MyBinding Knowledge Base
Fastback 11 Binding Machine Problems: How to Troubleshoot Them
If you have a Powis Parker Fastback model 11 binding machine you probably already know how easy it is to use. However, from time to time with any machine problems can arise. This article is designed to provide a quick troubleshooting guide for the Fastback 11 that will provide you with some of the most common problems, their causes and possible solutions. If you have a problem that is not listed here, you should really contact an authorized Fastback dealer and they should be able to either walk you through a solution to your problem or set up a service call to fix your unit.
Problem #1: Machine Doesn’t Power On
- This problem can sometimes occur if there is a problem with A.C. power. Check to make sure that the AC power cord is firmly plugged in to the back of the machine and into the wall. Also check to make sure that you have power to the outlet that you are trying to use.
- It is also possible that you may have a blown fuse on your machine. If this is the case you will need to replace the fuse before the unit will work.
Problem #2: Can’t Insert A Binder Strip
- This problem most often occurs when the book clamp is not closed on the machine. Press the bind button to activate the book clamp and you should then be able to insert your strip.
Problem #3: Left Status Indicator Light Blinks Red And The Bind Clamps Re-Open After The Bind Button Is Pressed
- This problem will happen if the document is too thick to be bound with the Model 11. You will need to remove some pages or bind the document in two sections. If you frequently need to bind documents larger than 1 inch thick you may need to consider upgrading from the Fastback 11 to the Fastback 15xs.
Problem #4: Document Is Not Bound
- This problem can happen if you accidently insert the Binder Strip wrong side up into the machine. If this is the case you will need to clean your machine to remove the adhesive that was deposited onto the heater plate of your unit.
- This can also occur if you are using a twisted or damaged Fastback Strip. In that case you simply need to retry with a new Binderstrip.
Problem #5: Binderstrip Is Not In Line With The End Of The Document
- This can happen if the wrong length of Binderstrip is used. Check and make sure that the length of the Binderstrip and the document match.
- This can happen if you inadvertently bind a document with a damaged Fastback Strip. Try a new strip and see if it works better.
- This can also happen if there is adhesive buildup on the heater plate of your unit. If this is the case you will need to clean the heater plate.
Problem #6: Binderstrip Is Only Partially Bound To The Document Or Is Severely Askew.
- This problem can happen if there is adhesive buildup on the heater plate of the Fastback 11. The adhesive will need to be cleaned off before the unit will operate properly.
- This problem can also happen if you attempt to use a damaged Binderstrip. If there isn’t any adhesive buildup on the heating plate or internal strip guide then you may want to try another strip to see if that works.
Problem #7: Binderstrip Is Ejected From The Machine And The Right Status Light Is Solid Red.
- This problem normally occurs if a Binderstrip is fed incorrectly or more than one strip is fed at one time. Check to make sure that you aren’t trying to feed more than one strip and carefully insert a single strip again.
Problem #8: Right Status Light Is Solid Red And Power Light Is Solid Red
- This error usually means that there is a binderstrip jammed inside your machine. You will need to remove the jammed strip and clean up any adhesive residue before trying to bind another book.
Problem #9: Power Light Is Continuous Red
- This is a code that indicated machine malfunction. You should try and turn the power switch of the unit off and then turn it on again. If the problem persists you will need to call your Powis Parker authorized dealer to arrange a service call.
< 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)
