The Tamerica ECO-21 Comb Binding Machine uses plastic comb bindings to create easy-to-edit books that are up to 2″ thick (approximately 425 sheets based on regular 20 lb. paper). Below is an overview of the Tamerica ECO-21, including the benefits and limitations of this specific model.
Punching
The ECO-21 comb binder has a manual punch that is capable of punching up to 15 pages per pull (based on regular 20 lb. paper). The punching length is 12″, which enables it to punch a total of 21 holes. Since it has 21 fully-disengageable pins, you can punch any sheet size up to 12″ in a single pass, as well as specialty papers (such as three-hole punched paper). Simply punch a test sheet of the appropriate size/style and disengage the dies that correspond to any partially-punched holes. The ECO-21 also has an open throat that allows the machine to accommodate sheets longer than 12″ in a multi-punch process.
The ECO-21 has a built-in adjustable side margin that allows you to quickly and easily position your pages within the punch in order to achieve consistent punching results throughout each project. This model also has an adjustable depth margin, which gives you the ability to set the amount of space between the binding edge and the holes (a feature that is especially useful when working with thick books).
Binding
The Tamerica ECO-21 comb binder has an easy-to-use manual comb opener located at the top of the machine. The comb opener has a set of tines that extend upward from the machine, which act as a brace for the comb spine. To open a binding comb, place the loops of the comb between the tines so that the solid strip of the spine is pressed against the tines and faces the back of the machine. As you pull the comb opener handle, small prongs grab onto each of the loops of the comb and pull them into an open position. Once the comb has been opened, you can insert the punched sheets of your document onto the comb. To complete the bind, simply return the comb opener handle to the upright position and pull your finished book upward.
Comb-bound books are easy to edit – pages can be inserted, removed, or replaced without the need for any additional tools or supplies. To edit a book after binding, place the entire book onto the comb opener with the spine resting against the tines and the loops placed between them, in the same position used during binding. Begin pulling the comb opener handle until the pages can be easily accessed for editing. Once you have finished making your edits, return the comb opener handle to the upright position and remove your updated book.
The ECO-21 comb binding machine is capable of binding books up to 2″ in thickness (approximately 425 pages based on 20 lb. paper), which makes it an excellent choice for large documents such as training manuals, price books, and manuscripts.
In Review
With its durable metal construction and fully-disengageable pins, the Tamerica ECO-21 comb binder is well-suited for medium-volume use in a home, school, or office setting. While it is not a professional-grade binding machine, it does have a number of advanced features that place it in a class above other comparably-priced comb binders. The ECO-21’s versatile features do not come at the cost of usability, however, as its user-friendly design ensures simple, worry-free operation (even for those who are new to binding). If ease-of-use, versatility, and affordability are key factors in your selection of a new binding machine, then be sure to take a closer look at the ECO-21 comb binder from Tamerica.