MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are my options for binding half-sized documents?
Whether you’re new to bookbinding or have been at it for years, there will probably come a time when you need to put together a document that’s 8.5” x 5.5”. This is known as half-letter size since a piece of paper with these dimensions is basically just half of a sheet that measures 8.5” x 11”. Binding documents that are 8.5” x 5.5” can be challenging due to the way some machines are designed and the availability (or lack thereof) of supplies. However, it is possible to do so. This article will fill you in on some tips and tricks you can try.
- If you have a binding machine equipped with disengageable dies, you can use it to put together your document. Since your device is equipped to handle the long side of a 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper, you can “turn off” some of the dies so your paper will be punched properly. This will ensure that the document has the right number of holes.
- Now you’ll need to make sure that you have the right binding supplies for your project. Plastic combs can be special ordered in 8.5” lengths as can color coils. You could even take one of the binding elements and cut it down to the appropriate length with scissors. (You can also do this with GBC ZipBind and ProClick spines if you prefer those supplies.) If you have a wire binding machine, it’s possible to order the right spines, although it could take a while to get them due to the nature of custom ordering. And if you’re using a VeloBind device, you can just purchase strips that are the right length.
- Once you have your binding elements, it’s time to select the covers for your documents. If you can get access to a paper trimmer, you can just cut regular-sized covers down to the appropriate dimensions. (If you’re working with plastic covers, make sure you’re using a cutter than can handle non-paper materials.) You can also purchase half-letter size covers but finding them can be a bit of a challenge. You should also make sure you have the right size paper on-hand and be ready to trim the sheets if necessary. (Slicing a stack of 8.5” x 11” sheets in half is a quick and easy way to get the right paper for your work.)
- Once you have all of your supplies ready to go, you can start binding your documents. Once you make sure the appropriate dies are disengaged (if applicable), you can bind your work in the usual manner. If you have any questions about how to operate your machine, be sure to consult the instruction manual.
< 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)
