MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are my options on Trimming my Laminated Documents?
If you want to make your laminated documents and photos look their best, you should consider trimming excess laminating film. This is easy to do and you probably already have the necessary equipment. Here are three ways you can trim your laminated items:
- Use a rotary trimmer. Using a rotary trimmer is a great choice because it will give you perfectly straight lines. Just align your document using the trimmer’s ruler and/or grid, and then slide the blade through it. Repeat on each side, if necessary.
- Use a craft knife and straight edge. You can get similar results with a craft or Exacto knife and a straight edge or ruler. If you choose to use these tools, make sure you exercise caution as it’s easy to injure yourself with the craft knife.
- Use a Zippy knife. Finally, using Zippy knives is helpful if your documents are circular or otherwise irregularly shaped. These knives work just like a letter opener. Just hold it in your hand and push to trim away excess film. You can also use scissors, but make sure you hold your hand steady to get a clean cut.
Trimming your laminated documents and photographs isn’t hard at all, plus it can be the final step you need to take to make your work look great. Just use whatever tools to have at your disposal to complete this final step in the laminating process.
< 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)
