MyBinding Knowledge Base
Choosing Between Fellowes Galaxy and Quasar Machines
Are you searching for a high-capacity plastic comb binding machine that can meet the binding needs of your small or medium-sized office? If so, then you ought to check out the Fellowes Galaxy and Quasar binding machines. Both of these machines were designed to offer users an enjoyable binding experience, but there are some important differences between the two machines. To find out more about the Fellowes Galaxy and Quasar, please continue reading.
The Fellowes Quasar binding machine has a lot of special features. First of all, it’s capable of punching 20 sheets of 20 lb. paper at once and it can bind documents that are two inches thick (approximately 500 pages long). Like a lot of Fellowes binding machines, the Quasar lets you punch your documents vertically, which can help ensure that the pages are punched correctly. The Quasar has an elegant, contemporary design and it features an ergonomic handle that allows you to work on your documents without compromising the health of your joints. This machine comes with an integrated storage area so you’ll always have binding combs on hand and there is also a document sizing guide so you can select the right size comb for your document. The Quasar has a suggested retail price of $349.95, so it should be within reach for most workplaces, especially when you compare the cost of the machine with repeatedly outsourcing your documents for binding, which can be very expensive.
The Fellowes Galaxy is a step up from the Quasar and this is reflected in its $599.95 price point. Like the Quasar, the Galaxy offers vertical punching, a document sizing tool, a comb storage tray, and a stylish look. Even the punching and binding capacities are similar: it can punch 25 sheets per lift and bind documents that are two inches thick.
The two machines also have a rotary edge guide to assist you in accurately lining up your booklet for punching. But the similarities end there. Unlike the Quasar, the Galaxy has three disengageable dies, so you can bind documents that aren’t the standard 8.5″ x 11″ size, such as half-letter and A4 size. (However, you should note that not all the pins are disengageable, so you will still be somewhat limited in regards to the size of documents you can produce. (You won’t be able to punch and bind legal-sized documents, for example.) Also, the Galaxy has a binding mechanism that can be used separately, allowing one user to bind and another to punch. This means you can set up an assembly line of sorts and produce more documents in less time because one person won’t be doing all the work.
Both the Quasar and Galaxy come with a two-year warranty, as well as a starter kit that contains plastic combs and binding covers so you can begin binding immediately. As for which machine you should choose, it really depends on three factors. The first one is price. You need to choose a machine that won’t break the bank, obviously. The second factor is the Quasar’s lack of disengageable dies. If you use this machine, you will really only be able to bind letter-sized documents because the machine lacks an open throat. Granted, not all of the Galaxy’s dies are releasable, but at least you’ll be able to produce several sizes of documents. Finally, it’s great that the Galaxy has a separate binding mechanism. If you want this feature, the Galaxy is the machine to get.
In the end, it all depends on the features you want and the price you can afford. Both the Fellowes Galaxy and Quasar plastic comb binding machines are well-built products that can help you produce impressive-looking documents. Just be sure the machine you choose is compatible with your needs.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
