MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I troubleshoot my Fastback s41 Edge Splitter?
Although the Fastback S41 is a relatively simple machine to use, there is always a chance that you might have a problem with it. This article is designed to help you troubleshoot the most common problems that users have with the edge splitter. It will also tell you how to change the filter on the machine. I included the section on changing the filter inside this article because failing to change the filter can actually cause a number of problems with the S41.Problem #1: The Machine Won’t Start
This problem is usually caused by a problem with power. You need to check to make sure the machine is securely plugged into the wall and that the cord is also securely attached to the edge splitter. If the machine is plugged in, check to make sure that the outlet is hot and that the main fuse for the machine is not blown.Problem #2: Paper is Riding Up Out of the Machine
This problem is normally caused when the paper stop is set too close to the edge of the paper. The paper stop should be approximately 1/32″ or 1mm away from the edge of your paper. You should be able to see a very slight gap between the paper and the stop.
Problem #3: The Book Block Is Not Completely Split
Depending on the paper that you are attempting to split this can be caused by a number of different problems. You can try to adjust the different advanced settings on the unit such as the depth of the split, rate of the splitting, the number of passes that the teeth make or the jogging time for the book. If these settings don’t help you should contact Powis tech support with the details of your paper stock. They have experience with many hard-to-bind papers and should be able to give you advice about the particular paper that you are using.
Problem #4: Paper Does Not Bind Well After Splitting
This is usually caused by a problem with one or more of the settings on your machine being set incorrectly. If you set the machine to make too few passes, to split too deep or if you set the rate too light you may end up with problems binding your book. Check out our article on adjusting the advanced settings for the S41 edge splitter for more information about each of the five settings that are available on this unit.
Problem #5: Paper Dust On the Work Table
This will occur if the filter has become dirty and needs to be changed. During normal operation, the filter may become clogged with paper particles and will need changing. How long the filter lasts depends on many factors, including, how much paper is prepared, types of paper, and the settings on the splitter. It is recommended that you check the filter once a month or after 4000 cycles to see if it needs changing. DO NOT reuse filters. Here is how you change the filter on the edge splitter…
1. The filter is located at the bottom of the left side of the machine. To remove the filter, grasp the filter by the finger hole in the center underside of the filter, then squeeze and pull to the left, directly away from the machine
2. To replace or reinsert the filter, hold the filter with the label reading “This Side Up” facing up on the left side.
3. Push the filter into the slot on the lower left edge of the machine as far as it will go or until the filter is flush with the outside edge of the chassis cover. It is always a good idea to record the date and number of cycles on the new filter so that you know when to change it next.
< 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)
