So next month I will be celebrating my 10-year wedding anniversary. At 10 years, I can’t help but reflect back on that time prior to getting married. To begin with, my fiancé and I didn’t have a lot of money. I can still remember talking about how we were going to come up with wedding invitations. We had to create hundreds of them, and it wasn’t going to be cheap.

We ended up deciding to make them ourselves. We would potentially save hundreds of dollars. Now I understand not everyone will want to go down this route, but here is what we did.

Thinking back on it now, I can’t help but laugh a little. Many of the machines we used to make our invitations I now help sell through ABC Office.

Materials Used:

• Navy blue card stock
• Linen card stock cover (light tan)
• Velum paper
• 1/4-inch wide ribbon

Equipment Used:

• Single-hole punch
• Stack paper cutter
• Paper folding machine
• High-resolution copy machine

These are the steps we took to create the invitation:

1. First of all, we single-folded the navy blue cardstock in half. We didn’t fold it along the shortest part of the paper, but the longest part of the paper.
2. We then took the light tan linen card stock and printed a picture my father-in-law took with his digital camera along with the wording, location of the reception, etc. We printed (in black & white) two invitations per one-sheet of light card stock. Once printed, we cut the light tan linen card stock on a manual stack cutter down the center of the longest part of the paper.
3. The cut tan card stock now fit nicely into the single-folded navy blue card stock. We were lucky enough to find a copy shop that had a high-resolution copier as well as a paper folder and a stack cutter that they let us use for free.
4. We then went on to cut a bunch of 8 ½ x 11-inch velum paper with the stack paper cutter. Now that everything was folded and cut, we were able to put everything together.
5. We put the velum paper on top of the printed picture and slid it into the navy-blue folded cover. Once we finished this, we single-hole punched the corners of the invitations. My fiancé cut ribbon into four to five-inch lengths that we threaded through the punched corners and then tied. The ribbon helped keep everything together.

The invitations were a hit and we got several compliments from people on how unique they were. I think they meant “unique” in a good way. Sure we saved a lot of money, but I now also have some great memories of making invitations with my wife.

The type of equipment and supplies we used then (that I now help sell) are the stack paper cutters (found here), paper folding machines (found here), single-hole punches (found here) and the card stock (found here).

I hope this helps someone facing a similar situation. Now I need to talk with my wife and see if I can get a picture of the invitations so you can all see what they looked like.

Do you have experiences making your own wedding invitations? Post your comments here!

Are you in need of a good paper folding machine? Tired of your current paper folder eating more paper than it folds? Perhaps you should consider using a Intelli-Fold DE-102AF paper folding machine. Why? I will give you a few good reasons.

First off, the basic design of the Intelli-Fold DE-102AF machine is tried and true. It has literally been around for over a decade. Have you seen a Intelli-Fold paper folder? The brown and orange colors on these paper folders look like something warped in from the 1970s. Don’t be fooled though. This paper folding machine is tough as nails.  Be aware that the Intelli-Fold DE-102AF is directly comparable to the Dynafold DE-102AF.

The Intelli-Fold brand has been around for some time, so there is definitely some name recognition involved, but more than anything Intelli-Fold folding machines have developed a very good reputation. We have a Intelli-Fold DE-102AF sitting on our showroom floor and I have had a chance you use it on several occasions.

The Intelli-Fold DE-102AF paper folding machines does require some manual setup prior to use, but adjusting the folding plates is easy. Once set, the registry is dead on and the folded edges line up nicely.

Another nice feature about DE-102AF is the feeding system. The rubber rollers on this machine pull the paper in straight and evenly. Why is this a huge benefit? It prevents paper jams and creates accurate folds.

The Intelli-Fold DE-102AF also has a small footprint. It simply does not take up much space. The exit tray can be compacted for storage and you really shouldn’t have a problem using the DE-102AF on a desk or counter surface.

Who uses the DE-102AF folding machine? This is very popular for organizations that fold brochures and handouts. It is also commonly used for folding mailers. The Intelli-Fold DE-102AF can create letter folds, accordion folds, single folds and many different custom folds.

I feel the Intelli-Fold DE-102AF is one of the best folding machines in its class and price range. It is priced right, made from solid metal components and as previously mentioned it has been proven itself over and over gain to be a reliable paper folding machine.

You will find the Intelli-Fold DE-102AF paper folding machine here. You can also find Intelli-Fold’s entire line of paper folding machines here.

Martin Yale has been making paper folding machines for well over a decade now, and they’ve gotten pretty good at it. So among all the Martin Yale paper folding machines out there, which are the most popular among our customers? I will highlight seven of our customers’ favorite models and will explain why this is the case.

Martin Yale makes two different types of paper folding machines. These are friction feed and air feed paper folders. Friction feed paper folding machines use rubber wheels to pull paper into the machine where air-feed paper folders use air to suck the paper into the machine. Friction-feed paper folders usually cost less, but cannot handle the slick glossy paper the air-feed paper folders can.

These Are The Seven Best Martin Yale Paper Folding Machines:

1. Martin Yale CV7 (1501X) Paper Folder – This paper folder has been around for years and has been proven to be a reliable and affordable design.
2. Martin Yale 1217A Paper Folding Machine – This paper folder has also been around for years and is the next step up from the CV7 in folding volume and paper size capacity.
3. Martin Yale 959 Paper Folder – This is the workhorse of the Martin Yale fleet of folding machines. This folder is popular with print shops because it can fold a variety of paper sizes and thicknesses throughout the day.
4. Martin Yale 959AF Air Feed Folding Machine – Like its friction-feed cousin, the 959 air feed is perfect for commercial folding applications and can easily handle glossy paper.
5. Intimus 2051 SmartFold Automatic Folding Machine by Martin Yale – This is a rising star among the Martin Yale paper folders. It is fully automatic, extremely easy to set up and is ideal for continuous folding operations.
6. Martin Yale P7400 Folding Machine – This paper folder is one of the least expensive paper folding machines Martin Yale offers. It isn’t designed for high-volume use, but is perfect for low to medium-volume applications.
7. Martin Yale P6200 Folding Machine – This little machine is the least expensive Martin Yale paper folder we currently offer. It is designed for low-volume use and is best used on a desk for the occasional folding of letters.

Have questions about Martin Yale folding machines? Post them here!

Paper folding machines are an investment and most businesses want to see that investment last for years. So how do you keep a paper folding machine up and running for years? Here are a few useful tips that will help you get the most out of your paper folding machine.

Clearing Jams – Paper folders can experience paper jams throughout their life. A few important things to remember when clearing a paper jam is:

1. Don’t force the paper folder to do something it doesn’t want to. What does this mean? If the roller wheels aren’t turning, don’t force them or they may break.
2. Don’t use scissors or a screw driver to fish out the paper. This can damage the rubber rollers, and they aren’t cheap to replace.

Paper Thickness - Make sure you don’t run paper through your paper folder that is thicker than the maximum specifications. The same can be said for paper that is too thin.

Paper Finish – The finish of the paper can play a huge roll in how the paper folding machine will operate. If you have a friction-feed paper folder (one that uses a wheel to pull paper into the machine), glossy paper may cause slips resulting in jams.

Staples - Do not run stapled paper through a paper folder. The metal from the staples will cause nicks in the delicate rubber rollers, resulting in a decreased lifespan.

Rubber Cleaner Rejuvenator – Rubber cleaner rejuvenator helps to moisturize rollers, cutting down on cracks. It also helps to remove jam-causing dust and ink buildup. Rubber cleaner rejuvinator can be found here.

Static Eliminator – Static electricity can cause sheets of paper to stick together. In a paper folding machine, this can result in misfeeds and multiple sheets being pulled into the folder. This ultimately leads to paper jams.  Static eliminator can be found here.

If you are experiencing problems with your paper folder, or if you need repairs, we have a talented Service Department that can help get you replacement parts or even fix your paper folding machine. Our Service Department can be reached by calling 1-800-658-8788 x129 or by filling out this form.

Are you in need of a replacement paper folding machine? We have a huge selection of paper folding machines from Dynafold, Duplo, Martin Yale, Dahle and much more. You will find our new paper folding machines here.

There are so many different types of paper folding machines out there, it can often be confusing and difficult to understand exactly what differentiates them. Paper folders are categorized as desktop, manually operated and fully automatic. Why is this? What makes one paper folding machine manual and the other automatic? Here is a quick breakdown on the biggest differences between paper folding machines.

Paper Folding Machine Designs:

Desktop Paper Folders – Desktop paper folders are typically compact and designed to do just one or two fold types and that’s it, with one usually being a letter fold. They are designed to be used a few dozen times a day maximum. An example of this type of paper folder is the Martin Yale P6200 found here.

Manual Paper Folding Machine – These paper folders are designed to take a stack of paper, often 100 plus sheets, and quickly fold them. These paper folders are electric, but still require that the folding plates be manually adjusted. This usually involves loosening thumbscrews, sliding a plate and tightening the screws. These types of paper folders are ideal if you will only be creating a few types of folds per day. The Dynafold DE-102AF is a prime example of a manually set up paper folding machine.

Automatic Paper Folding Machine – These paper folders are the easiest to set up. They usually have a control panel that can be used to select a fold type. Once selected, automatic paper folders will automatically adjusting the folding plates without any manual involvement. These types of paper folders may still run at the same speed as a manual folding machine, but are faster to set up. These are ideal if you will be creating a wide range of fold types throughout the day. The Intimus 2051 paper folding machine is a good example of an automatic paper folder.

Feed Types:

Friction Feed Paper Folding Machines – These paper folders use a rubber wheel, often more than one, to pull paper into the machine. This system is very effective, but does not work as well with paper that is glossy because the friction wheels can slip on the paper. This is the most common paper folder used. You can find our friction-feed paper folders here.

Pneumatic (Air Feed) Paper Folders – These paper folders can be manually or automatically set up. The advantage of a pneumatic paper folding machine is that they can be used with glossy paper. They are also commonly used for commercial and industrial paper folding. You can find our air-feed paper folders here.

Still have questions? Post your comments here and I will quickly answer them. Have a great day!

There is a lot of confusion out there when it comes to brand names and which one is associated with another. MBM is an common example of this. We recently had a customer ask us what the difference was between the Ideal 2602 shredder and the Destroyit 2602 shredder. I went on to tell her that they are the same shredder by the same company, with MBM being the manufacturer.

MBM is one of the leading manufacturers of office automation equipment in the world today. MBM manufactures paper folders, collators, business card cutters, paper drills and much more. You can find our entire selection of MBM products here.

MBM’s parent company is IDEAL Krug & Priester of Germany. IDEAL Krug & Priester is well known for manufacturing German engineered and built paper shredders and paper cutters.

This is a list of the brands that MBM (IDEAL) manufactures:

Destroyit – This is MBMs line of paper shredders. They are often referred to as Destroyit shredders by IDEAL. This is why many people use Destroyit and IDEAL interchangeably. You can find Destroyit paper shredders here.

Triumph - This is MBMs line of stack (ream) paper cutters. As with Destroyit, Triumph paper cutters are often referred to as Triumph by IDEAL. Many people refer to these paper cutters as both Triumph and IDEAL cutters. You can find our Triumph cutters here.

Kutrimmer - This is MBMs line of arm cutters, sometimes referred to as guillotine cutters. These, as with Triumph, are sometimes referred to as Kutrimmer by IDEAL. Customers refer to these as Kutrimmer or IDEAL cutters. You can find our Kutrimmer paper trimmers here.

IDEAL – As previously mentioned, IDEAL Krug & Priester is the parent company of MBM and is often linked to Destroyit, Triumph and Kutrimmer branding.

When you call us, we will understand what you mean regardless of whether you refer to a shredder as an MBM shredder, Destroyit shredder or IDEAL shredder. Hopefully this hasn’t all been too confusing. Have a question? Post it here!

What is the best way to fold invoices, bills, promotional material and other paper for the purpose of mailing? While this can be done manually, it can be costly and time consuming, not to mention the nasty paper cuts. Thanks to modern technology, most mailing products can now be done using machines.

The machine (method) used for mailing literature varies depending on exactly what you are mailing and what your budget is. Here are a few of the most common methods used today.

Folding Machines – Automatic folding machines (aka paper folders) can be used to fold paper into a C fold (letter fold) or a Z fold (accordion fold) for the purpose of mailing. A single fold is also common for mailing tabbed marketing literature. A paper folder is probably one of the most affordable automated machines that can be used for mailing literature. Once the letter is folded, it can then be manually inserted into an envelope or fed into a tabbing machine. This is ideal for low to medium volume mailing. You can find our paper folders here.

Mail Tabbers – You have probably received promotional material in your mailbox that has been sealed using a tabbing machine. This may be a promotional flier for lawn treatment, or an advertisement for cheap Internet. “Letter folded” or “single folded” paper, taken off a paper folder, is fed into the tabber. The tabber is then used to apply a round tab on the open edge of the folded document, keeping it secure during mailing. The tab is broken to gain access to the folded material. You will find our tabbing machines here.

Folder Inserters – These are the Cadillacs of the mailing industry. These machines do it all. Place your paper in the machine and the folder inserter will then fold the paper, insert it into an envelope and seal it shut. This is all automated and done by the machine. Very little human interaction is involved. Multiple sheets, and even inserters / return envelopes, can be put in the envelope, depending on the model used. These machines are ideal for medium to high-volume use. You can find our entire selection of Formax folder inserters here.

Folder Sealers – Folder sealers use a special pressure sensitive paper. This paper has special glue bubbles that are integrated into the paper. Safe for printers, this paper may be printed on to include a check, a bill or other literature. Once taken of the printer, this special paper is inserted into the folder sealer. The folder sealer will fold the paper and apply pressure to the glue pockets, causing them to burst and seal the paper shut for mailing. These machines are commonly used by banks and are ideal for medium to high-volume use. You can find our entire selection of folder sealers here.

All of these methods can be used to create professional, effective mailers. Have additional questions about folding and mailing material? Have a suggestion on something that has worked for you? Post your comments here!

So what are the most common fold types used today? Can you expect your folding machine to create them all? I will go over some of the most common folds used by paper folders and answer a few common paper folder questions. Let’s start with the most common fold types.

The two most common fold types used today are the letter fold and accordion fold. These two fold styles are also commonly called the C fold (letter) and Z fold (accordion). Both of these fold types are used for sending mailers and letters. The letter fold (C fold) is the most common.

The next most common fold is the half fold, sometimes referred to as the single or “V” fold. This basically involves folding a single sheet of paper in half. This is commonly used for creating programs for concerts, plays and other events.

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Single (Half, V) fold

Letter (C) fold

Z (Accordion) fold

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A few other less common, but standard folds, are the double parallel fold, French fold (aka cross fold), half accordion fold (aka engineering fold) and gate fold. You will see an example of theses folds below.

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Double Parallel fold	Cross Fold (French, Right) fold	Half Accordion (Fold-out, Engineering) fold
Gate fold

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Most paper folders can create the folds mentioned, with the French fold probably being the exception. While the French fold is pretty common with paper folders, not all are capable of creating it.

Can paper folders create custom folds? Most paper folders will give you the option of tweaking the fold plates and creating your own custom folds.

You may view our entire line of paper folding machines here. We also have a very informative paper folding guide found here.

If you have ever dealt with static electricity in paper, you know how annoying it can be. It causes sheets of paper to stick together and can cause problems / jams when collating paper, folding paper, printing on paper and much more. Is there a good way to get rid of static electricity in paper?

There are a couple of things you can do. One of the best things you can do is use a paper jogger that is designed to cut down on static electricity. Most modern paper joggers will gather the electrical charge and ground it out, all while jogging and squaring up paper. This is one of my preferred ways of cutting down on static charge in paper. You can find our paper joggers here.

Another option for cutting down on jam-causing static electricity is using a static eliminator spray on your collator, folding machine or copier. Static eliminator is sprayed on rubber rollers and other machine components, which dramatically cut down on static electricity. You can find our static eliminator spray here.

Good luck cutting down on static electricity. Do you have some additional ideas that have worked for you? Post them here in a comment!

We just put a Tamerica TPF-42 paper folder out in our showroom last week and I got a chance to play around with it. Taking this paper folder from the box, assembling it and getting it to work is pretty easy. There are a couple of rubber rollers that have to be inserted prior to using the machine, but they aren’t too difficult to install.

One thing I immediately noticed, while assembling and using the machine, was how similar it was to the MBM 207M. The installation of the rubber rollers, the folding plates and the user interface are almost identical, if not the same. The folding plates even utilize a sliding method for setup that is the same as the MBM 207M. The case, digital readout and colors are a little different.

Having used both the Tamerica TPF-42 and the MBM 207M, I would have to say they are equally comparable in both quality and functionality. Along with the Dynafold paper folders we sell, the TPF-42 and 207M are both in my top 10 list of paper folders.

As far as the manual setup of a paper folder is concerned, the pinch-and-slide method the MBM and Tamerica folders use is probably the easiest on the market. Simply press a bracket on the fold plate and the plate slides back and forth. The skew ends up being very precise and the fold looks great.

You may view and compare both the Tamerica and MBM folders here:

Tamerica TPF-42 Paper Folder
MBM 207M Paper Folder