MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I bind documents with LX strips on the Fastback Model 9?
The Powis Parker Fastback model 9 binding machine is one of the easiest to use binding systems available on the market. However, if you have never used the Fastback 9 or another tape binding system it can still be somewhat confusing. This article is designed to provide simple step by step instructions for binding documents using Fastback LX binding strips. These instructions will work with the Fastback model 8, 8x or model 9.
1. Set your binding machine to the LX mode. If the machine is in LX mode, the LCD display on the front of the machine will read “READY TO BIND” . . . “LX. “
2. Select the correct size of Lx-Strip according to your document thickness. LX binding strips are available in two thicknesses: Narrow strips handle between 10-125 sheets of paper (approximately 1/2″ thickness), Medium strips handle between 125-250 sheets of paper (approximately 1″ thickness). If you are not sure which strip width to use, simply place your document in the binding recess and push the BIND button. The correct width will be shown on the display.
3. Fold the LX strip along the scored line so that it makes a 90° angle. Make sure the adhesive side faces inward.
4. Place the “L” shaped binding strip into the binding throat of your Fastback machine with the adhesive side facing up. Now slide the strip all the way to the right side of the machine. The short side of the strip should be resting against the back wall and the long side of the strip should rest flat on the bottom of throat opening.
5. Tamp your document cover and pages on the front flat surface of the housing so that they are straight. Place the document on top of the strip and slide the document all the way to the right. For a uniform strip wrap width on your front cover – regardless of document thickness – turn your document in the binder so that the front cover faces the back of the machine.
6. Tap the document firmly on both the top and the left side to help ensure that all of the pages are even. Then, push the pages backward so they are pressing against the back wall of the binding throat. Before pressing the bind button, check one last time to ensure that the edge of your book lines up with the edge of the strip.
7. Press the large “BIND” button on the front right side of the machine. This will begin the binding process. At this point it is still possible to stop the machine if you realize that you have made a mistake in the first several seconds of the binding cycle. All you need to do is press the orange OPEN button on the front of the machine to abort the process and release your book. However, you will waste your LX binding strip if you do this.
8. As soon as the Fastback machine LCD displays “REMOVE BOOK,” you can take the document and move it so that it rests against the rear book support fence for cooling.
9. Allow your document to sit and cool for at least 5 minutes before handling it. You can use the book after five minutes. However, leaving the document to cool longer can help to make the bind stronger. The glue will continue to harden and the bind will grow stronger for approximately 24 hours.
These are some basic instructions for binding documents with LX binding strips using the Fastback 8, 8x or model 9 binding machines. Try out these instructions and see just how easy Fastback binding can be.
< 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)
