At ABC Office we are always looking for new ways to increase our product selection in an effort to give you more choices and better prices. We are happy to announce that today we are now able to offer you binding machines, paper shredders, laminators and paper folders from Intelli-Zone™.

Intelli-Zone™ offers these products under the Intelli-Bind™, Intelli-Lam™, Intelli-Shred™ and Intelli-Fold™ names. While these machines won’t be available to ship until September 2010, we are currently offering extremely low pre-order pricing. If you are able to lock in your order now, you will not only get a great price, but you will also be at the front of the line.

These are the new products offered by Intelli-Zone™:

• Intelli-Zone Comb Binding Machines
• Intelli-Zone Wire Binding Machines
• Intelli-Zone Coil Binding Machines
• Intelli-Zone Paper Shredders
• Intelli-Zone Pouch Laminators
• Intelli-Zone Folding Machines
  

We are excited about this new addition and expect the Intelli-Zone™ addition to be a big hit with our customers. Do you have questions about Intelli-Zone™ office equipment? Call us at 1-800-658-8788 or post your question in a comment.

Are you looking for a good all-round comb binding machine to use at home or in the office? If you need something that can comb bind booklets, reports and presentations, you may want to consider using the Tahsin 210PB comb binding machine. I have used this comb binder and this is my review.

To begin with, the Tahsin 210PB (from Tamerica) is a lot of value for the dollar. I will go into more detail, but many of the features found in the 210PB typically cost a lot more. One nice thing that you may have already noticed is the fact that the 210PB is made out of metal rather than plastic. This is always a good thing.

The punching dies on the 210PB are designed to bind books using a 19-ring hole pattern. While it is primarily designed to bind 8 ½ x 11-inch books, it can be used to bind smaller books as well. It can safely punch up to 12 sheets of paper at a time and can bind books up to two-inches thick.

Selectable punching pins (disengaging dies) make it possible to punch and bind smaller books without those annoying half-punched holes. Simply pull out lever that activates the pin to disengage it. Most entry-level comb binding machines don’t have this feature. The Tahsin 210PB does, which is pretty cool.

The binding punch and the comb opener / closer are activated by using the same handle. This is done for convenience. Pull down on the handle to punch paper and push up on the handle to open combs.

Another nice feature about the punching die is that it features an adjustable margin depth. This means you can select how far into the paper the holes are punched. This is especially nice when binding books of different thicknesses. You typically want to punch farther into the paper the thicker the book is. This helps cut down on pages accidentally ripping out.

In conclusion I have to say that I really like this binding machine. It works really well, feels well built and is really nice for the money. It is easily comparable to the old metal-build Ibico machines and beats just about anything from GBC in the same price range.

You can find the Tahsin 210PB comb binding machine here. You can find our entire selection of manual comb binding machines here.

I had someone ask me today if we sold any glue binding machines. The question initially stumped me, but after a few questions I figured out what she was looking for. We actually carry a few different binding machines that could be categorized as glue binding machines. It ends up she was looking for a thermal binding machine.

These are the three different “glue binding machine” categories that we offer here at ABC Office:

1. Thermal Binding Machines - Thermal binding machines use special covers that have thermally-activated glue in the spine. As the glue warms up, it sticks to the paper. It works in much the same way as a hot glue gun. Once the glue cools, it solidifies and keeps the paper bound.

2. Padding Presses – These machines are used to create notepads. They use a special type of glue to keep the pages together. Padding presses use a wet type of glue that dries with time (usually 10-15 minutes). The glue is very similar in consistency to Elmer’s glue. Once the glue is dried, the pad can be used to take notes. Padding presses are not typically used to bind books.

3. Perfect Binding Machines - These machines use thermally activated or cold glue (depending on the model) to bind paperback books, note pads and more. Paper is inserted into the perfect binding machine where it is then clamped into place. The paper moves along the machine where glue is rolled onto the spine. The last step of the perfect binding process involves adding a cover to the paper that is crimped to the spine. The end result is a paperback book.

Most people are thinking of thermal binding machines when they refer to glue binding machines. Hopefully this has helped answer some of your questions. You can find our entire selection of book binding machines here.

Still have questions about glue binding machines? Call us at 1-800-658-8788 or post a comment here.

Sometimes it is pretty difficult to settle on one single binding format. All “spine” binding formats look great and they all have their benefits. If you are looking for a multi-format binding machine (one that punches all binding formats), and you like the quality of Akiles binding machines, you should consider the Akiles FexiPunch-M binding machine. Here’s my review of the machine.

The FlexiPunch-M is very similar in design and concept to the Rhin-O-Tuff OD 4800. The FlexiPunch-M is basically a punch that can be used with separate Akiles supplemental binding modules such as a comb opener, a wire closer or a coil inserter. It is that simple.

You want to punch and bind for comb? Use the comb binding punch and a separate comb opener module. The dies are completely interchangeable. Just slide out the comb punch and insert the wire punch for wire punching.

You don’t have to use the FlexiPunch-M with a separate binding module. Many people like to use the FlexiPunch-M as a separate punch for high-volume binding. This allows one person to operate the FlexiPunch-M and another person to operate an all-in-one binding machine. Punching paper is typically the longest part of binding comb, wire and coil books.

Unlike the Rhin-O-Tuff OD 4800, the FlexiPunch-M has selectable punching dies, which is awesome for a modular binding machine. This allows you to disable punching pins. This is ideal when punching custom paper sizes. It also helps eliminate half-punched holes that show up on the edge of paper.

Overall the build quality on the FlexiPunch-M is top notch. It is made from quality metal components, which is commonplace with Akiles. It is compact enough to be used on almost any desk or surface.

These are the separate binding modules you can use with the FlexiPunch-M:

• Comb Opening Module – Akiles CBM650
• Wire Closing Module – Akiles WBM-532
• Coil Inserter Module – Akiles Finish-@-Coil M
• Coil Inserting Module – Akiles Finish-@-Coil E1

Ultimately the Akiles FlexiPunch-M is best suited for additional punching capacity and versatility in the binding format you use. You can find the FlexiPunch-M binding machine here. You will find our entire selection of modular binding machines here.

So your binding machine has suffered a catastrophic failure. This may be a the result of a bent pin, a stuck pin or a dull pin. All three of these scenarios result in an unusable binding machine. What can you do, if anything? Luckily, in most situations, your binding machine can live a second life with a few simple replacement parts. Here are a few solutions to your broken binding machine:

Stuck Pin / Die:

To start with, a stuck punching pin can usually be fixed without any parts being replaced. If your binding machine does have a stuck pin, don’t force it out by pushing up on the punching handle. This may bend the pin.

If the pin isn’t bent, it may freed by removing the housing and carefully freeing-up the pin. This type of maintenance isn’t for everyone and may require a chat with our Service Technician.

Bent or Dull Punching Pin / Die:

A bent punching pin, unfortunately, cannot be bent back into place. It usually requires the pin itself to be replaced. A dull punching pin cannot be filed and re-sharpened and must be replaced as well. Luckily, most binding machine manufacturers sell replacement pins.

GBC is one of the only binding machine manufacturers that I am aware of that doesn’t offer replacement punching dies for most their machines. Most GBC machines are made from a “throw-way” design. If it’s broken, you toss it. GBC does, however, offer replacement pins and parts for their VeloBind machines.

Most manufacturers such as Akiles, Tamerica, Renz and others make it easy to replace punching pins. Some replacement pins are available individually, while others are available in sets. Some punching pins must be purchased as complete unit. Do you just need an estimate or an idea on what’s involved with your machine? Call our Service Department (800-658-8788 x129).

Most of the tools and skills required to replace punching pins can be done by anyone. Our Service Department is more than happy to get you the replacement parts and provide phone support for changing them out. You also have the option of sending your machine into our Service Department for repair.

It is almost always cheaper to repair your binding machine than to replace it. Our Service Department is more than happy to help out. They are trained, skilled, courteous and professional. Our Service Department can be reached by calling 1-800-658-8788 x129 or by filling out this form.

If your binding machine cannot be repaired, or is in dire need of a replacement, your in luck. We have one of the widest selections of binding machines available online. You will find our entire selection of book binding machine here.

As with any piece of equipment, eventually it will need to be repaired or replaced. The same goes for binding machines. I have had several customers ask me if it is possible to sharpen a punching die after it becomes dull. Unfortunately there is no way to sharpen a binding machine punching die, but there is a way to help it last longer. Consider this preventative care.

I was talking with our Service Technician a few minutes ago and she informed me that there is a way to possibly keep binding punches sharper for a longer period of time. Now I can’t say for sure if this will work on all binding machines. She told me that many of our customers will punch a piece of wax paper once or twice a week.

Supposedly the wax will help keep the binding punches lubricated, cutting down on wear and tear. Our Service Technician told me that she has spoken with customers that swear by this and claim that this simple process has helped them keep their binding machines going five-plus years. This will supposedly also help cut down on stuck punching pins.

This is the first time I have heard of this, so I can’t say it will definitely work for you, but it seems to make sense. I hope this helps you out. You will find our entire selection of binding machine here. You can contact our Service Department by calling 1-800-658-8788 x129 or by filling out this form.

So you really want to bind a book, but just can’t seem to settle on a binding format. You like comb, wire and coil, but don’t want to limit yourself. Well, you’re in luck! The Tamerica VersaBind manual binding machine gives you the option to bind books in a wide variety of formats. I have used this machine and will post some of the pros and cons here.

I have used comb, wire and spiral binding machines and can completely understand why someone would be reluctant to settle on one single binding format. I really like all three of these popular binding methods and they all have their own unique benefits. The Tamerica VersaBind does a great job answering this problem.

The Tamerica VersaBind binding machine is designed to punch holes and bind books in comb, 2:1 pitch wire, 3:1 pitch wire and 4:1 pitch coil. Although not advertised, because the Tamerica VersaBind can punch a 19-ring hole pattern for comb, it can also be used to bind books using 19-ring Spiral-O wire. This means the Tamerica can bind books in five different and unique styles.

VersaBind Binds:

• 19-Ring Comb
• 19-Ring Wire
• 2:1 Pitch Wire
• 3:1 Pitch Wire
• 4:1 Pitch Coil

It includes a comb opener and closer for binding combs and a wire closer for wires. Coils must be manually fed through the punched holes. While the VersaBind isn’t designed for high-volume binding, it is perfect for low to medium-volume binding.

Unlike other multi-format binding machines, the Tamerica VersaBind includes all the punching dies needed to bind comb, wire and coil. Most other multi-format machines require you to buy the additional punching dies separately. This is a huge DEAL.

These aren’t cheap punching dies either. The coil, comb and wire punching dies all include selectable dies, allowing you to decide exactly which hole punches and which doesn’t. The punching pins seem to be very sturdy and shouldn’t dull easily.

The handles have been placed in an ergonomic way, making it easy to punch paper, open combs and close wire.

One thing I would really like to see on the Tamerica VersaBind is a coil inserter. Akiles has managed to include compact coil inserters and I would love to see one on this machine.

You will also want to scale back the punching capacity on this machine. Although it claims to be able to punch 20 sheets at a time, I would probably scale that back to about 15 sheets. The machine seemed to strain a little at 20 sheets. This is pretty common with binding machine manufacturers. They always give you the absolute maximum amount of sheets it can bind, even though that amount shouldn’t be done on a regular basis.

In conclusion, I really like using this binding machine. I think the versatility of multiple binding formats is huge and for everything you get, the VersaBind may be one of the best deals you’ll ever see in a multi-format binding machine. You will find the Tamerica VersaBind manual binding machine here. You can find our entire selection of binding machines here.

So you’re looking for a good quality comb-binding machine and have come across the Fellowes Galaxy comb-binding machine. So now you’re wondering if it is any good. I will review some of the pros and cons of the Fellowes Galaxy. Fellowes makes the Galaxy in a manual version and an electric version. You will find the manual Fellowes Galaxy here and the electric Fellowes Galaxy here.

Fellowes has been making paper shredders for years now, but it has only been in the last few years that they started making binding machines. I have to say that their engineers seem to know what they are doing. The Fellowes Galaxy seems to be a pretty solid machine.

Both the manual and the electric versions of the Fellowes Galaxy claim to punch 25 sheets of paper at a time, which is a LOT of paper for a binding machine. I would personally recommend scaling that number back about 15-20%. This is just a good practice to keep in mind as most manufacturers give you the absolute maximum amount of sheets you can punch prior to breaking the machine.

Both the manual and the electric versions of the Galaxy are of a similar build quality. The internal components are made from metal and it features a stylish plastic shell. It includes a drawer where combs can be placed and an easy-to-use comb selector tool that helps you determine the correct size comb you need to use for the document you are binding.

One of my favorite features of the Fellowes Galaxy comb binding machines is the vertical load function. Because the paper loads vertically, it keeps the edge of the paper flush and makes it easier to keep the holes aligned, which can sometimes be an issue with hole-punch binding machines.

The biggest con, in my opinion, is the lack of selectable punching dies. I personally like to be able to disable punching dies. This helps eliminate annoying half-punched holes and is ideal for punching non-standard sizes of paper.

Overall I really like the Fellowes Galaxy comb binding machine. It gets the job done quickly. The biggest benefit of the electric over the manual Galaxy is the easy of using an electric motor. Other than that, there is no significant difference between the two versions of the galaxy.

I would not, however, put the Fellowes Galaxy in the same league as Akiles. Akiles still has a better build quality.

Here are some good alternatives to the Fellowes Galaxy:

Manual Alternatives

• Akiles MegaBind I Comb Binder
• Akiles AlphaBind-CM Comb Binding Machine
• Akiles EcoBind-C Comb Binder
• Sircle CW-350 Comb Binding Machine

Electric Alternatives

• Akiles AlphaBind-CE Electric Comb Binder
• Sircle CB-240e Electric Comb Binding Machine
• Tahsin TCC 210EPB Comb Binder (Electric)

You will find our entire selection of comb binding machines here. Have you used the Fellowes Galaxy? Post your comments here!

Are you looking for some tips on how to use a binding machine? Perhaps you are in the market for a comb binding machine, or perhaps you just received your wire-binding machine but don’t know exactly how to use it. No worries! We have compiled a list of our most popular binding guides.

You will find our entire selection of binding guides here:

• Book Binding Guide
• How To Comb Bind
• How To Wire Bind
• How To Coil / Spiral Bind
• How To GBC VeloBind
• How To Use A Padding Press

These guides include step-by-step guides on how to bind, including vide demonstrations on how to use a binding machine.

A few days ago a customer asked me which binding style was the best. I asked him exactly what he meant by “best.” The customer then went on to explain that he worked in construction and had to bind plans and documents to take to the work site.

He told me that the bound documents would probably be tossed around, stepped on and abused. He then said, “I need something that will hold up through all this without falling apart.”

I then went on to explain to him the advantages and disadvantages of the different binding formats when being used in a construction environment. Here is a summary of what I told him:

Most Durable Binding Formats:

1. Coil Binding – Coil binding (aka Spiral Binding) wins this contest hands down. Coils can literally be run over by a car and still maintain the bind. The pages turn a full 360 degrees and are perfect for a construction work site.
2. Comb Binding – Comb binding is very durable, and affordable. Because the spines are made from plastic, they hold up pretty well. The bind, however, will show signs of wear faster that a coil-bound document.
3. VeloBinding – VeloBinding is extremely durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The downside, with regards to the customer’s question, is that VeloBound pages cannot turn a full 360 degrees, making this binding format less user friendly for a construction site.
4. Wire Binding – Wire binding is probably the least durable of the common binding formats. Wire binding spines can be bent and do not hold their form well when exposed to rigorous environments.

Have a question about durable binding styles? Post your question here!