Rhin-O-Tuff HD6500 Heavy Duty Punch

Overview:

• The Rhin-O-Tuff HD6500 is a heavy-duty interchangeable die modular binding punch that is designed for use in print shops, binderies, copy shops, and large organizations.
• Although this machine looks almost identical to the HD7000 there is one primary difference. This machine uses the Rhin-O-Tuff Ez Change die system which makes changing hole patterns slightly more cumbersome than the "quick change" die system offered with the HD7000 and HD7700 models.
• However, for organizations that primarily use one type of binding or who don't mind spending a few minutes changing the die set on their machine this punch can save users a few hundred dollars.
• Apart from the difference in the die change technology, the HD6500 is nearly identical to the HD7000 and is a high-quality, heavy-duty binding punch.

Features/ Strengths:

• The HD6500 offers the ability to punch between 30 and 55 sheets of paper at a time depending on the hole-pattern that you are using. If you are using a three-hole or Velobind die you can punch over fifty sheets. It can handle about 30 sheets of paper using a spiral coil binding die. The only punch that can handle more sheets of paper at a time is the Rhin-O-Tuff Ultima HD7700.
• Like the HD7000 and HD7700, this punch has a punching throat that's 14” wide. All of the dies for this machine are the same width and are capable of punching a legal-sized sheet of paper (8.5” x 14”). The HD-6500 also has an open punching throat that makes it possible to punch longer sheet sizes using a two-step process. Plus, every die has disengageable pins so you can produce a custom hole pattern.
• The HD6500 is a heavy-duty, all-metal punch that was designed for use in high-volume production environments. The case, die mechanisms, internal components, and even the chip tray are all made of high-quality steel and are designed for strength and durability. This machine is built to be used every day for years without the need for any maintenance. It even comes with a one-year warranty that covers both the die and the machine.
• The HD6500 allows you to bolt a plastic comb opener, wire closer, or coil inserter on top of it. This can help you conserve space and ensures that your finishing equipment is always in reach when you need it. However, you can also just set your finishing device on the top of the machine and then use it separately. This allows you to increase productivity by forming an assembly line with one operator punching documents while another finishes them.
• This device has a vertical punching throat that allows gravity to help ensure that your documents are aligned and flush for punching. This can help to reduce costly punching errors, especially if the punch is being used by an inexperienced operator.

Limitations/Weaknesses:

• The primary difference between this machine and the HD7000 is the die change system. This machine is priced a few hundred dollars less because the die change system is more difficult to use. In order to change the die set on this machine you need to flip up the metal lid on the front of the machine, loosen two bolts, and then slide the die out of the machine. Overall, the die change process will take most users about two minutes which really isn't too bad. However, if you do not adequately tighten the two bolts when you insert the new die set into the machine it can affect the accuracy and longevity of the punch.
• The HD6500 includes many of the same features as the larger HD7700 Ultima punch. However, in order to reduce the price, Rhin-O-Tuff reduced the size of the punching motor and made the dies smaller and less durable. High-volume users may want to consider paying the extra money to upgrade to the HD7700.
• Like all of the Rhin-O-Tuff punches that I have tested, the HD6500 has the ability to punch a large number of sheets at one time. However, punching the maximum capacity of this machine results in a really poor punch quality. The holes in the sheets end up looking jagged and the sheets of paper become welded together. In order to avoid these punching quality problems, it is necessary to reduce the number of sheets that you punch at a time to around 20.
• The HD6500 is an excellent binding punch for industrial applications and fits well in a print shop or production environment. However, it has an industrial look that some people may find unsuitable for professional offices.

Recommendation:

• The HD6500 is a heavy-duty modular binding punch that is a great choice for organizations that primarily use one hole pattern and only occasionally need to switch dies.
• It offers a savings of a few hundred dollars over the HD7000 which offers the same set of features but has an easier die change mechanism.
• The HD6500 has a great punching capacity, heavy-duty construction, a 14-inch punching throat, and it comes with a great one-year warranty.
• This is a great machine for an organization that is on a budget and needs a reliable heavy-duty modular binding punch.