So you need a comb binding machine, but don’t have a lot of money? Have you considered looking at the Fellowes Pulsar 300 (found here)? This comb binding machine is the latest in a line of comb binding machines made by the popular paper shredder manufacturer Fellowes. So is this machine any good and is it worth your hard-earned money?

To start with, the Fellowes Pulsar 300 is an entry-level comb binding machine tailored around the home office. It is designed for low-volume comb binding. I would put that at about 10-20 books a day maximum.

Fellowes does a great job of creating a nice-looking piece of office machinery. The Fellowes Pulsar 300 is no exception. It looks great and is almost like a trophy sitting on your desk. Does that mean it works as well as it looks? Let’s find out.

Fellowes calls this the Pulsar 300 because it is capable of punching and binding up to 300 sheets of standard paper, which is about 1 ½ inches of paper. This isn’t to bad for a machine this small and compact. Although Fellowes says it can punch 15 sheets of paper at a time, I would recommend scaling that back a few sheets.

One thing I really like about the Fellowes Pulsar 300 comb binding machine is the vertical punch. Most comb binding machines have a horizontal punch. With a vertical punch, gravity helps keep paper in place, which helps keep the holes properly lined up.

The Pulsar does not have the bells and whistles of an Akiles machine, but it isn’t bad. Just keep in mind that it is not meat for medium or high-volume binding. For a few more dollars you could go with an Akiles EcoBind-C (found here) that I would consider to be a slightly better machine.

You will find the Fellowes Pulsar 300 comb binding machine here. Here are a few alternatives to the Fellowes Pulsar 300 comb binding machine.

Alternatives to the Fellowes Pulsar:

• Akiles EcoBind-C Plastic Comb Binding Machine
• Akiles OffiBind Comb Binding Machine
• Sircle CB-110 Plastic Comb Binding Machine

You can find our entire selection of manual comb binding machines here. Do you own the Fellowes Pulsar 300? Let me know what you think about it.

So you work in a warehouse or a loading dock and need a good way to move a pallet. There are a few ways of doing this, including both manual and electric solutions. I am going to recommend a few machines from Interthor that you may want to consider for your daily pallet moving and lifting needs.

The machine you use to move and lift pallets will depend entirely on the volume you are moving, how high you need to move a pallet and your budget will determine the machine you use. Here are a few of the pallet lifting and moving products we offer:

Manual Pallet Trucks / Movers – These handy little machines are one of the most common found in a warehouse. You have probably even seen them used at your local grocery or department store. These pallet movers aren’t used for lifting pallets from one shelf to another, but rather for moving a pallet from one location to another. You can find our manual pallet trucks and movers here.

Electric Pallet Lifters and Transporters – These handy machines are similar to the manual pallet movers mentioned above, but can lift pallets a little higher and do this by use of an electric motor. They also have wheels, making it easy to move pallets around.  These are ideal for machine feeding /offloading and load unitizing / palletizing. You will find our Interthor electric pallet transporters here.

Trans Stackers and Load Stackers – These machines are used to lift and move pallets and products from one level to another. This includes both straddle and fork over designs. Most of these machines are designed to work on narrow isles. You will find our Interthor pallet trans stackers here.

Scissor-Style Pallet Lifters – These pallet lifters use a patented system for stability to lift and move pallets, with some capable of lifting up to 3,300 pounds. These are ideal for use with skids and open bottom pallets. You can find our Interthor “Thork-Lift” pallet lifters and transporters here.

We have a great staff of experts here that is very knowledgeable when it comes to moving, lifting and transporting pallets. Feel free to call 1-800-658-8788 to speak with one of them.

Thermal binding is one of the least known binding formats used today. This isn’t because it is bad, but because more common methods such as comb, wire and coil have taken precedence. Fellowes recently unveiled one of their newest thermal binding machines called the Helios 30 (found here). This new machine is both attractive and very affordable. Is it a machine you consider using?

The new Fellowes Helios 30 replaces their older TB 250 thermal binding machine. I personally find the new Helios 30 much more pleasing on the eyes. Fellowes has some very talented design engineers on staff as they continue to make some of the most attractive office machines used today.

To start with, the Fellowes Helios 30 uses a binding format called thermal binding. As the title would suggest, heat is involved. The Helios 30 uses special thermal binding covers that have glue in the spine. The glue is very similar to what is found in a hot glue gun.

Once plugged in, the Helios 30 warms up a heating element. This entire process takes about one to three minutes. While the machine is warming up, you can take your report or paperwork and place it in a thermal binding cover.

Once warmed up, the cover is placed in the machine. The machine then heats up the cover, melting the glue. As might be expected, the glue soaks into the spine of the paper. This process takes about a minute. After a minute, the cover can be removed where the glue later cools down. Once solidified, the booklet is bound.

Thermally bound reports and books look very nice. The Helios 30 can be used with a thermal binding cover up to an amazing 300 sheets of paper.

One thing I really like about the Helios 30 is the HeatShield technology built into the machine. This allows the Helios 30 to get blazing hot on the inside, for melting the glue, but remain cool on the outside. This is ideal for safety, not to mention you don’t want to be using a heat-radiating machine throughout the day.

While thermal binding is attractive, it generally isn’t used for long-term binding. On top of that, you need to be aware that the Fellowes Helios 30 must use special thermal binding covers. You cannot use any cover you want.

The Helios 30 is attractive and compact. It is very user friendly and features an easy-to-use control panel. Once done, the machine can be folded flat for easy storage.

You will find the Fellowes Helios 30 thermal binding machine here. The Helios thermal binding is available in a larger size called the Helios 60 found here. You will find our entire selection of thermal binding machines here.

I-bar shrink wrap machines are economical, compact and perfect for packaging products on a low to medium-volume level. There is a wide selection of I-bar (straight bar) systems to choose from, but the Traco I-Bar shrink wrap machines continue to be one of the most popular models offered. Here are a few reasons why:

First off, the total cost of packaging a product with this system costs just pennies. The Traco Sealer uses a heat knife to cut and seal shrink film around a product. Once sealed, an included heat gun can be used to shrink the film. The entire process takes just a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the operator.

Traco makes their I-bar shrink wrappers in various different sizes and lengths. They also offer their machines in a Standard (SS) and Deluxe (DS) version. The deluxe version includes a 50 foot starter roll of film and a parts kit. Other than that, the two systems are very similar. Both Traco I-bar shrink wrap systems can use both PVC and Polyolefin film.

The size of Traco system you use will depend entirely on what you are packaging. Be sure, however, to take into consideration what your future packaging needs may be. If there is a possibility that you may be shrink wrapping a larger product a year or two down the road, get the larger machine now. You can easily package smaller products with a larger machine.

Traco has built up a reputation for making some of the highest quality shrink wrap machines available today. The build quality of the Traco I-bar systems is great. You may need to change the wire, pad or tape with consistent use, but you should be able to keep your Traco I-bar shrink wrap system going for years.

The biggest con of these machines is that they is not more automated. You have to manually cut and shrink the film. This is to be expected with an I-bar sealer though, and for the price, you can’t complain too much.

What I really like about the Traco I-bar sealer is that it comes with everything you need to get started. The Deluxe model even includes a starter roll of film. You can view a video demo of the standard Traco I-bar shrink wrap machine here.

You can find the Traco Standard I-bar sealer here and the Traco Deluxe Super Sealer I-bar sealer here. You will find our entire selection of shrink wrap machines  here.

Many businesses, schools and organizations use ID cards on a daily basis. It is a safe and secure practice. These badges often include text, a photograph and other details. So what is the best way to display your ID card? One of the best ways to do this is by using an ID badge holder. So what kind of ID badge holder should you use?

There are several different types of ID badge holders available. The type of badge holder you use will depend on the size of card you are using. You will typically find badge holders made from vinyl or hard plastic. While most badge holders are clear, many are also available in colored designs. Badge holders also come in vertical and horizontal designs, depending on the way your ID is positioned.

Not only does a badge holder make it easier to present a badge, but they also help preserve and ID card by cutting down on damaging scratches.

Types of badge holders:

ID Badge Holders with Pins – Badge holders with pins are designed to be immediately pinned to a shirt, blouse, suite or other article of clothing. This style of ID badge holder is probably the least common used today, but is still commonly found at trade shows and conventions.

ID Badge Holders with Slots – ID badges with slots are designed to be used in conjunction with a lanyard or a badge strap clip. These are probably the most common types of ID badge holder used today. You can find our great selection of lanyards here and our badge strap clips here.

ID Badge Holders with Clips – Some vinyl ID badge holders are available with built-in alligator and metal clips. These types of ID badge holders aren’t as common as slotted badge holders. Clips, unlike pins, can be attached to almost anything.

Regardless of what kind of ID card you or your business are using, you can benefit from using an ID badge holder. You will find our entire selection of ID badge holders here.

Lost or delayed luggage now surpasses 14,000 bags a day. This statistic only applies to airline luggage. Luggage can also be lost on the train, in a taxi, on a bus and much more. It is very important to make sure your luggage is properly identified. One way of doing this is by using a luggage tag.

Luggage tags are available in a variety of formats. At ABC Office we even sell luggage tag size lamination pouches with pre-punched slots (found here). So how do you keep a luggage tag properly attached to a bag? This is typically done by use of luggage tag loops and straps.

At ABC Office, we offer three different types of luggage tag loops. These are beaded metal luggage tag loops, leather straps and vinyl plastic luggage tag loops. All three of these styles are attractive and hold up well.

Types of Luggage Tag Loops:

Plastic – These luggage tag loops are available in multiple colors and clear designs. Plastic loops blend in well with existing furniture without drawing too much attention.

Leather – Leather luggage tag loops and straps have a very regal and professional look to them. Leather luggage loops feature a buckle adjustment mechanism.

Metal – Metal luggage loops are some of the most common used today. These are beaded metal loops and look very similar to lamp and fan chains.

Whether you have colorful or leather luggage, you can benefit from using a luggage tag. You can find our entire selection of luggage tag loops here.

I had a few people today ask me what a double rub was. We have it listed on our site along with many of our fabric padded chairs, sofas and furniture. A double rub is a test done on furniture fabric to see how long it will hold up.

Essentially a machine with a roller goes back and forth on a fabric-covered chair (double rub) to determine how well the fabric will hold up. The more double rubs it can handle, without wearing out, the better the fabric.

The manufacturer OFM rates many of their chairs based on double rubs. OFM’s 300-SV fabric stackable chair is rated at 750,000 double rubs, which is a lot. This means the fabric on the 300-SV Comfort Class stackable chair has some high-quality fabric on it. Not all fabric will list the double-rub rating.

You can find our entire selection of padded office chairs here.

VeloBind machines have been around for some time, yet remain one of the least-known binding formats. I personally find VeloBound documents to be attractive, professional and extremely secure. In fact, I would argue that Velobind machines product one of the most long-lasting and secure binds available today.

VeloBinding machines are often used by lawyers offices, universities and other professions that require the ability to bind a lot of paper at once. The largest GBC VeloBind machine, the System III Pro, can bind up to three-inches of paper. I am not aware of another “element” binding machine capable of doing that.

Most VeloBind machines use an 11-hole binding element. The machine punches 11 holes after which a VeloBinding element (11-prong) is placed through those holes. The document is placed back on the machine where the excess prongs are cut off and heat is used to melt the prongs to the back binding strip. The end result is very secure.

There are three primary GBC VeloBind machines used today. These machines are:

• The GBC VeloBind V800 (aka the System I)
• The GBC VeloBind System II
• The GBC VeloBind System III

The VeloBind system III has a de-VeloBind feature built in.

GBC VeloBind systems can be a bit of an investment up front, but the VeloBind supplies (found here) are very affordable.

If you can’t afford a GBC manufactured machine, you’re in luck. Tamerica, another reputable binding machine manufacturer, makes the Tamerica V2000-Pro SecureBind binding machine.

This machine is comparable to the GBC V800, but with the ability to bind two-inches of paper. GBC brand VeloBind supplies will work fine with the Tamerica V2000-Pro. You can find the Tamerica V2000-Pro SecureBind here.

If you are in the market for a binding machine, you should definitely consider looking at a GBC VeloBind machine.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a machine out there that could not only fold your letters, but also place them in an envelope and seal them shut? That would probably save hundreds of hours and potentially thousands of dollars over a fairly short period of time.

Guess what? Machines like that do exist, and they are called envelope stuffers, sealers and folder inserters.

At ABC Office we carry a line of machines that do just that. Our line of folding and inserting machines are made by the reputable manufacturer Formax.  These machines typically have a feed tray where you can place a stack of paper. The envelope stuffing machine then takes a sheet of paper from that stack, folds it, puts it in an envelope and seals it shut. The entire process is automated, fast and easy.

Entry level machines have one feed tray, but middle and high end machines have multiple feed trays. Multiple trays allow envelope stuffers to fold and insert even more than one sheet of paper at a time. Many of these machines allow the insertion of return envelopes, inserts and more.

You can see a full multi-part video demo of the popular Formax FD 6202 envelope stuffing machine here.

Paper folder inserters can be used with a variety of envelope styles, including envelopes with windows. We do, however, like to have an envelope sample sent into us to test prior to selling a machine.

Would you like to have a hands-on demonstration of an automatic envelope stuffer? You can request a live video demonstration of one of these machines by filling out this form. This is a no-pressure demonstration where one of our specialists demonstrates the machine live, over the Internet, while answering your questions on the phone.

Best Sellers:

• Formax FD-6100 Envelope Stuffing Machine
• Formax FD-6202 Paper Folder Inserter

You can find our entire selection of automatic envelope stuffing machines here. Have a great day!

So you have a project or a job that requires a laminator. So which laminating machine should you use? Is one better than another? There are several different types of laminators out there. I will discuss the most popular models and which ones will work for your laminating job.

There are two main types of laminating machines available. These two styles are commonly referred to as pouch laminators and roll laminators. The finished product, from both laminators, is identical. The biggest difference between these two types of laminators is the way in which they laminate.

Between the two, pouch laminators are generally considered to be ideal for low to medium-volume laminating where roll laminators are considered to be ideal for medium to high-volume laminating. Pouch laminators are generally ideal for smaller items, where roll laminators are ideal for larger items.

Pouch Laminators

Pouch laminating machines use film called laminating pouches. These pouches open, allowing the operator to insert the document. This may be a photograph, a business card or a menu. Once inserted, the laminating pouch is placed in a carrier.

The laminating pouch carrier looks a lot like a manila folder. The carrier’s primary purpose is to assist the pouch in its journey through the laminator. It provides support, prevents jams, distributes heat and keeps the inside of the laminator free from hot glue.

Pouch laminators are more compact and portable than roll laminators. They are generally used on a table or other surface. Unlike a roll laminator, the rollers, heaters and other components are generally hidden under an exterior cover.

Pouch laminators are available as small as four inches wide. These smaller machines are more commonly used for laminating cards, business cards, photographs and other small documents. Most pouch laminators fall within the width range of 9-12 inches. You will find our entire selection of pouch laminating machine here.

Roll Laminators

Roll laminating machines use film called laminating rolls. A roll laminator uses a total of two rolls. One roll is located on top of the machine and the other below. No carrier is required for a roll laminator. Once heated up, the poster or sign can be placed on the feed tray where it is pulled into the roll laminator and laminated.

While roll laminators are generally considered ideal for laminating maps, posters, signs and other large documents, they are also ideal for high-volume laminating of many small items at once. Roll laminators generally take up more space than pouch laminators, weigh more and are generally more of an investment.

Roll laminators generally start off at about 25-inches wide, although smaller versions are available. Roll laminators can get as big as 60-plus inches wide. You will find our entire selection of roll laminating machines here.

A few recommended pouch laminators:

• Banner American PL12A 12″ Pouch Laminator
• Banner American PL100 Pouch Laminator
• Banner American Wonderlam PL135 13-1/2″ Pouch Laminator

A few recommended roll laminators:

• Banner American Easy Lam School Budget Roll Laminator
• Tahsin TCC2700 Roll Laminator
• Banner American EasyLam II 27″ Roll Laminator

Whether you are laminating a simple photograph, or need to laminate a large banner, laminating machines are handy machines to have around.