If you’re at home, a scrapbooker, a hobbyist or a small business, you may need an extremely affordable comb-binding machine. While there are some really nice machines out there, most cost several hundred dollars or more. If you’re daily binding volume is small, you should consider the Intelli-Bind IB100 comb binding machine from Intelli-Zone.

To begin with, the Intelli-Bind IB100 only costs $45. You’ll be hard pressed to find a high-quality comb-binding machine for that amount. Most sub $50 machines are garbage. The IB100, on the other hand, is a nicely built machine.

While the IB100 isn’t designed for hundreds of binding jobs a day, it is perfect for binding a few books a day. It has a 6-8 sheet punching capacity, depending on the paper thickness, and can bind a book up to 2” thick. This means you can easily bind a small cookbook or a larger photo album. The possibilities are pretty nice.

I have personally unboxed, assembled and used this comb binding machine. The quality is superb, especially for this price range. Unlike many other comb binding machines in this price range, the IB100 has a full-length lever for punching paper and opening combs. This makes comb binding much easier.

The IB100 is in stock and usually ships out the same day an order is placed. You can find the Intelli-Bind IB100 comb binding machine here and our entire selection of manual comb binding machines here. Enjoy!

Comb binding machines provide us with some of the most affordable book binding services available today. Machines are relatively inexpensive and supplies are cheap. Here are a few fun facts about comb binding machines that you may not be aware of.

Did You Know?

1. Comb binding strips can be re-used and recycled.
2. Comb binding strips allow to you add or remove pages.
3. Comb binding is the most affordable binding method used today.
4. Comb binding machines not only punch through paper, but can also punch through laminated paper, clear covers, poly covers and card stock.
5. Comb binding strips can be cut down with scissors for use with smaller books.
6. Comb binding can be used to bind books up to 2″ thick.
7. People have been using comb binding since the 1960s.
8. Comb binding can be used to bind photo albums, scrapbooks, cookbooks, reports, presentations and other literature.
9. Comb binding strips come in about a dozen different standard colors.

At ABC office we offer dozens of different comb binding machines at affordable prices. You can find our entire selection of comb binding machines here. You can find our entire selection of comb binding supplies here.

Do you still have questions about comb binding? Speak with one of our comb binding experts at 1-800-658-8788 for answers to your questions.

Are you in need of an effective and legal way to capture a patient, customer or client signature? One great way to do this is by using an electronic signature capture pad. One model that our customers like, and you may want to consider using, is the Topaz SigLite SL T-S461 1×5 signature capture pad. This is my review.

To begin with, the Siglite SL line of electronic capture pads is designed to be compact and easy to set up. The SL actually stands for slim, measuring in at 0.20″ thick. These signature capture pads typically connect to a computer via a USB or traditional serial port.

The T-S461 has a 1″ x 5″ capture area that is large enough to accept most signatures. As the signature is made, the T-S461 captures that data and sends it to the computer. This particular signature pad is typically used with Adobe Acrobat PDF documents and MS Word documents.

The SigLite SL T-S461 includes a software plugin that allows it to be used with Adobe Acrobat and MS Word (currently up to MS Word 2007). It can also be used with a wide variety of other programs including Excel, Access, Notes and Domino, HTML, Java, ASP, VB, VC++, Delphi, Images, Crystal Reports, etc.

We also offer several software tools (found here) that allow the T-S461 to be integrated into your existing hardware / software.

The resolution on the T-S461 is impressive. The surface of this pad can capture up to 410 points of data per inch. These signatures, and the included software, make it possible to capture legally binding signatures that can be applied to contracts, agreements, legal documents and much more.

The screen of the T-S461 is designed to capture up to 10,000 signatures. This means the SigLite T-S461 is ideal for medium-volume use. If you need more than 10,000 signatures, you may want to consider going with the SignatureGem line of signature capture pads that are rated for high-volume use and can capture up to 250,000+ signatures during its lifespan.

Overall the T-S461 is a solid and very affordable signature capture pad that can be used for most electronic signature projects. The quality is as good as it gets. Depending on the use and volume of signatures, this pad should last for years.

You can find the Topaz SigLite SL T-S461 1×5 signature capture pad here. You can find our entire selection of electronic signature capture pads here.

It’s official. Our coupon code program during January was a huge success. Many of our subscribers took us up on our 5% coupon code offer to purchase machines and supplies. As a result, we would like to extend a new coupon code to our valued readers.

This new coupon code can be used to purchase equipment and supplies and is good until the end of February. Use this coupon code via our secure shopping cart or mention it over the phone to receive 5% off your purchase.

Be sure to take advantage of this coupon code before it expires on February 28th.  Start shopping by visiting us here. We appreciate all our readers / subscribers and we hope to be able to provide you with unique, rich content for years to come.

Have a great day and enjoy this new coupon code!

Are you shopping around for a corner rounder? If so, you have probably come across models by Akiles and Lassco. Both of these brands are the kings of the commercial corner rounding world. So which of these two brands is best?

We currently offer about 10 different models of corner rounders, with 4 being especially popular with our customers. These corner rounders are:

1. Lassco CR-20
2. Lassco CR-50B
3. Akiles Diamond-1
4. Akiles Diamond-5

For a direct comparison, I would consider the Lassco CR-20 and Akile Diamond-1 to be on the same level. They both cut about ½”, with the Diamond-1 cutting just a few less sheets at a time. They are both of a similar build quality and both are very popular with our customers.

I would have to say that the CR-20 has a slight leg up simply because I personally think the cutting dies on the CR-20 are slightly easier to change out. Ultimately, I think they are both great corner rounders.

The CR-50B is very similar to the CR-20, simply with a larger table area for larger documents and a slightly more elongated handle than the CR-20.

As far as electric corner rounders are concerned, you aren’t going to find anything better than the Akiles Diamond 5 corner rounder. That thing is a beast and is perfect for high-volume corner rounding.

You can read my reviews on Akiles and Lassco corner rounders here:

• Lassco CR-20 Review
• Lassco CR-50B Review
• Akiles Diamond-1 Review
• Akiles Diamond-5 Review

So in answer to my original question, “which of the two brands is best?” I would have to say it is a dead heat. Both Akiles and Lassco make high quality stuff and equipment from both companies should last for years.

You can find our entire selection of corner rounders here.

There are a lot of binding machines being sold online and in stores. Some machines claim to be manually operated, while others claim to be fully electric. Some machines are even branded as being semi-automatic. With so many different labels floating around, it can be difficult to determine what is an “electric binding machine.” Here are a few tips that should help you sort through the confusion.

To begin with, the main feature that will determine whether a machine is electric or not is the paper punch. If the paper punch is operated by an electric motor, it is an electric binding machine. While there may be other “manual” or “electric” features on the machine, the punch is still the determining factor.

Electric paper punches on binding machines dramatically cut down on fatigue when binding dozens to hundreds of books a day. Not only are electric binding machines typically faster than manual, but they often also punch more paper.

Some people may ask for a binding machine to have everything electric. In this case, they are probably looking for what’s considered a fully automatic binding machine. Fully automatic binding machines require little human interaction.

The three most common electric binding machines used today are comb, wire and coil. Here are a few “automated” features you may find in them:

• Electric Comb Binding Machines - Electric comb binding machines use an electric motor to punch 19 holes along the 11″ side of a sheet of paper. While uncommon, some machines feature an electric comb opener. Over 90% of the comb binding machines available today, however, use a manual comb opener. There is very little speed benefit to having an electric comb opener.
• Electric Wire Binding Machines – Electric wire binding machines use an electric motor to punch paper in a 2:1, 3:1 or 19-ring hole pattern (depending on the machine). While there are machines available with an electric wire closer, I’m not aware of any specific brands or models at this time. There is no speed benefit to using an electric wire closer as the manual wire closer is fast and requires little effort to use.
• Electric Coil Binding Machines – Electric coil binding machines use an electric motor to punch paper in a 4:1 or 5:1 pitch hole pattern. Many coil binding machines feature an electric coil inserter. Unlike the comb and wire electric accessories, the electric coil inserter is a huge time saver versus manually inserting coils. If you are coil binding more than 5-10 books a day, I highly recommend getting a machine with an electric coil inserter.

So there you have it. Electric binding machines are perfect for long runs and continuous binding use. Most electric binding machines feature thermally protected motors that can be used throughout the day.

You can find our entire selection of book binding machines here. Feel free to call one of our binding experts at 1-800-658-8788 for answers to your electric binding machine questions. Have a great day!

Guillotine paper cutters are handy trimmers to have on hand for a wide variety of photography and paper cutting projects. Using the right paper cutter can mean the difference between complete frustration and absolute excitement. So which cutter should you use? One cutter I have had the chance to use on several occasions is the MBM Kutrimmer 1071 guillotine paper cutter. This is my review.

The MBM Kutrimmer line of guillotine paper cutters is by far one of the most reputable around. There are over 8 different makes and models of Kutrimmer paper cutters available, with the biggest difference between models being the cutting length. These cutters are tough.

The Kutrimmer 1071 is an all-metal cutter, from the base to the handle. It has a cutting length of 28 ½”. For most people cutting photographs and letter-size paper / card stock, this length is more than enough. It has a 40 sheet cutting capacity. I have seen this cutter used to cut paper, photographs, card stock and laminated documents. There are few things this cutter can’t slice through.

The base of the cutter features a screen-printed guide of common cutting sizes. This makes it easy to line up photographs and other material for common cutting patterns.

The arm on this cutter is leveraged in such a way that cutting through 40 sheets of paper is really easy to do. It also helps that the blade is made from high quality metal and is razor sharp. Unlike many cutters out there, when the blade becomes dull it can be re-sharpened.

Unlike guillotine cutters of 10+ years ago, cuts on the 1071 are accurate and precise. This is due in part to the blade and in large part to the solid hand clamp. Are you cutting thin lightweight paper? No worries. The 1071 includes fold-away paper supports that keep delicate paper supported during the cutting process.

The Kutrimmer 1071 is also very safe to use. While the blade is extremely sharp, it is protected during the entire cutting process by a transparent Lexan safety guard.

This trimmer also features an adjustable back gauge, side guides (in inches & metric), a front gauge (rotary knob adjusted) and much more.

Simply put, the Kutrimmer 1071 is one of the best 28″ cutters on the market. It is solid, doesn’t move while cutting and creates straight cuts every time. I would personally recommend this cutter to family and friends.

You can find the Kutrimmer 1071 guillotine paper cutter here and our entire selection of guillotine paper cutters & trimmers here.

Feel free to contact us at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions about guillotine paper cutters.