. However, if you’re in the market for an office shredder, industrial shredder, shredder baler, or government high security shredder, they can be a bit more complicated on the inside. This article will focus on a few tips to maintain, fix, and operate your shredder more efficiently.
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.
Just as capturing Osama Bin Laden is important to the war on terror, so too can saving time and money be for your business. No matter what type of business you run, it’s always a good idea to save energy, time, and money. Have you been pondering up ideas to make your business run more efficiently, simultaneously making happiness a bigger part of your life? If so, a 
