How Do I Bind Non-Standard Oversized Pages?

First, I will clarify what I mean by “non-standard oversized pages.” Many binding machines are made for standard 8.5” x 11” paper, or A4 paper. If you want to bind any larger paper sizes that are not as common(non-standard), then it gets a little trickier. In the video I set up a coil binding machine to punch an 11 x 17 inch page. It will probably take some adjustments until your machine is set properly, so always use scratch paper until you are ready for a real project.

Steps to set up your machine:

1. First you will need a machine with an open throat design on the right side. It also needs disengageable die pins. If your machine has both features then we can proceed. If not, then this method will not work for you.

2. Take a scratch page of the size paper you want to use and fold it in half.

3. Align the page so that none of the punched holes intersects with the center. Most machines have a printed image of the hole placement on the machine--use this as your guide. To align your page, use the left edge guide. In some cases you may need to actually align a single hole perfectly in the center. The main goal is uniformity.

4. Once ready, pull out all the disengageable pins that are on the right side of the center mark on the page. Then make your first punch and flip the page around. If you needed to center center a hole to the center of your page then it gets trickier from here and will need more trial and error.

5. Some machines also have a peg on the side to insert one of the holes. If you have this, then it helps ensure that your holes will be evenly spaced. It is not required for this method, however. With your page flipped, and the unpunched section in the machine, punch the other half.

6. To tell if your project is ready, fold the page in half, aligning all the edges. If all your holes are aligned, then you are ready to bind. If not, continue to adjust the edge guide until the holes are aligned when folded--this perfectly centers the row of holes onto the edge of the page. From there you might need to make some small adjustments for correct spacing, but then you’re ready for your real project.