How Do I Bind Books with the Fellowes Star+ 150 Comb Binding Machine?

Ideal for home and small office use, the Fellowes Star+ 150 comb binding machine features user-friendly controls that make professional binding results easy to achieve. In addition to having streamlined operation, the Star+ 150 comb binder has a small desktop footprint, with a unique folding design that makes for convenient transportation and storage.

Below are step-by-step instructions for binding books with the Fellowes Star Plus 150 comb binder:

  1. Place the machine onto a flat and stable surface, ensuring that the waste tray is empty and properly inserted.
  2. Open the cover of the machine and verify that the comb opener lever (located on the left side of the machine) is pushed back.
  3. Lift the punch handle upward to extend it into its operating position.
  4. If necessary, use the comb guage located on the storage tray to select a plastic binding comb of the correct diameter.
  5. Place a plastic binding comb onto the comb opener, positioning it so that the solid side is behind the metal tines and the open side of the comb is facing up.
  6. Pull the comb opener lever forward to open the comb to the desired position. The binding comb should be opened enough to allow the punched pages of your document to be easily inserted, while leaving enough of the prongs extended to hold the sheets.
  7. Set the adjustable edge guide based on the size of the sheets that are being punched. The edge helps to ensure that your document is centered within the punch and provides consistent hole placement throughout each of your documents. 
  8. Punch your document, beginning with the front and back covers. Insert the pages to be punched into the punching throat, positioning them flush against the edge guide and the bottom of the throat. Using even pressure, pull the punch handle forward until the dies punch through the sheets. Return the handle to its upright position to retract the dies and complete the punch. Note: It is highly recommended that you punch a few scrap sheets before punching your document to verify proper positioning of the edge guide.
  9. Continue punching until all of the pages of your document have been punched, working in sets of up to 12 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) to avoid overloading the machine. Note: When punching cover stock, clear PVC binding covers, or thick paper, you will need to adjust the number of sheets per punch in order to prevent damage to the machine. As a general guideline, you will only be able to punch 2 – 3 covers per pull.
  10. Place the punched sheets onto the open 19-ring binding comb, arranging them so that the front cover is first and faces down. If you are binding a large book, you may find that it is easier to break the pages down into sets instead of trying to insert them onto the comb all at once.
  11. After all of the pages have been placed onto the comb, push the comb opener lever back to close the comb and secure the pages within it.
  12. Life the document straight up to remove it from the comb opener.

How Do I Bind Books with the CombBind C800pro Comb Binding Machine?

The Swingline GBC CombBind C800pro comb binding machine is a heavy-duty electric comb binder that is designed for high-volume use in a professional environment. It has a high-capacity punch that is capable of punching up to 25 sheets at a time, and also features an adjustable comb opener that makes the binding process even faster and more efficient. With fully-disengageable dies and an adjustable punching depth margin, the CombBind C800pro comb binding machine can accommodate a wide range of sheet sizes and document thicknesses.

Below are step-by-step instructions for binding books using the Swingline GBC CombBind C800pro comb binder:

  1. If this is the first time that the machine is being used, it will need to be assembled prior to binding. Attach the handle to the left side of the machine, pushing it in firmly to secure.
  2. Turn on the machine using the power switch located on the right side. The motor takes approximately 30 seconds to reach full speed.
  3. Set the depth margin for the punch by using the black dial on the right side of the machine (located above the power switch). The CombBind C800pro has four available depth margins – from 1/16″ to 3/16″ – to accommodate a wide range of document sizes. As a general guideline, thicker books require a wider margin than thinner books do, as it allows for easier page turning and creates a more secure bind.
  4. Position the side guide to match the page size of the document that is being punched.
  5. Disengage dies as desired to prevent partial holes from being punched along the edges of the sheet. To disengage a die, pull the silver lever that corresponds to the die straight out until it stops. If a die needs to be re-engaged, push the corresponding lever into the machine so that it aligns with the rest of the levers. To punch the standard 19-hole pattern on 11″ paper, disengage the first and last dies.
  6. Place up to 25 sheets of paper (based on 20 lb. stock) into the punch, positioning it so that it is flush with the side guide and the back of the punching throat. Note: If you are punching thicker paper or cover stock, you will need to reduce the number of pages per punch in order to avoid jamming the machine.
  7. Step on the foot pedal to engage the motor and punch through your document.
  8. Continue punching your document, working in sets of up to 25 sheets until all pages have been punched.
  9. Use the black knob located on the left side of the machine to set the comb opener to match the size of the plastic binding comb that is being used. Begin by turning it clockwise, then pull the comb opener handle until it reaches the desired position. Turn the knob counterclockwise to set the comb opener. This will allow you to open combs to the right size every time, improving efficiency when binding groups of the same document.
  10. Place a plastic binding comb into the comb opener, positioning it so that the tines of the comb are between the metal prongs and the open side of the comb is facing up.
  11. Pull the handle forward to open the comb, then place the pages of your book onto the open tines so that the front cover is facing you. If you are binding a large book, you may find it easier to feed the pages onto the comb in smaller sets instead of placing them all on at once.
  12. Once all of the pages are on the comb, lay them flat onto the top of machine and return the comb opener handle to the starting position to close the comb and finish the bind.
  13. Lift the book straight up from the comb opener.

How Do I Bind Books with the TB-W20A 3:1 Pitch Wire Binding Machine?

The TruBind TB-W20A Wire Binding Machine is an desktop wire binder that features disengageable dies and a built-in wire closer to create a full-function binding system at an affordable price. The TB-W20A binds books up to 9/16″ thick (approximately 120 pages based on 20 lb. paper), using standard 3:1 pitch binding wires.

Below is a step-by-step guide to binding books with the TB-W20A 3:1 pitch wire binding machine:

  1. Set the depth margin to accommodate the total thickness of your document. The TB-W20A has three depth margin settings – 2.5mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm – which can be adjusted using the sliding bar located on the left side of the machine. Generally, thicker books should be punched using a greater depth margin to make them more durable and secure.
  2. Adjust the side guide to correspond to the size of your paper. The side guide can be moved by loosening the thumb knob, sliding the guide into place, and re-tightening the knob to prevent the guide from moving.
  3. Place up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punch, aligning the pages to the back of the punching throat and the side guide to ensure consistent hole placement.
  4. Disengage dies as necessary to eliminate partially-punched holes along the ends of your document. A die can be disengaged individually by pulling the corresponding silver lever out until it stops. If you need to activate a die that you had previously disengaged, simply push the lever back into the machine until it stops.
  5. Pull the punching handle forward to punch the pages, then return it to its original position. Note: Ensure that the wire closer knob on the right side of the machine is set to “0” before punching the sheets.
  6. Continue punching your document in sets of up to 20 pages until all sheets have been punched.
  7. Set the appropriate 3:1 pitch binding wire onto the wire holder located on the back of the machine and place punched pages onto it. Note: In order to hide the seam of the wire within the book, place the back cover onto the wire first, then insert the front cover followed by the rest of the book. This will allow you to flip the back cover to the rear of the book after binding and conceal the seam.
  8. Adjust the wire closer knob on the right side of the machine to match the size of the wire that is being used.
  9. Lift the book and the wire off of the wire hanger, then place it into the wire closer with the open side facing down. Using uniform pressure, pull the handle forward to close the wire.
  10. Remove the book from the wire closer and turn the back cover to the rear of the book.

How Do I Bind Books with the TB-S12 Coil Binding Machine?

The TruBind TB-S12 Coil Binding Machine is a compact 4:1 pitch coil binder that makes quick work of creating professional-quality coil-bound books. With its built-in electric coil inserter, the TB-S12 allows you to electrically insert coils up to 7/8″ in diameter and binds books up to 2″ thick (with manual coil insertion). This model is compatible with all standard 4:1 pitch binding coils, including GBC Color Coils, Fellowes binding coils, and many more.

Below are step-by-step instructions for binding books with the TruBind TB-S12 coil binder:

  1. Plug the power cord into an outlet and the rear of the machine.
  2. Adjust the depth margin based on the total thickness of your document. As a general guideline, thicker books should have a greater punching depth than thinner ones to help make the finished books more durable. To adjust the depth margin, slide the bar located on the left side of the machine. This model has three depth settings – 2.5mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm.
  3. Position the side guide to match the paper size of your document. The side guide can be adjusted by loosening the thumb knob, sliding the guide as necessary, and tightening the knob to secure it in place. This will help to ensure that all of your pages are punched consistently and that the holes are centered on the page.
  4. Insert up to 12 sheets of paper (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching throat, aligning them against the rear of the punch and the side guide. Note: If you are punching thicker paper or binding covers, you will need to reduce the number of pages to prevent the punch from jamming.
  5. Pull the handle forward to punch the pages, then return it to its starting position to lift the dies and complete the punching cycle.
  6. Continue punching your document in sets of up to 12 sheets until all of the pages have been punched.
  7. Turn the electric coil inserter on by pressing the power button located on the top of the machine (to the left of the inserter). Insert a plastic binding coil into the first 4-5 holes of your document by hand, then lightly press the coil against the roller as it spins. The coil should be positioned toward the right of the roller and the punched holes should be to the left side. When the coil has advanced through all of the holes, pull the book away from the rollers and turn the electric inserter off.
  8. Use a pair of manual coil cutting and crimping pliers to trim off the excess from the ends of the book and create crimped tips that will keep the pages in place.

How Do I Remove a Die Set from the GBC Magnapunch 2.0?

The GBC Magnapunch 2.0 modular binding punch makes punching documents easy and efficient, offering intuitive and dynamic operation using a push-button LCD interface. This model is compatible with a total of 13 interchangeable dies (including both standard and specialty punch patterns), making it a versatile addition to large offices, copy shops, and in-house binderies. Between the high-capacity die sets and the streamlined operation, the Magnapunch 2.0 can punch up to 49,000 sheets per hour.

Below are step-by-step instructions for removing a die from the Magnapunch 2.0:

  1. Place hand into the handle located on the right side of the die and grasp securely. Give the die a firm tug to disengage the Automatic Locking Mechanism.
  2. Once the Automatic Locking Mechanism has been released, the die can be pulled out of the machine using the handle.
  3. Store the die set in an area that is free from dust and debris until it is ready for use again.

How Does the GBC Magnapunch 2.0 Binding Punch Work?

The GBC Magnapunch 2.0 modular binding punch is a heavy-duty machine designed for high-volume output. In addition to being powerful, the Magnapunch 2.0 is also highly-advanced, with a user-friendly LCD screen that provides helpful feedback to enhance productivity, such as error messages and operating instructions. The machine also senses the placement of the paper as it is inserted, to prevent misalignment during punching. For added versatility, this model has a total of 13 interchangeable die options to suit a wide range of binding styles.

How Do I Install a Die Set on the GBC Magnapunch 2.0?

The GBC Magnapunch 2.0 is a heavy-duty modular binding punch that offers the utmost in precision with a unique LCD interface that gives users complete control over the binding process. The intuitive display provides instantaneous feedback, including error alerts and instructions, to help improve productivity and reduce operator mistakes. While the machine is advanced in its design and function, it is not difficult to use – providing consistent, professional results on a variety of projects with minimal setup. With its high-capacity, interchangeable dies, the Magnapunch 2.0 binding punch can electrically punch up to 49,000 sheets per hour.

Below is a step-by-step guide to installing a die set on the GBC Magnapunch 2.0 modular binder:

  1. Lift the desired die set up to the Die Set Slot (located on the right side of the machine), placing your fingers into the die set’s handle to keep them clear of potential hazards.
  2. Align the leading edges of the Die Set Support Rails (located along the bottom side of the die) with the leading edges of the Guide Rails on the Die Set Slots.
  3. Push the die into the Die Set Slot, ensuring that all of the punch pins are properly seated before inserting it into the machine.
  4. When the die is fully inserted into the machine, you will hear a “click.” This indicates that the Automatic Locking Mechanism has been engaged. The Automatic Locking Mechanism keeps the die securely in place while the machine is in use. Note: If the die is not correctly inserted into the machine and the locking mechanism is not engaged, then the machine will not operate.

How Do I Bind Books with the TB-S20A Coil Binding Machine?

The TruBind TB-S20A Coil Binding Machine is a budget-friendly coil binder that features an electric coil inserter for fast and efficient book binding. This desktop model has a durable metal housing and a powerful 20-page punching mechanism (based on 20 lb. paper), which makes it a good fit for offices and other medium-volume users. The TB-S20A has fully-disengageable dies so that it can accommodate a wide range of document sizes (up to 11.81″ long) and specialty paper types (such as three-hole punched sheets).

Below are step-by-step instructions for binding books with the TB-S20A coil binder:

  1. Begin by plugging the power cord into the wall and the rear of the machine.
  2. Set the depth margin for the punch using the sliding bar on the left side of the machine. As a general guideline, thicker books require a greater depth margin than thinner books, because it helps to prevent the pages from perforating under the weight of the book. The depth margin of the TB-S20A can be adjusted to three positions – 2.5mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm.
  3. Position the side guide to match the the dimensions of the paper that is being bound. To adjust the side guide, loosen the black thumb knob, slide the guide to the desired position, and tighten the knob to secure the guide in place. This will ensure that all of the pages of your book are evenly aligned on the top and bottom edges when bound.
  4. Insert a stack of approximately 20 pages (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching throat, tapping them against a flat surface prior to insertion to align the pages. Push the stack against the side guide and the back of the punching throat.
  5. Disengage punching pins as necessary to prevent any partially-punched holes. Each die can be independently disengaged by pulling the corresponding silver lever out from the machine until it stops. When you need to activate a die that you have previously disengaged, simply push the corresponding lever back into the machine.
  6. Pull the handle forward to punch through the pages, then return it to its upright position.
  7. Continue punching in sets of approximately 20 pages until all sheets of your book have been punched.
  8. Turn the electric coil inserter on by pressing the power button located to the right of the roller.
  9. Manually insert a plastic binding coil into 4-5 holes of the document. Position the book so that the coil is to the right of the inserter and the holes of the document are to the left. Push the coil lightly against the spinning roller to begin advancing it through the pages.
  10. When the coil is fully inserted into the book, use a coil crimping tool to cut away the excess coil from the ends of the book and crimp them to prevent the spine from unwinding.

How Do I Bind Books with the Coverbind 101 DFS Binding Machine?

The Coverbind 101 DFS binding machine is a semi-automatic thermal binder that creates professional-looking books in a matter of seconds – without the need for any manual input from the operator. Instead of requiring manual gluing or punching, the Coverbind 101 DFS uses adhesive-lined thermal binding covers for a neat and efficient binding experience that is well-suited for office environments. This productive binding machine can bind up to 30 books per minute and has a maximum capacity of 1/2″ per book (approximately 120 sheets).

Below is a step-by-step guide to binding books with the Coverbind 101 DFS binding machine:

  1. Place the inner pages of your book into the automatic cover size selector located on the top left of the machine. The selector will measure the thickness of your book and display the recommended spine width on the screen.
  2. Insert your pages into a thermal binding cover of the indicated size, tapping it against the table to jog the pages and align them with the spine.
  3. Once the green indicator light turns on, the machine is ready to bind. Insert the books into the binding channel with the spine side down. The machine will automatically begin the binding cycle and drop the books into the cooling rack as they are completed.
  4. After the books have been allowed to cool for at least two minutes, they can be removed from the cooling rack and used.

How Do I Bind Books with the Coverbind 5000 Binding Machine?

Designed for office use, the Coverbind 5000 thermal binding machine quickly creates durable books up to 500 pages in length (based on 20 lb. paper), without time-consuming punching or messy gluing. Using its 2.5″ binding channel, you can bind up to 15 books per binding cycle – making the Coverbind 5000 ideal for office use.

Below is are step-by-step instructions for binding with the Coverbind 5000:

  1. Use the built-in cover size selector located on the back of the machine (next to the cooling rack) to determine the appropriate spine size.
  2. Select the desired thermal binding cover and place the pages of the document inside. Tap the spine of the book onto a table to jog the sheets and align the edges of the pages with the edges of the cover.
  3. Set the book into the binding channel with the spine side down. The binding channel can accommodate up to 15 books at a time, depending upon the thickness of each book.
  4. Once all of the books have been placed into the binding channel, slide the clamp on the front of the machine toward the books until it stops.  This will automatically start the binding cycle.
  5. When the machine signals the end of the binding cycle, remove each of the books and tap the spine side against the table to help ensure that the pages make sufficent contact with the glue before it cools.
  6. Place each book into the cooling rack (spine side down) for a minimum of two minutes to allow the glue to harden. Once the spine is cool, the book is finished and ready to use.