Tamerica ECO-21 Comb Binding Machine Review

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.

How Do I Bind with the MRB-300 3:1 Wire Binding Machine?

Wire binding uses durable wire binding spines to create strong, tamper-resistant, and professional-looking bound documents. The MRB-300 3:1 wire binder is one of the most economical wire binding machines on the market, offering manual punching and closing capabilities for less than $100. Below is a video that shows the MRB-300 wire binding machine in action, and provides an overview of the wire binding process.

Five Helpful Tips for Binding With Your Fastback 9 Binding Machine

The Fastback Model 9 thermal binding machine from Powis Parker is a compact binder that is small enough to fit on your desk, yet powerful enough to bind documents in as little as 35 seconds using patented LX strips. Below are five helpful tips for binding with your Fastback 9 binding machine:

Powis Parker Fastback 9 Binding Machine
  • Before binding, jog your document by tapping the pages against a flat surface several times to ensure that they are even. The edge of the LX strip should align with the edge of your document when it is placed into the binding recess.
  • For best results, the grain of the paper should run parallel to the binding edge of the document. Note: If the grain runs parallel to the long side of the sheet, the paper is “grain long.” When the grain runs parallel to the short side of the paper, it is “grain short.” To determine the grain of a specific paper type, lightly hold a sheet between your fingertips along the short edges and allow it to bow. Then, hold the sheet along the long edges and allow it to bow. If it flexes more easily along the long edge (while being held along the sort edges), then your paper is grain long. Most copy paper is long grain, but it is highly recommended the you test your paper before doing any large production runs.
  • Coated papers, and papers with heavy ink or toner coverage may experience problems during binding. If you have documents with heavy ink or toner coverage, always do a test bind first to ensure that your documents will bind properly.
  • After the binding cycle, be sure to place your document entirely upright, with the bound side down, against one of the two rear book support fences for at least five minutes. If your document is not allowed to cool properly, the spine may become crooked. The strength of the adhesive increases over time, with the maximum adhesion strength occuring 24 hours after binding. Note: When placing multiple documents in the front cooling compartment, do not allow it to become overloaded. The front document should not hang off of the metal step.
  • Minor glue build-up on the heaters is part of normal use. To clean the heaters, begin by turning off the machine and unplugging it. Allow the heaters to cool, and then wipe off any glue using a dry, lint-free cloth. Cleaning solution is not necessary.

How Do I Bind with the Akiles WireMac Duo Wire Binding Machine?

While wire binding is a great way to bind important documents, most wire binding machines only offer one of the two wire binding punch patterns, which limits users to creating documents within a specific size range. The Akiles WireMac Duo eliminates that problem by offering users the capability of punching both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch hole patterns. Below are step-by-step instructions for binding a document with the WireMac Duo wire binding machine:

  1. Begin by inserting your document into the Paper Scale located on the front of the machine. The Paper Scale will indicate the proper punch pitch (either 2:1 or 3:1), the correct depth margin, the optimum wire binding spine size, and the wire closure setting based on the size of your document.
  2. Adjust the Depth Control so that the indicator is within the colored band that matches the margin specificed by the Paper Scale.
  3. Set the Wire Closer Control to the wire closure size as indicated by the Paper Scale.
  4. Set aside a wire of the correct diameter for your document size. Note: Some manufacturers offer select wire diameters in both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch. Take note of the pitch pattern of the wire that you are using before you punch, as the pitch of the spine needs to match the pitch of the punch in order for the document to be bound.
  5. Adjust the Side Margin Control to match the size of your document. Note: The WireMac Duo has separate side margin settings for 11″ sheets (letter size) and their 11-1/4″ round corner covers.
  6. Pull out disengagement pins as necessary to eliminate partially-punched holes or accommodate specialty paper (such as three-hole punched sheets). The pins located toward the rear of the machine correspond to the 2:1 pitch punch pattern, and the pins at the front of the machine correspond to the 3:1 pitch punch pattern.
  7. Insert up to 20 sheets of 20 lb. paper into the punching throat of the pitch that corresponds to your document size. Note: While the machine can punch up to 20 sheets per lift, limiting your sets to 12-15 sheets will reduce operator fatigue.
  8. Pull the handle forward to punch your document. The rear-most handle operates the 2:1 pitch punching dies, while the handle located toward the front of the machine operates the 3:1 pitch punching dies.
  9. Continue punching your document in sets of 20 pages or less until all sheets have been punched. Note: It is recommended that you punch the inner sheets and covers separately.
  10. The WireMac Duo is capable of punching documents longer than 14″ through a multi-step punching process. To punch over-sized sheets, begin by aligning the pages as indicated on the Punch Throat Ruler. Pull the handle forward to punch the left side of the sheets. Remove the document from the punching throat, flip the sheets over, and re-insert them into the punching throat so that the unpunched side is below the punching dies. Insert the Continuous Punch Guide located on the right edge of the punching throat into one of the holes that was punched in the first step to ensure proper hole alignment. Pull the handle to punch the remaining portion of the document.
  11. Insert a wire of the appropriate size into the Wire Snatch so that the smaller prongs on the spine are at the top facing inward.
  12. Place your document onto the wire binding spine, beginning with the last inner pages. Once all of the inner pages have been inserted onto the wire, insert the front cover immediately followed by the back cover (so that the inside of the back cover faces up).
  13. Lift the document and the wire straight up and off of the Wire Snatch.
  14. Place the document into the wire closer so that the open side of the spine is flush against the bottom of the closer.
  15. Pull the closer handle forward the close the spine. Note: The wire closer handle is located on the left side of the machine (opposite to the binding handles).
  16. Remove the document from the closer and inspect the spine to ensure that it has been properly closed. Adjust the Closer Control slightly if the spine is under- or over-closed. Note: If the wire is not closed enough, simply insert it into the wire closer and repeat the closing process.
  17. Once the binding wire has been closed adequately, turn the back cover of the document to the rear of the book to hide the seam in the spine of your completed book.

How Do I Bind with the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire Wire Binding Machine?

Wire binding is an excellent way to bind important documents, both because of its durability as well as its tamper-resistant properties. The Fellows Galaxy e-Wire wire binding machine is a heavy-duty wire binder designed for high-volume output, with an electric punch and a user-friendly wire closer. Below are step-by-step instructions for binding a document with the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire:

  1. Place the machine onto a stable working surface.
  2. Ensure that the waste tray is empty and that the “burst feature” is closed. Note: The waste tray can be accessed from both the left and right sides of the machine.
  3. Plug the power cord into the binding machine and a grounded socket outlet. Turn the machine on using the power switch located at the rear of the machine.
  4. Make sure that the wire closer lever is pushed backwards, then lift the top lid of the machine.
  5. Determine the correct binding wire diameter using the sizing guide located in the storage tray. Hang a wire of the correct size onto the wire spine support.
  6. Insert a few scrap sheets into the punching throat to check the edge guide setting. Because the punch on the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire wire binding machine is electric, the sheets will be punched automatically. Adjust the edge guide as necessary to eliminate any partially-punched holes.
  7. Begin punching your document and inserting it onto the wire binding spine, starting with the back cover followed immediately by the front cover. 
  8. Punch your document and inserting it onto the open spine in sets of up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper; using thicker paper or cover stock will reduce the punching capacity) until all pages have been punched and placed onto the spine.
  9. Lift the wire spine and the document straight up and off of the hooks of the wire spine support. Carefully place the spine into the wire closer so that the open side of the spine is facing down and is touching the bottom of the closing mechanism.
  10. Pull the wire closing lever forward, using the closing scale guide located on the closing jaw to indicate when the wire has been properly closed. Note: When the wire has reached the proper closing position, the indicator on the jaw will match the diameter of the wire being used.
  11. Once the wire has been closed, return the closing lever to the upright position and remove the finished document from the wire closer.
  12. Ensure that the spine is closed correctly. If there is a gap that remains between the two sides of the spine, then the document should be placed into the wire closer again and the closing process should be repeated so that the sides of the spine are flush.
  13. To hide the seam of your binding wire, simply turn the rear cover to the back of the document.

Troubleshooting Your Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire Wire Binding Machine

With its powerful, electric punch and binding capacity of up to 130 pages, the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire is suitable for frequent use in an office setting. Below is a list of helpful hints for troubleshooting common problems with the Galaxy e-Wire wire binding machine:

Problem:

  • The green power indicator light is not on.

Possible Solution:

  • This usually indicates that the machine is not turned on. To turn on the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire, simply switch the power button on the back of the machine (next to the plug inlet) to the “on” position.

Problem:

  • The standby indicator light is red.

Possible Solution:

  • The machine has overloaded during the punching process. To release the punching dies and reset the machine, press the punch button. Repeat this process until the punching cycle is complete.

Problem:

  • The wire binding spine won’t close tightly enough to create a secure bind.

Possible Solution:

  • If the wire closer is set at too large of a diameter, the wire will not close appropriately. Adjust the closure lock setting to match the size of your wire binding spine.

Problem:

  • The edges of the holes are damaged during punching.

Possible Solution:

  • Damaged holes can indicate that the machine is being overloaded. If you are punching plastic covers, try punching them with a few sheets of regular paper to reduce damage around the holes. If you are only punching paper, try reducing the number of sheets that you are punching.

Problem:

  • The waste tray leaks.

Possible Solutions:

  • The waste tray may not be correctly inserted and/or need to be emptied. Ensure that the tray is emptied and remove any debris that is blocking the tray from being fully inserted.
  • The “burst feature” may have been activate. Empty the waste tray and close the “burst feature.”

Problem:

  • The punched holes are not located centrally on the document.

Possible Solution:

  • The edge guide, which controls the placement of your document within the punching throat, has not been properly set. Adjust the edge guide to match the size of your sheets before punching.

Problem:

  • The machine will not punch any documents.

Possible Solution:

  • This may be caused by blockage within the machine. Empty the waste tray and check for blockage in the punching throat.

Problem:

  • The punched holes are not parallel to the edge of the paper.

Possible Solution:

  • If debris is stuck below the punching dies, then the holes may be misaligned. Use a piece of stiff cardboard to clear the paper entry, sliding it back and forth until all debris is pushed into the waste tray.

Problem:

  • The ends of the document have partially-punched holes.

Possible Solution:

  • The sheets are not properly aligned within the punching throat. Adjust the edge guide and punch test sheets to ensure proper placement, repeating as necessary until the holes are in the desired positions.

Problem:

  • The sheets fall out of the document after the wire binding spine is closed.

Possible Solution:

  • The wire has not been properly closed. Re-insert the document into the wire closer and repeat the closing process to improve the closure of the spine. If you are binding multiple documents of the same size, adjust the setting on the closure lock to a smaller diameter.

How Do I Bind with the Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine?

The Fellowes Helios 60 thermal binding machine is a robust yet simple binding machine that pairs easy, push button operation with a hefty 600 page binding capacity. Below are the step-by-step instructions for binding a document using the Fellowes Helios 60:

  1. Before binding, ensure the machine is on a stable working surface and that there is ample space around the machine to operate it safely. The Fellowes Helios 60 uses a high level of heat to melt the thermal adhesive and secure the documents inside of the cover, so it is important to have a clear working area.
  2. Insert the power cord into the machine. The power socket is located at the rear of the unit.
  3. Plug the machine into an easily-accessible socket, then turn on the main power switch, which is located on the back of the machine.
  4. Open the lid of the binding machine by releasing the safety catches on the front of the lid and then lifting it to the open position.
  5. Once the main power switch for the machine has been turned on, the LED indicator on the ‘Power-On’ button will be red. To ready the machine for binding, simply press the ‘Power-On’ button on the control panel. The machine will begin warming up, during which the ‘Power-On’ button will flash red. When the machine reaches the proper binding temperature, the LED indicator on the ‘Power-On’ button will turn green and the machine will beep three times.
  6. Prepare the document(s) that you are binding by placing the sheets into the thermal binding cover(s). For the best results, do not to insert more sheets or fewer sheets into the cover than are recommended. The Helios 60 includes a built-in binding size guide that is calibrated in 0.25″ widths to help you identify the proper binding cover size. This machine will accept single or multiple documents up to a combined total thickness of 2.5″ (approximately 600 sheets, based on 20 lb. paper). Note: Using thicker paper will reduce the capacity.
  7. Pull the document clamp open and insert your document(s) into the binding channel. Once you have inserted the document(s) and closed the document clamp, the ‘Auto-Sense’ function will calculate the optimum binding cycle based upon the total binding thickness and adjust the machine accordingly. Note: In order to properly bind your document(s), ensure that the spine of the binding cover(s) is in contact with the heating element.
  8. The blue LED will light up to indicate the selected binding cycle. Use the timer selection buttons to adjust the cycle up or down, if required. The scale has a total of 10 settings, which represent 0.25″ increments. For example, a 0.25″ thick document will bind at setting 1, and a 1.25″ thick document will bind at setting 5 (because it is the equivalent of five 0.25″ increments).
  9. Begin the binding cycle by pressing the ‘Select/OK’ button. Once the binding cycle begins, the blue LED will start flashing and counting down the remaining time. When the binding process is complete, the machine will beep three times and the blue LED will turn off.
  10. Once the binding cycle is complete, immediately remove the document(s) and move it/them to the built-in cooling tray or place it/them on a flat surface to cool. Allow all documents to cool thoroughly before attempting to open them, as opening them prematurely may result in pages being loosened. Note: The document can be removed from the machine mid-cycle if necessary, but use extreme caution as the glue that lines the spine may be hot and melted.

Troubleshooting Your Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

The Helios 60 thermal binding machine from Fellowes is an easy-to-use thermal binder capable of binding up to 600 pages per binding cycle. Below is a list of tips for troubleshooting the most common problems with the Helios 60:

Problem:

  • The red LED light on the ‘Power-On’ button does not turn on.

Possible Solutions:

  • Ensure that the power cord is plugged in to both the wall socket and the socket located on the rear of the machine. Try testing the socket with a different piece of equipment and/or plugging the machine into another socket.
  • If the socket is working and both ends of the plug are firmly inserted, the main power switch located on the back of the machine (next to the power socket) may need to be turned on.

Problem:

  • The machine is plugged in and turned on, but the green light that indicates that it has reached operating temperature does not turn on, even after a long warm-up period.

Possible Solution:

  • If the machine is located in a hot and/or humid area, the internal thermostat may not function properly. Move the machine to a cool, dry area and allow the machine to warm-up again.

Problem:

  • The sheets inside the binding cover are loose and unglued, even after the binding cycle is completed.

Possible Solutions:

  • The thermal binding cover being used may be too thick to bind the documents. Use the built-in binding guide to determine the correct binding cover spine size for your document. To repair the document that was bound using the wrong cover size, try tapping the document repeatedly against your work surface and running them through the binding cycle again.
  • If the document was bound using the correct spine size, then the timer setting for the binding cycle may be incorrect. Check the setting, adjust as necessary, and run the document through the binding process again.

Problem:

  • The sheets are glued into the spine, but are still loose.

Possible Solutions:

  • The cover size may be too small for the number of pages in your document. Use the built-in document sizing guide to determine the appropriate cover width and re-bind your document, using a large spine size if necessary.
  • The binding cycle timer may be set incorrectly, or may need to be extended. Check that the timer is set correctly based on the thickness of your document and run your book through the binding cycle again.
  • If a document is left on the heating element after the binding cycle is completed, pages may become loose. Always remove your document promptly at the end of the binding process.

Eleven Helpful Tips for Binding with the Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

Thermal binding is one of the most rapidly-growing binding styles on the market today, primarily due to its ease of use, durable binds, and professional appearance. The Helios 60 thermal binding machine from Fellowes is a compact and user-friendly thermal binder that is capable of binding documents in as little as 60 seconds. Below are 11 helpful tips for creating bound documents with the Fellowes Helios 60:

  1. Always use the appropriate size of binding cover to bind your document. Using a cover that is either too large or too small for your document can lead to improper binding.
  2. Thermal utility covers work best when they are filled to capacity, with little to no space before and after your document. For best results, consider including blank sheets to fill the thermal cover to capacity. This can also be helpful for bound presentations and proposals because the blank sheets provide additional space for note-taking.
  3. Whether you’re binding just one document or doing a more substantial run, be sure to always perform a test bind using a similar size and thickness of thermal covers before binding your final product.
  4. The Fellowes Helios 60 has an angled heater mechanism that helps to ensure that the document is correctly aligned with the document support during the binding process.
  5. The adhesive that lines the spines of thermal binding covers works best when used with thin, uncoated types of paper. If you are binding with thick and/or coated paper types, take extra care during binding to ensure satisfactory results.
  6. If you discover that the sheets have not been fully glued to the spine of the thermal binding cover after the binding process has been completed, the document can be run through the binding process a second time to improve the adhesion.
  7. You will achieve your best binding results if the pages of your document are well-aligned and in good contact with the adhesive-lined spine. To ensure that your sheets are aligned, simply place them into the thermal binding cover and tap the cover against your working surface, with the spine side down. Repeat this process immediately after the thermal binding cycle finishes (while the glue is still warm and pliable) to further secure the pages.
  8. When the machine is first turned on, it will automatically perform a ‘System-Check’ function. The control panel will illuminate LED indicator lights in sequence to check
    their operation.
  9. The Fellowes Helios 60 is capable of automatically determining the optimum binding cycle period and self-adjusting, so there is no need to manually input the cycle period. When you open the document clamp and load the documents that you are binding, the machine will calculate the required binding settings and adjust itself accordingly.
  10. In addition to holding your document in place during the binding process, the document clamp also operates as a ‘Heat Shield’ that prevents operators from accidentally touching the heating plate.
  11. If the machine is inactive for 30 minutes, the ‘Auto-Off’ function will automatically place it into standby mode, which is indicated by the ‘Power-On’ LED flashing green and red. To return the machine to regular operating mode, simply press the ‘Power-On’ button.

How Do I Bind with the GBC ProClick Pronto P3000 Binding Machine?

The GBC ProClick Pronto P3000 is powerful enough to bind up to 450 documents per hour while still being surprisingly simple to operate. It offers electric punching and fully-automated inserting and closing in a compact size that fits into almost any office environment. Below are the step-by-step instructions for binding a document with the ProClick Pronto binding machine:

  1. Begin by plugging in and turning on the machine. When the power is initially turned on, the machine will make a “beep” sound.
  2. Insert the document to be punched into the punch tray, aligning paper to the left side of the tray. Press the “Punch” button to activate the electric punch. Note: The GBC ProClick Pronto P3000 has a maximum punching capacity of 15 sheets of 20 lb. paper. Using thicker paper will reduce the punching capacity. Do not attempt to punch more than two clear plastic binding covers at a time.
  3. Place your document into document sizer so that the machine can identify the document size.
  4. The machine will classify the document as one of three different sizes – “Small,” “Medium,” or “Large” – which correspond to the small-, medium-, and large-sized ProClick binding spines.
  5. Once the ProClick Pronto P3000 has measured the thickness of your document, the display will automatically indicate the correct spine size to load into the machine. The size will be listed on the User Interface under the heading “Insert correct ProClick spine size.”
  6. Insert the appropriate spine cassette into the spine slot. Note: The machine will allow you to bind small documents with larger spine sizes, but will not allow you to initiate the binding process if you have inserted a spine that is too small for the thickness of your document.
  7. Arrange your document so that the back cover is on top of the front cover, with the inside of the back cover facing out. This will allow you to hide the seam of the ProClick spine within your document after binding, which gives your finished document a more professional look.
  8. Place the entire punched document into the binding slot, punched side first.
  9. Press the “Bind” button to begin the binding process. The GBC ProClick Pronto P3000 will automatically pull a spine out of cassette, insert it into the document, and close it. The machine will beep when binding has finished.
  10. Remove your completed document from the machine. If you are binding multiple documents of the same size, you can continue binding without having to reset the document size. Note: The ProClick Pronto P3000 will automatically time out and return to the first step in the binding process if the machine sits idle for two minutes. In order to continue binding, you will need to re-insert your document into the document sizer.

The GBC ProClick Pronto P3000 has a built-in spine opening tool that allows you to un-bind the book so that it can be edited. To un-bind a book that has already been bound, simply insert the wedge of the spine opener tool (located on the left side of the machine near the document tray) into the loops of the spine and pull forward. As you slide the document forward, the tool will open all of the prongs of the spine. Once the spine has been opened, you can add, remove, or replace pages as necessary. The spine can be closed manually after you have finished editing your document.