Archive for the ‘Product Reviews’ Category

Overview of the David-Link W-988P Biometric / Proximity Time Clock

Monday, February 6th, 2012

David-Link W-988P Biometric / Proximity Time ClockMulti-function time clocks provide a versatile and effective way to keep track of employee time. These types of time clocks allow employers to determine the method they like most for employees to log in and out. These time clocks are typically digital and employee keypad, biometric and proximity time clock interfaces. One such time clock is the David-Link W-988P.

David-Link is a leading manufacturer of digital time clocks. Their lineup includes biometric and proximity time clocks as well as traditional punch style time clocks and watchman clocks. These time clocks are best known for their incredibly low retail price and rich list of features. You can find our entire selection of David-Link time clocks here.

The David-Link W-988P is a multi-function time clock. It has a digital keypad on the front of the clock, a biometric finger scanner and includes a proximity card sensor. These three methods of recording employee time are very popular and have surpassed the popularity of traditional punch style time clocks.

Here are a few details on each of the three time clock recording methods:

  • Keypad – An employee can enter a pin number at the clock. When this number is entered, the time clock records that employee as being logged in and the clock begins to record time worked. The same number is used to log the employee out of the system.
  • Biometric Finger Scanner – An employee is entered into the system by means of their finger. Their finger can then be used to punch in and out of work. Biometric time clocks are especially popular right now because they eliminate a lot of fraud, such as buddy punching, and there is no need to worry about lost badges or forgotten pin codes.
  • Proximity Card - Proximity cards, often incorporated into ID badges, log the employee in and out of work when they are held up to the time clock. The time clock will acknowledge an employee is logged in by means of visual or audible (often both) verification.

The David-Link W-988P allows the employer to set up the time clock to use any one of these login methods or a combination of all three. Setting up the time clock is seamless. The LCD display makes navigation easy and data is clearly displayed during the login and logout process.

Logged data can be accessed several different ways:

  • An administrator can access data directly from the W-988P terminal.
  • Data can be exported to a USB drive for transfer to a computer.
  • Data can be accessed via a USB cable.
  • Data can be accessed via an Ethernet network over an LAN / WAN.

Here is a connection diagram from the W-988P:

David-Link W-988P Connection Diagram

The W-988P includes time management software that makes it easy to run reports and view data. This data can then be exported into an Excel format for use with other payroll programs. Many people ask if this time clock is compatible with Quickbooks and other payroll software. In an effort to save money on licensing costs, the W-988P software does not export data in a Quickbooks format. It does, however, export data in an Excel format that can be imported by Quickbooks. You could say that it is indirectly compatible with Quickbooks.

What does the W-988P include? It includes:

  • The W-988P time clock
  • Time management software
  • USB flash drive
  • Proximity cards
  • USB cable
  • A power adapter

It also features a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support. At $295, this is probably one of the best deals available right now for a time clock that has keypad, proximity and biometric time logging capabilities. We have been selling David-Link time clocks, including the W-988P, and have had great luck with them. Our customers love them and we consider them to be reliable devices.

The W-988P can be used on a desk or table, but is probably best mounted on a wall for easy access. The W-988P itself can store up to 3,000 different fingerprints, can be used with up to 3,000 employees and can hold up to 60,000 logs. It is a very versatile time clock and can easily be used by small or larger businesses.

You can fined the David-Link W-988P on our site here and our entire selection of David-Link time clocks here. Feel free to call us at 1-800-658-8788 with any technical questions, for a quote or to place an order.

Introducing: The Formax FD 8730HS High Security Level 6 Shredder

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Formax FD 8730HS High Security Level 6 Paper ShredderHigh security paper shredders, while not common in offices, are abundant in different makes and models. Most military and government agencies that use Level 6 shredders typically have to sacrifice the ability to shred CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays when using a high security shredder. A new shredder from Formax, the FD 8730HS (found here), has both high security shredding capabilities as well as the ability to destroy optical media.

At ABC Office we currently offer nearly 3-dozen different makes and models of high security paper shredders. While most of the shredders we sell are top-notch products, I am personally fond of Destroyit, Dahle and Formax shredders. Simply put, they are all solid machines. Formax, in particular, is such a great deal right now. Formax paper shredders have one of the best reputations with our customers.

The new Formax FD 8730HS is a unique beast. To begin with, ths NSA evaluated shredder can cross cut shred paper in a Level 6 pattern. This ends up being 1/32″ x 3/16″ (0.8mm x 4.8mm). This is as good as it gets when it comes to shredding top-secret information. A Level 6 cut document cannot be put back together, hence the title high security shredding. This shredder meets NSA/CSS specification 02-01 for Level 6 shredding.

The FD 8730HS has a very nice sheet capacity, capable of shredding 14-15 sheets of paper at a time. Considering the tiny cut pattern and the amount of cutting involved, that is a great sheet capacity. To compliment this capacity, the FD 8730HS is equipped with a generous 31-gallon bin. It takes a lot of shredding to fill a 31-gallon bin with paper. The feed opening measures in at 9 3/8″, which is wide enough to handle most paper.

Most military and government entities that destroy paper also need to destroy sensitive records stored on optical media. An independent slot, which measures in at 4 7/8″ inches, can be used to shred and destroy CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, credit cards and even CR-80 ID badges (30 mils thick). Having this independent slot eliminates the need to have two different shredders. The FD 8730HS even includes an independent 18.5-gallon bin to catch and separate the optical media particles from the paper particles. This is ideal for sorting and for recycling purposes.

The FD 8730HS keeps the operator in the know during the entire shredding process. The control panel lets the operator know exactly how much stress the motor is under by means of load indicator lights. The control panel also has a series of LED lights that let you know when the door is open, bag is full, when a jam occurs and much more.

The feature that I really like, which is uncommon in most paper shredders, is the automatic oiler. An oiler lubricates the intricate cutting blades as needed, which is a very nice feature to have on hand. It is well known and documented that oiled paper shredders last significantly longer than non-oiled shredders.

This shredder is fast, reliable and is a great value. As is the case with all Formax shredders, the FD 8730HS features durable metal construction, pristine cutting blades and the best electronics available for paper shredders.

You can find the Formax FD 8730HS high security shredder here and our entire selection of high security paper shredders here. Please feel free to contact one of our experts at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions.

Overview of the Formax FD 1200 AutoSeal Pressure Sealer

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Formax FD 1200 AutoSeal Pressure SealerPressure sealers save money by eliminating the need for envelopes and creating a tamper-proof letter that can be used for mailing bills, invoices, checks and much more. One of the most affordable pressure sealers money can buy is the Formax FD 1200 AutoSeal. Being that this machine is so affordable, will it get the job done? I will answer that question and more in this article.

To start off this article, I would like to explain why Formax is considered to be such a reputable manufacturer. Formax, based out of Dover, NH, has been making envelope stuffing machines (aka folder inserters) for over a decade now. They are also well known for their paper folding machines and paper shredders (many of which are made in the USA). These machines are considered to be the best in the industry. As you might expect, their pressure sealers are considered to be equally reputable.

The FD 1200 is the least expensive entry-level pressure sealer Formax offers. While it isn’t the most robust machine offered, it is very good at what it does. It can be used to fold and seal invoices, notices, checks, grade reports, rebates, utility bins, basic forms, PIN mailers, direct mailers, W-2s and much more. It can be used to fold and seal pressure seal paper up to 8 ½” x 14″ in size.

While perhaps not the fastest pressure sealer out there, it can be used to fold and seal forms at a speed of about 35 sheets per minute. This is about 1 every 2 seconds. It has a duty cycle of 10,000 forms per month, which is pretty good considering the size and price.

Having set up this machine myself, I can vouch for how easy it is to get up and running. It has two folding plates that are set up much like a manual paper folding machine. By adjusting 2 folding plates, this machine can be set up to fold and seal paper in a Z fold, C fold, uneven Z, uneven C, half and custom fold patterns. Once the folding plates are set, getting the machine started is as simple as pressing a big green button.

This machine is insulated to help dampen sound, but it will still make noise. I would consider it to be slightly louder than your typical paper folding machine. This is due in part to the heavy steel rollers that are literally bursting open glue pockets found in pressure seal paper.

The build quality of this pressure sealer is exceptional. It weighs 55 pounds and is made out of all metal construction. It definitely has some heft to it, but it can be used on most desks and tables.

Remember, while this is a great machine, it is designed for entry-level applications. As of the writing of this article, Formax offers well over a dozen different models of pressure sealers, with some capable of folding and sealing over 40,000 sheets per hour. That should give you an idea of the range of machines that are out there.

You can find the Formax FD 1200 here and our entire selection of Formax pressure sealers here. If you have questions about using a pressure sealer, which machine you need or even where to find supplies, please feel free to contact one of our mailing specialists at 1-800-658-8788.

Reviewing the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 High Security Shredder

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

Dahle CleanTEC 41334 Level 6 High Security Paper ShredderHigh security paper shredders, while not for everyone, serve a very valuable purpose when it comes to National Security and the destruction of extremely sensitive documents. One model, which qualifies as a Security Level 6, is the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 high security shredder (found here). This is my review.

A Security Level 6 is the highest security level that a paper shredder can be given. This means it can be used to shred top secret information and some of the most sensitive documents. In the case of the Dahle CleanTEC 41334, it can shred a sheet of paper into 1mm by 4.7mm particles. This means that it will turn a single sheet of 8 ½” x 11″ paper into 15,500 particles. Try reassembling that. It is impossible. That is why these shredders are so popular with the DOD (Department of Defense), NSA (National Security Agency), federal government, military and more.

This shredder features a large 23 gallon shred bin, which easily pulls out (via a cabinet door) for easy emptying. The wide 10 ¼” throat width is wide enough to handle most paper you will find in an office. The Dahle CleanTEC 41334 has an 8 sheet maximum shredding capacity. While 8 sheets may not seem like much, keep in mind how small the paper is being cut. Higher security level shredders always have smaller sheet capacities.

The Model 41334 carries the name CleanTEC because of its special filtration technology. All paper shredders generate dust. The higher the security level, and the more cuts made, the more paper dust that is created. This dust can easily become airborn and can cause surface dust on furniture and can agitate people’s respiratory system. The CleanTEC filter, located in the back of the shredder, filters and traps 98% of that dust. This provides a much cleaner and healthier work environment.

While the  CleanTEC technology is very impressive, this German-made paper shredder features a lot more perks that are rarely found in comparable machines. The CleanTEC 41334 implements a full safety package. One of its most impressive features is its voice recognition capabilities. While you can turn this shredder off by pressing an emergency shutoff switch (found on the back of the shredder) or by tapping the cover of the machine, it will also turn off by simply saying “stop.” The mouth of the paper shredder also contains sensors that can detect the presence of fingers, which will also turn the shredder off.

While every shredder has a maximum shredding capacity, nobody ever actually counts out the sheets to make sure they aren’t going over capacity. The 41334 has ESP (Electronic Sensing Protection) that will gauge how much stress the motor is under and will visually let you know if you are reaching the maximum capacity. If for any reason the capacity is breached, the shredder will turn off to prevent damage, allowing the operator to adjust the amount. Green means the shredder is fine, yellow means it is getting close to maximum capacity and red means you have reached the maximum capacity.

Cross cut paper shredders have very complicated cutting blades and high security shredders, like the Dahle 41334 has an extremely intricate design. Because so many cuts are being created, and so much friction is involved, a lot of heat is generated. The 41334 has an automatic oiler, called the Dahle Evenflow, which will keep all necessary parts lubricated. This dramatically extends the life of the shredder and ensures proper shredder maintenance. I especially like this feature because few shredders offer auto oilers, requiring the shredder to be oiled manually.

The final feature that really sets the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 apart from the competition is the SmarPower energy management system. Paper shredders use electricity, and paper shredders that are inactive typically still draw electricity, often referred to as a vampire draw. The CleanTEC 41334 will put the shredder in standby mode after 10 minutes and will completely shut the shredder down after 20 minutes of inactivity. This saves energy and cuts down on electricity costs.

Overall this is a solid paper shredding machine. It is packed with features, touts precision German engineering and Dahle has a great reputation with our customers. You can find the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 high security shredder here and our entire selection of high security paper shredders here.

Please feel free to contact one of our experts at 1-800-658-8788 with any high security shredding questions.

Introducing the Formax FD 6150 Envelope Inserting Machine

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Formax FD 6150 Envelope Inserting MachineFolding mail by and, inserting it into envelopes and licking the envelopes shut is a long and tedious process. It creates paper cuts, folds are typically misaligned and the glue from the envelopes tastes pretty bad. One affordable way to eliminate the need for manual envelope folding and inserting is to use an automated machine like the Formax FD 6150 folder inserter.

Formax is one of the best-known manufacturers of envelope folding and inserting machines. They manufacture machines that can handle anywhere from one sheet up to six or more sheets of paper at a time. The process is impressive to watch and the technology is extremely reliable. The Formax FD 6150 replaces the popular FD 6100.

The Formax FD 6150 is the entry-level folding and inserting machine from Formax. While it is entry level, it is still packed with features and is extremely fast. It is best suited for small to medium-size businesses and can be used to fold and insert approximately 5,000 pieces per month. This is ideal for mailing invoices, checks, newsletters and more.

Formax FD 6150 Inserting Machine Control PanelThe folding and inserting process on this machine takes just seconds. The FD 6150 has 2 paper trays and one insert / BRE tray. Each of the paper trays holds 325 sheets of paper. These trays allow for a combination of different multi sheet folding and inserting configurations. The insert / BRE tray is designed for business reply envelopes or small slips of paper that need to be included in the letter.

The FD 6150 essentially pulls a sheet of paper from the trays, folds it, inserts it into an envelope and even seals the envelope shut. Once an envelope comes out the exit tray, it is ready to take a stamp and be mailed. A daily mail mode will even allow for inserting stapled or unstapled sets of paper (up to 5 sheets) for mailing purposes.

This envelope inserting machine can create a C fold (letter), a V fold (half) and a double parallel fold. It can also be set up with 9 different programmable jobs for easy setup. Simply select the job you need (which includes paper size, envelope type and fold style) and start the machine. The control panel itself is very easy to navigate and set up.

The Formax FD 6150 utilizes a clamshell design. By pressing a cover release lever, the entire top half of the machine opens up. This makes cleaning and maintenance extremely easy. In the rare event of a jam, paper is extremely easy to access and clear out.

You can find the Formax FD 6150 envelope inserting machine here and our entire selection of folding and inserting machines here. Please feel free to contact one of our folding machine experts at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions.

Introducing the Martin Yale Mark VII Paper Folding Machine

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Martin Yale Mark VII Paper Folding MachineMartin Yale has a rich history in being one of the oldest and most well-known manufacturers of paper folding machines. Popular classics include the 1501X (CV7), 1217A and the 959. A new machine from Martin Yale, which actually replaces the very popular Model 959, is the Mark VII paper folding machine. This is an overview of the new machine.

This machine is not your standard paper folding machine for folding onesies and twosies. This is a high-end paper folding machine designed for industrial or daily folding applications. It can easy keep up with most copy center and business folding needs. The motor runs at a whopping 35,000 sheets per minute. This is fast enough to quickly burn through the 350 sheet hopper capacity.

Because it is a bottom-feeding folding machine, it is very easy to load more paper into the hopper and keep the machine running. Unlike the older 1501x and 1217A, the Mark VII has a superior feeding system that does not require the paper to be pre-fanned. An adjustable speed control makes it easy to fine-tune this machine to handle a variety of paper sizes and thicknesses.

Speaking of size and thickness, the Mark VII can handle paper sizes ranging from 3 ½” x 4 ¼” up to 14″ x 20″. I have used a lot of folding machines over the past decade and I can tell you that this paper range is very impressive. This makes it easy to fold brochures, menus, letters, invoices and much more. It can also handle a wide range of paper thicknesses. It specifically can handle 16-lb. bond up to 80-lb. index.It can also be outfitted with perforating and scoring wheels for additional projects.

Most friction-feed folding machines will choke on coated paper. This is because the slick surface slides on the silicon and rubber rollers, resulting in a jam. The Mark VII is actually designed to be able to handle coated paper. It can also handle laser paper, copy paper and even thicker card stock. It is very versatile when it comes to paper handling.

The Mark VII is made out of heavy-duty metal components. Even the exit tray, paper guides and folding plates are made out of metal. The build quality is extremely good.

This folding machine can create all the folds that you need most. This includes the:

  • Letter Fold
  • Z-Fold
  • Double-Parallel Fold
  • Half Fold
  • Church Fold
  • Engineering Fold

These are the six most common folds used today. Because the folding plates are manually adjusted, it is easy to create custom variations of all these folds. The folds themselves are clearly marked on the folding plates, making folds easy to set and adjust. While this isn’t a programmable folding machine, it does include a digital paper counter, which is pretty nice.

Overall this is a solid paper folding machine and is perfect for industrial or commercial folding applications. It weighs just over 100 pounds, so it isn’t going to fit on all tables, but will work on most desks and countertops. It is a robust machine designed for continuous operation.

You can find the Martin Yale Mark VII folding machine here and our entire selection of paper folding machines here. This is a fairly new machine, so if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-658-8788. We are more than happy to help point you in the right direction.

Widmer N-3 Electronic Numbering Machine Review

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Widmer N-3 Electronic Numbering MachineDocument control is critical when it comes to filing away, tracking and logging invoices, purchase orders, tickets, contracts and other documents. One great way to keep tabs on documents is by using a numbering machine. While there are several great manual numbering machines out there, the Widmer N-3 electronic numbering machine (found here) will dramatically speed up numbering operations. This is my review.

Widmer is very well known for manufacturing some of the best numbering machines and date stamps out there. They all look very similar, one from another, and all feature high-end motors, stamping crash heads, electronics and more. Simply put, these American-made machines are designed to last for years.

The N-3 provides a high-quality stamp that is clear, elegant, accurate and very easy to use. Because the amount of pressure being applied is the same every time, numbering by the N-3 is far superior to manual numbering machines and other comparable electronic numbering machines.

This is a sample of some actual numbering stamps created by the N-3:

Widmer N-3 Electronic Numbering Machine Stamping Example

There is no special training required to use this machine. Inserting paper will activate a trigger for high-speed stamping. Because no button needs to be pushed, it is easy to grab documents with both hands and begin feeding them into the machine. An open throat design makes it easy to move documents from left to right, making alignment easy.

The micro trigger can be adjusted to set the depth of the stamp. This makes it easy to accommodate the N-3 to handle the stamping of letter size 8 ½” x 11″ documents or items as small as tickets. Stamping pressure can also be adjusted to accommodate use with carbonized forms and sensitive carbonless forms.

The base model N-3, unmodified, has a total of 6 stamping wheels that operate in consecutive succession. This means every time it stamps, the number advances by one. It can also be purchased with a duplicate, triplicate or quadruplicate action. Call 1-800-658-8788 to request a quote on one of these non-stock options. The N-3 can also be built with a repeat switch and guide platforms for special print locations.

You will find the Widmer N-3 in accounting departments, contract departments, warehouses and much more. We sell a lot of these and we never have issues with them. They are solid little machines and only measure in at 7 ¼” H x 4 ¾” W x 10″ D. At just 18 pounds, this electronic numbering machine can be used on just about any desk, countertop or surface.

The N3 is available in aversion called the ND-3 (found here), which not only numbers documents, but also includes a date stamp as well.

You can find the Widemer N-3 electronic numbering machine here and our entire selection of numbering machines here. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions.

Overview of the Banner Easy-Lam 27″ Roll Laminator

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Banner American Easy-Lam 27" Roll LaminatorIf you need to laminate posters, signs and banners that fall within a 27″ width, you probably need to use a thermal roll laminator like the Banner Easy-Lam 27″. This laminator has been around for well over a decade and has a good track record with customers. I have used this laminator several times myself and this is my review.

While the American-Made Banner Easy-Lam roll laminator has undergone a few aesthetic changes over the years, it still remains true to what the laminator was originally designed for, an affordable “budget” laminator for schools, copy shops and other businesses. This laminator has an effective laminating width of 27″, which is one of the most popular sizes used today.

Made in the USA, the overall build quality is exceptional. It features higher-than-normal quality electronic components, which includes the motor, switches and wiring. This becomes evident when removing the side protective shell. This laminator also features a durable metal frame as well as a metal shelf, metal mandrels and much more. This is far better than your typical “foreign-made” machines. It even comes with 2 free rolls of 25″ x 100’ 1.5mil film, which is a great deal.

The Banner Easy-Lam is very easy to set up. A toggle switch lets you adjust the laminator between 1.5 mil (0.0015″ gauge) and 3 mil (0.003″ gauge) film. It also features a built-in LED temperature readout that keeps the operator in the know. There really isn’t much “fine tuning” involved in getting this laminator up and running. It only takes about 15 minutes to get up to full operational temperature.

As mentioned earlier, the Easy-Lam is designed for use with 27″ wide film that has a 1″ diameter core. While it can be used with 27″ film, it can also use 25″, 12″ and other smaller width film. Loading the film, unlike many roll laminators is easy. Simply place a mandrel through the top roll, one through the bottom roll, and insert the mandrels back into the machine. The film can then be wound around the heat shoes and tension bars.

While thermal roll laminators can get blazingly hot, the Banner Easy-Lam is designed with safety in mind and even includes an attached safety shield, which keeps the hottest parts covered. While it does still get hot, it is far safer to use than many comparable machines.

The laminator itself measures in at 20″(50.8cm) L x 35″(88.9cm) W x 16″ (40.6cm) H and weighs 68 pounds unboxed. While it isn’t going to win any races, it still operates at a reasonably fast speed of 4.5 feet per minute. It can be plugged into a standard 120volt (60Hz) outlet and draws 1800 watts at its peak. A 200-volt version, however, is available for the same price.

This is a video demo of the Banner Easy-Lam 27″ roll laminator:

Get the Flash Player to see this content.

What can I say? The Banner Easy-Lam 27″ roll laminator (found here) is a solid machine and I personally recommend it for light to medium-volume use. A slightly upgraded version, known as the Banner Easy-Lam II 27″ (found here) is also available. It is great for schools, copy shops and any business that needs to laminate signs, banners, posters or even several small things at the same time like business cards, menus, letter-size paper and more.

You can find our entire selection of thermal roll laminators here. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions. Have a great day!

Intelli-Shred IS100 Cross Cut Paper Shredder Review

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Intelli-Shred IS100 Cross Cut Paper Shredder If you’re looking for a great deskside paper shredder for under $100, you may want to consider a great deal like the Intelli-Shred IS100 cross cut paper shredder by Intelli-Zone. This shredder is robust, compact, portable and is perfect for home or office use. I have used this paper shredder and this is my review.

When shopping around for a home or office deskside shredder, there are a few requirements that you should keep in mind. To begin with, it is a good idea to buy a cross cut shredder as the security is better than a strip cut shredder. I also recommend getting something that can handle the occasional staple or paper clip. It also isn’t a bad idea to get a shredder that can handle DVDs, CDs and credit cards.

The Intelli-Shred IS100 has all those bases covered. To begin with, it is a cross cut paper shredder, cutting paper into tiny 5/32″ x 2 1/8″ particles. This is far more secure than a 1/8″ or ¼” strip, which is normal for a strip cut shredder. The cross cut pattern makes shredded material difficult to reassemble. Most thieves won’t even bother sifting through cross cut documents.

Thanks to a 5-gallon bin, the IS100 is able to hold a lot of shredded particles of paper, decreasing the frequency of bag changes. Emptying the bag is easy. Simply remove the sliding bin drawer on the front of the machine. Emptying the bin is extremely easy and a clear window on the front of the bin makes it easy to see how full the shredder is.

With a 10 sheet shredding capacity, and an operational speed of 10 feet per minute, the IS100 can easily keep up with most individual paper shredding needs. While it is ideal for individual use, it is definitely not robust enough to be used as a centralized departmental paper shredder.

When using a shredder at home or in the office, it should be relatively quiet, right? The IS100 puts out 56 decibels of noise. While not silent by any means, it is quiet by paper shredder terms. This means it can be used in the office without causing too much of a distraction.

The Intelli-Shred IS100 is build with high quality materials, high-end electronics and is backed by an impressive one-year warranty. As of the writing of this review, it is priced at just $99. This is the perfect shredder either buy for your own home / office or as a gift for another person.

You can find the Intelli-Shred IS100 cross cut paper shredder here and our entire selection of paper shredders here. Please feel free to call us at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions.

Akiles WireMac-Combo Binding Machine Review

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Akiels WireMac-Combo Wire / Comb Binding MachineAre you having trouble settling on either comb or wire binding? Do you feel that you have reports, presentations or books that could benefit from both binding styles? If you are torn, or are having trouble making a decision, you should consider the Akiles WireMac-Combo. This book binding machine can be used to bind books using comb or wire. I have used this machine and this is my review.

Akiles is known for making some of the best binding machines out there. Having used over a dozen different models of Akiles machines myself, I can tell you that I personally like using them over GBC, Fellowes and many other brands. The build quality is simply some of the best I have ever seen in an office machine. The WireMac-Combo falls right in line with this tradition.

The WireMac-Combo is literally made from all-metal construction. Everything from the outer shell of the machine to the inner guts to the handles are made from metal. There are a few wood and plastic trim pieces, but I would say that at least 90% of the machine is made from metal. That really means something in a world where plastic seems to be replacing metal. Head to head, metal always wins over plastic.

The WireMac wire binding machine and the Akiles MegaBind are two great machines. The WireMac-Combo takes these two machines and smashes them into one unit. The end result is pure engineering genius. The WireMac-Combo has to separate and unique punching dies. One die punches paper in a 19-ring plastic comb hole pattern and the other punches paper using a 2:1 pitch or a 3:1 pitch hole pattern (depending on the version of the WireMac-Comb you go with).

Two separate punches mean you never have to worry about swapping out dies. Everything is right there in one machine. The WireMac-Combo also includes a manually operated wire close and a manually operated plastic comb opener / closer. While this may sound very complicated, and the picture of the machine may seem intimidating, it is actually pretty easy to use. Just remember, while there are 4 different handles on the machine, you will only ever use 2 of them when binding a book. Two of the handles are for wire and the other 2 are for comb.

The WireMac-Combo doesn’t just bind books using twin loop wire or plastic comb. It also includes a wide range of “luxury” features. This includes an adjustable margin depth (for the punches) and independent disengageable dies. This allows you to turn of individual punching pins, making custom book binding easy. This feature essentially cuts out the dreaded “half punched” hole. The base of the punching dies also feature a printed diagram showing you where the holes will be punched.

The WireMac-Combo also includes gauges, diagrams and tools that ensure proper binding. This includes a wire closing gauge that keeps the closer from under or over closing the wire.

This machine is excellent for use in an office or copy center. While a robust machine (20.5″ x 27″ x 20″), it will easily sit on most desks or tables. It is a little heavy, weighing in at 64 pounds, it can still be easily moved around by a couple of people.

Having used this machine, I would like to personally vouch for its quality and longevity. This machine is built to last and will easily hold up to daily use. Simply put, our customers love this machine.

You can find the Akiles WireMac-Combo wire and comb binding machine here and our entire selection of book binding machines here. Please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions.

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