MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are some tips for using my comb binding machine?
Whether you’re new to your comb binding machine or have been doing it for a long time, there’s no doubt about it: it’s one of the easiest binding methods around. However, just because it’s relatively easy, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can do to make the process even easier. That said, here are five things you should keep in mind when using one of these devices.
1.) Emptying the chip tray is essential. It may sound like a no-brainer, but emptying your machine’s chip tray is important. It will make the whole process easier and it will reduce wear and tear on your device. That’s because if there are too many chips in the tray, punching will become more and more difficult, and you could eventually break some (or all) of the punching dies. That could lead to expensive repairs or you may even have to purchase a whole new machine.
2.) Lower the number of sheets you punch. Speaking of punching, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t try to punch too much at once. Your machine has a maximum punching capacity which can be as low as 5 sheets or as high as 25 or more. But just because your machine can theoretically handle that much paper, that doesn’t mean it should. It’s easier on the dies to punch smaller amounts so if you do that, you’ll find that your machine will last much longer. Also, take special care when punching plastic covers and don’t do more than one or two at a time. Plastic covers can really wreak havoc on the dies if there are too many of them.
3.) Use the adjustable margin control if your machine has it. Some comb binding machines have an adjustable margin control feature. What this does is let you control how far away from the edge of the paper your holes will be. This is important because if the holes are too close, the pages can be easily ripped out. However, if they’re too far away, it will be very difficult to turn the pages. So adjust the margins. Your books will be easier to read and the pages will be less likely to fall out.
4.) Be careful when opening the comb. When you go to open your comb, be careful when doing so. If you open it too far it’s just going to go flying off the comb opener and could potentially hit someone in the eye. Not only could that be dangerous, it means you have to open it all over again.
5.) Insert your pages in small groups. When it’s time to actually bind your book, you’ll want to place the pages in the comb in small groups rather than just as one big stack. Trying to insert all the pages at once is difficult and it can be frustrating if it doesn’t work the first time. If you insert the pages in smaller groups, your work will be much easier.
< 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)
