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Paper Folding Machines With Manual Bypass

Posted by: Morgan on May 9th, 2011

Dahle 10560 Letter FolderQuestion

Does the IntelliFold IF300 paper folder have a manual bypass?

Valerie M.

Answer

The Intelli-Fold IF300 Paper Folding Machine does not have a manual bypass folding feature. However, it’s still the best value for an automatic letter folder in its price category. The Dahle 10560 Letter Folder folds up to three sheets of paper at a time, thanks to is manual feed bypass. Overall, the model 10560 does a rather admirable job with multiple-sheet folding. If you need more accuracy and consistency with manual bypass paper folding, we recommend the Model FD 38X Automatic Tabletop Paper Folder. The 38X is a relatively new paper folder model by Formax that includes a patented multi-sheet feeder. The feeder lets you manually insert up to four sheets of stapled paper at a time. We have actually tested this unit at Office Zone. It definitely does the best job of folding multiple sheets when compared to competing models.




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Cookbook Binding Machines – Comb, Wire or Coil?

Posted by: James on May 9th, 2011

Cookbook Binding MachineEveryone 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.

You can check out all of our binding equipment here.

If you have any other questions regarding binding, you can always contact our binding specialists at 800-543-5454.




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Looking for a High-Volume Paper Folding Machine

Posted by: Morgan on May 6th, 2011

Formax FD 38X Automatic Tabletop Paper FolderQuestion

We are looking for a High Volume Folding Machine as per specifications :-

- Folds up to a minimum of 10,000 pieces per hour

- Minimum 500 sheet feeder

- Support different folds (Single-fold, Double-fold, Letter or C-fold, Offset C-fold, Z-fold, Gate-fold)

- Load on the fly

- Support cross-folding capability

- Can accommodate a high-capacity stacker or optional

Ajay B.

Answer

We recommend the Formax model FD 38X Automatic Tabletop Paper Folder. This powerful unit will fold up to an amazing 20,100 sheets per hour! If you plan to fold letters on a daily basis, you require an automatic folding machine that’s tough as nails. The Formax FD 38X automatic paper folding machine makes the paper folding process as fast and easy as possible. The machine’s paper hopper/feed tray will hold up to 500 sheets at a time. Its conveyor exit system will also hold up to 500 folded sheets, making this paper folder a highly productive model.

The FD 38X will execute all of the different folds you requite. You simply select the pre-programmed fold from the unit’s menu. Once selected, the FD 38X will automatically adjust itself to the desired fold. The FD 38X is a relatively quiet paper folder, especially when compared to competing models. This is a highly versatile machine. It features a patented multi-sheet feeder that allows you to manually insert up to 4 sheets of stapled paper at a time for folding.




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MBM 93M Paper Folder Review

Posted by: James on May 5th, 2011

MBM 93M Paper FolderAre you tired of folding papers by yourself?  Have you had enough of drawing the short straw and being elected the person to fold all the mailer jobs piling up in the office?  Paper cuts ring a bell?  If so, it’s time to purchase a paper folding machine!  And what better machine to start your search off with than the new 93M folder by MBM.

MBM (Michael Business Machines) has been around for a whopping 75 years, which makes them one of the oldest machine equipment companies around.  All of their machines are manufactured in Germany using state-of-the-art equipment.  This gives any potential customer an edge over the majority of the folders on the market, which are primarily made in Asia.

The 93M is the latest folder to embrace the paper folding world, and it has been an instant success.  Weighing in at 46 pounds shipped, it sports the capability to fold not only your typical 8 ½” X 11″ paper, but also 8 ½” X 14″.  It can also do up to 80 lbs. paper weight, which makes it stand out among other folders in the same price range.

Holding up to 150 sheets in the hopper, this folder makes drawing the short straw seem like a blessing.  Not only that, but it can fold up to 7,200 sheets per hour!  You can learn more about paper speeds here.

One of my favorite features this model has that most low to medium volume paper folders don’t is a powered exit tray.  Instead of making a huge and disorganized mess, the 93M’s powered tray keeps things in the same place as they were when you put them in the machine, thus making it easier to have them alphabetized and numerical.  Along the same lines, it also has a digital control panel that allows for batch counting, as well as a running total.  Having a counter on a folder in this price range is something you will not find anywhere else.

Color coded markings on each folding plate makes changing from one fold to another very easy.  This machine handles your standard Half-fold, Letter fold, Zigzag fold, Double Parallel fold, and even allows for custom folds.

Is it affordable?  Certainly!  Our very low price has it at $479.00, making it the ultimate bargain when it comes to getting the most out of your money.  I’ve been selling paper folders for over 5 years now and I can honestly say that with folders, you definitely get what you pay for.  I would even suggest this folder over some of the more expensive models.  It’s that great.

So, if you’re looking for a compact, easily portable folder, possessing all the latest and greatest on the market, while still making sure not to break the wallet, the 93M paper folder by MBM is a sure thing. Make sure to check out the 93M folder on our website here.

If you’re needing similar machines such as folder/inserters, folder/sealers, air feed folders, or a list of many other great friction feed folders, you can find them all right here.




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Shrink Wrapping Vinyl LPs and Videotapes

Posted by: Morgan on May 4th, 2011

Shrink wrap filmQuestion

Dear Person:

I would gratefully appreciate it if you could answer these few questions I have about shrink wrapping before I study all the types of units that you offer on your website.

In regards to shrink wrap for record old vinyl Lps and Video Tapes VHS old videos:

I have NO AC my items would be stored at room temperature which gets to 100* in the summertime.

Q1) If I do shrink wrap old vinyl LPs and Videotapes, will the shrink wrap protect the items from room temperature heat? Or  will the shrink wrap only increase the heat/temperature to the item by trapping in the heat from room temperature???

Q2) Does shrink wrap breathe? or it DOESNT allow air through it?

Thanks for your time and services.

I look forward to your replies.

Answer

No, shrink wrap film will not protect your LPs and videotapes from the heat or cold. It will not increase the temperature of the item either. The film will, however protect your records and tapes from moisture and dust. Most shrink wrapped items are still exposed to air. Larger chamber sealer shrink wrap machines put tiny perforation holes in the film to improve the effectiveness of the shrink wrap process. A smaller I-bar system will not punch holes, but there are typically tiny holes, not readily visible, along the seams and edges of the cut and heat-sealed film. Either PVC or Polyolefin film should work just fine for your LP record and videotape archiving.




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Can my business benefit from a coin counter?

Posted by: James on May 4th, 2011

ABC110 Electric Automatic Coin CounterJust 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.




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Banner American MightyLam 2700HC Roll Laminator

Posted by: Morgan on May 3rd, 2011

Banner American MightyLam 2700HC Roll LaminatorBanner American recently introduced the MightyLam 2700HC roll laminator. This may appear to be an ordinary roll laminator, but looks can be deceiving. The 2700HC is a new medium-duty laminator designed specifically for laminating a wide variety of materials commonly used in a school or business. This model is especially capable of encapsulating maps, posters, maps signs, student projects, and other wide-format material.

The MightyLam 2700HC laminator comes packed with high-end features, but has a budget-friendly price. This is an extremely easy-to-use roll laminator. Some of its user-friendly features include a prominent LED readout, temperature adjustment control, both hot and cold laminating capabilities, mounting, slitters and more. This is the ideal all-around laminator designed to be used throughout the day on a frequent basis.




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Would Like Renz Wire Binder Upgrade

Posted by: Morgan on May 2nd, 2011

Renz ERW Electric Punch And Manual Wire BinderQuestion

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).




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How Does the Topaz SigLite 1X5 T-S460 Signature Capture Pad Work?

Posted by: Morgan on April 29th, 2011

Topaz SigLite 1X5 T-S460 Signature Capture PadQuestion

Topaz SigLite 1 X 5 (SL Series) Signature Capture Tablet. How does this device work? Can it plug into a computer and as signatures are written onto the device, it will save onto the computer? What type of file are the signatures saved as?

Arica R.

Answer

The Topaz SigLite 1X5 T-S460 signature capture pad digitally captures signatures for a variety of applications. This particular signature pad may be integrated with software such as Microsoft Office, MS Excel spreadsheets, Adobe PDFs and Internet applications. Signature capture pads can be used to sign contracts, forms etc. Signatures are digitally captured and stored in an image file format.

The SigLite 1X5 T-S460 is available in a serial port or USB model. The serial port versions will eventually be phased out by Topaz since USB is the popular computer connection in the industry. The SigLite 1X5 is typically used by banks and credit unions, retailers, insurance agents, government agencies, loan and leasing services, pharmacies, application service providers, human resource departments and more.




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Still the Same: Three-Hole Paper Punch

Posted by: Morgan on April 28th, 2011

Three-Hole Paper PunchWhile office technology continually improves, some document binding methods pretty much stay the same. Take three-hole paper punches for example. Paper punches haven’t really changed over the years. And why change? These convenient punch machines still provide a fast and efficient way to organize and bind large stacks of paper. Office Zone has a wide selection of paper hole punches for almost all applications. Popular models include three-, two- and single-hole style punches. Office Zone also offers a unique selection of customizable paper punches. Custom paper punches are available with a wide assortment of punch heads and punch hole diameters. Be sure to ask one of our customer service reps for more details.