MyBinding Knowledge Base
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.
< 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)
