How Do I Edit a Book Bound with the Fellowes Star+ 150 Comb Binding Machine?

The Fellowes Star+ 150 comb binding machine is a compact, easy-to-use comb binder that is designed for home and small office use. Its manual punching mechanism features vertical insertion and can punch up to 12 sheets per pull, using a full-size handle to apply maximum force with minimum effort from the operator. The Star+ 150 also has a convenient folding design, which allows it to be easily stored or transported.

Below is a step-by-step guide to editing books bound with the Fellowes Star Plus 150 comb binding machine:

  1. Place your bound book onto the comb opener with the front cover facing down. The metal tines of the comb opener should be inserted between the edges of the pages and the solid side of the spine, with the solid side of the spine placed to the rear of the tines.
  2. Gently pull the comb opener lever (located on the left side of the machine) toward you to open the comb.
  3. Edit your book as necessary while the plastic binding comb is open. You can easily add, remove, or replace pages from comb-bound books without needing to re-bind your book.
  4. Once the book has been edited as desired, push the comb opener lever back until it stops. This will close the comb and retract the teeth.
  5. Lift your book straight upward to remove it from the comb opener and complete the editing process.

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 Edit a Book Bound with the CombBind C800pro Comb Binding Machine?

The Swingline GBC CombBind C800pro comb binder is a heavy-duty comb binding machine that offers electric punching capabilities on up to 25 sheets at a time. Because it creates easy-to-edit books using plastic binding combs, the C800pro is ideal for use in binding training documents, price lists, or other frequently-revised books. Unlike books bound with wires or coils, comb-bound books can be modified without the need for replacing the smile, making it both economical and ecologically-friendly.

Below is a step-by-step guide to editing a book bound with the Swingline GBC CombBind C800pro comb binder:

  1. Place the bound document onto the comb opener so that the metal prongs of the opener are between the tines of the book.  The metal prongs should be positioned so that they fall between the solid side of the spine and the edges of the punched pages.
  2. Gently pull the comb opener handle forward until the comb is adequately opened and the pages of your book are accessible.
  3. Remove, add, or replace pages as desired.
  4. Once your book has been edited, push the handle back to its starting position to close the comb and secure the pages within.
  5. Lift the book up and off of 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-C20A Comb Binding Machine?

The TruBind TB-C20A Comb Binding Machine is a budget-friendly comb binder that is both easy-to-use and durable. The fully-disengageable punching mechanism is capable of punching up to 20 sheets at a time (based on 20 lb. paper), and can accommodate documents up to 11.81″ in length. The TB-C20A comb binder has a built-in comb opener that works with standard, 19-ring plastic combs. With a three-position adjustable depth margin, this model can bind books up to 2″ thick (approximately 425 pages).

Below is a step-by-step guide for binding a book with the TB-C20A binding machine:

  1. Begin by setting the depth margin of the punch based on the size of the book that is being bound. The depth margin can be placed in three positions – 2.5mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm – using the sliding bar on the left side of the machine. As a general rule, thicker books require a greater punching depth margin than thinner books.
  2. Set the side guide to match the sheet size of your document. To adjust the side guide, loosen the black knob that holds it in place and slide the guide to the desired position. Once the guide is in place, tighten the black knob to secure it.
  3. Disengage pins as necessary to prevent any partially-punched holes. To disengage a die, pull the corresponding silver lever straight out from the machine until it stops. If you need to re-engage a previously disengaged die, push the silver lever back into the machine until it stops.
  4. Insert up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching slot, aligning them to the side guide and the back of the punching throat.
  5. Pull the handle toward the front of the machine to punch the pages, then return it to its starting position to complete the punching process.
  6. Continue punching your document in sets of up to 20 sheets until all pages have been punched.
  7. Place a plastic binding comb into the comb opener with the open side facing up.
  8. Gently push the machine handle away from you to open the comb, stopping when the comb is open enough to insert your punched pages.
  9. Insert the punched pages of your document onto the open comb, starting with the front cover and working back.
  10. Once all of the pages have been placed onto the comb, pull the handle forward to close the comb. To remove the book from the comb opener, lift it straight up from the machine.

How Do I Use the RENZ PBS-340 Modular Comb Opener?

The RENZ PBS-340 modular comb opener is a stand-alone comb-opening device that can be used in conjunction with the DTP 340 M modular binding machine or as a second binding station for a full-function comb binding machine. The PBS-340 is capable of opening plastic binding combs between 3/16″ and 2″ in diameter, and can even accommodate oversized combs up to 14″ in length (24 loops). This model can be mounted directly onto the DTP 340 M to create an all-in-one binding solution, or used with a specialized holder for stand-alone use. Below are step-by-step instructions for using the RENZ PBS-340 comb opener:

  1. Before beginning, ensure that the handle is pushed to the rear of the machine and the comb opener is in its closed position.
  2. Load the plastic binding comb onto the comb opener so that the solid portion of the spine faces the rear of the machine and is flush against the metal tines. The loops of the comb should fall between the tines with the open side of the comb facing up.
  3. Open the binding comb by pulling the handle forward until the comb is approximately two-thirds open. 
  4. Loosen the screw on the front of the machine and slide it to the right until it stops. Tighten the screw to set the position of the opener. This will prevent you from accidentally opening the comb too far, taking the guesswork out of opening combs and improving your overall efficiency.
  5. Place the punched pages of your book onto the open comb. If your document is especially thick, you may find it easier to insert the pages in small sets instead of trying to insert them all at once.
  6. Close the comb binding spine by pushing the handle back to the starting position.
  7. Lift the book upward to remove it from the comb opener and complete the binding process.

How Do I Bind with the DFG ETitanComb Comb Binding Machine?

The DFG ETitanComb comb binding machine is a heavy-duty, all-electric comb binder that efficiently binds documents up to 2″ thick. The ETitanComb has fully-disengageable pins to accommodate a wide array of document sizes, in addition to an open punching throat, a side margin guide, and an adjustable punching depth for added versatility. Below is a step-by-step guide for binding books with the DFG ETitanComb comb binder:

DFG ETitanComb Comb Binding Machine
  1. If this is the first time that your DFG ETitanComb is being used, it will need to be set up prior to binding. Remove the screw located on the left side of the machine using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Place the binding handle onto the binding shaft so that the handle points toward the back of the machine, then thread the screw through the handle into the shaft and tighten it to secure. Insert the foot pedal plug into the foot pedal jack located on the back of the machine (below the power switch). Plug the power cord into the right side of the machine, then plug the opposite end into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the power switch (located on the back of the machine).
  3. Use the comb Size Selector to determine the best plastic binding comb diameter based on the thickness of your book. To measure your document, place it under the Size Selector and press down until the bottom of the selector is flush against the top page. The top of the Size Selector will indicate which comb diameter is best suited for your book.
  4. Set the punching depth using the sliding control knob located on the left side of the machine (immediately above the side margin guide). The punching margin is generally larger for thicker documents than for thinner documents, because a greater punching margin makes it easier to accommodate large-size combs and helps to prevent tearing along the punched holes.
  5. Adjust the side guide (located on the left side of the machine base) to center the sheet within the punch. The side guide can be moved by loosening the screw knob, sliding it to the left or right as necessary, and then tightening it to lock it in place.
  6. Using the printed dots on the machine base as a guide, disengage any dies that will leave partially-punched holes along the ends of your paper. To disengage a die, pull the corresponding arm straight out from the machine until it stops. If you need to re-engage a previously disengaged pin, push the corresponding arm straight into the machine until it stops.
  7. Insert up to 28 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punch. Align the sheets to the side margin guide and the back of the punching throat to help prevent misaligned holes. Note: If you are punching 10 mil PVC covers, you can only punch size covers at a time to prevent jams and excessive machine wear.
  8. Press the foot pedal to activate the electric punch. Release the foot pedal and remove the punched sheets.
  9. Continue punching the pages of your document – working in sets of up to 28 sheets – until all pages have been punched.
  10. Place a plastic binding comb onto the built-in comb opener. It should be inserted so that the solid side of the spine is against the metal prongs of the comb opener and the loops sit between them. The open side of the comb should be facing up.
  11. Gently pull the binding lever (located on the left side of the machine) forward to open the tines of the binding comb. Once the comb has been adequately opened to insert the pages of your document, release the handle to keep it in its open position.
  12. Jog your document by lightly tapping it against a table or other flat surface to align the holes. Align the punched holes with the open tines of the comb, then insert your book onto the comb (with the front cover facing down). Note: If you are binding a particularly large book, you may find that it is easier to insert the pages onto the comb if you work in smaller sets (starting from the front cover and working back).
  13. After all of the pages of your book have been inserted onto the 19-ring binding comb, push the binding lever back to its original position. This will allow the tines of the comb to close, securing the sheets within the spine.
  14. Remove the completed book by lifting it straight upward from the comb opener.

How Do I Bind with the SircleBind CB-230 Comb Binding Machine with 3-Hole Punch?

The SircleBind CB-230 comb binding machine with 3-hole punch is a heavy-duty comb binder that offers a comprehensive range of professional-quality features at an office-friendly price. The CB-230 has a unique, full-length handle design that provides maximum punching force with minimal effort and converts to a standard handle for punching over-sized documents. In addition to manually comb-binding books up to 2″ thick (approximately 425 pages based on 20 lb. paper), this versatile model also performs 3-hole punching on up to 20 sheets at a time. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding with the SircleBind CB-230 comb binder with 3-hole punch:

  1. If you are using the CB-230 for the first time, you will need to assemble it before use. Remove the left and right screws from the base of the machine, then remove the screw from the right side of the handle. Pull the handle apart into two separate pieces and insert them into the sides of the machine. The longer side of the handle should be place on the left and the shorter side of the handle should be inserted on the right. Fit the handles together so that they form a solid bar, then thread and tighten the three screws into the left and right sides of the base as well as the right side of the handle. Lift the paper guide up to complete the set-up process.
  2. Begin the binding process by determining the appropriate plastic binding comb size. Use the comb guage located on the front left corner of the machine to measure the thickness of your document and identify the recommended comb size.
  3. Adjust the punch slot guide using the sliding control located on the right side of the machine. To punch letter-sized sheets, slide the control upward. By sliding the control downward, you can punch extra-large sheet sizes.
  4. Move the side margin control as nececessary to match the size of the paper that will be punched. For letter-sized sheets, align the guide to the “LTR” line.
  5. Set the punching depth using the sliding control located on the right side of the machine. Push it toward the left if your comb is 1/4″ – 15/32″ in diameter. Push it toward the right if your comb is 1/2″ – 2″ in diameter.
  6. Insert up to 20 pages (based on 20 lb. paper) into the rear punching slot and align them against the side margin stopper.
  7. Pull the punching lever down with both hands to punch the sheets. Return the lever to its upright position and remove the punched sheets.
  8. Continue punching your document in 20-sheet sets until all pages have been punched.
  9. To bind your document, begin by placing the binding comb onto the comb opener. The solid back of the comb should be placed against the Metal Comb-Holding Fingers so the the loops of the comb are between the fingers and the open side is facing up.
  10. Pull the Plastic Comb Opening Lever (located on the left side of the machine) forward to open the comb. Once the comb has been sufficiently opened to begin inserting the pages of your document, release the lever to keep the comb in its open position.
  11. Insert your document onto the comb by aligning the holes in the paper with the prongs of the comb. The pages should be inserted face-down, beginning with the front cover and working backwards. If binding a particularly large book, it may be easier to insert the pages onto the comb in smaller sets.
  12. After all of the pages have been inserted onto the comb, push the Plastic Comb Opening Lever back to its starting position in order to close the comb.
  13. Lift the book straight up and off of the comb opener to complete the binding process.

How Do I Bind Large Documents with the SircleBind CB-230 Comb Binding Machine and 3-Hole Punch?

The SircleBind CB-230 comb binding machine with 3-hole punch is a manual comb binder that is capable of binding letter-sized documents as well as larger sheets, such as A3 or B4 sizes. Featuring a user-friendly design and a powerful, 20-page punch, the CB-230 is ideal for use in schools and offices. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding over-sized documents with the SircleBind CB-230 comb binder with 3-hole punch:

  1. Start by disassembling the left side of the punching bar. To do this, remove the screw that attaches the left side of the punching bar to the base as well as the screw that attaches the right side of the punching bar to the left side. Remove the left side of the punching bar, then replace the screws onto the left side of the base and the right side of the punching bar.
  2. Measure your document using the built-in comb diameter guage to determine the best binding comb size for your book.
  3. Move the punch slot guide control (located on the left side of the machine) down to configure the machine for punching extra large paper (such as A3 or B4 sheets). Note: The CB-230 punches all documents – including large sheets – with the standard 19-hole comb binding punch pattern.
  4. Adjust the side margin guide to the left, aligning it to the “A3” or “B4” line.
  5. Set the depth margin using the sliding punch depth control located on the right side of the machine. If the comb is 1/4″ – 15/32″ in diameter, slide the control switch to the left. If the comb is 1/2″ – 2″ in diameter, slide the control switch to the left.
  6. Insert up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the rear punching slot, making sure to align them to the A3 or B4 line.
  7. Pull down the binding handle to punch the pages, then return it to its upright position to complete the punch.
  8. Remove the pages from the punch, flip them horizontally, and reinsert them into the punching throat. Place the third punched hole from the end of the sheet onto the alignment pin (located to the left of the punching throat).
  9. Pull the binding handle down to punch the pages a second time. Return the handle to its original position to complete the punch. Remove the punched pages.
  10. Repeat steps 6 – 9 as necessary until all pages of your document have been punched.
  11. Place the comb onto the comb opener, aligning it to the right side (so that the excess length falls to the left of the comb opener). Set the solid section of the spine against the metal fingers so that the loops extend between the fingers and the open side of the comb faces up. The CB-230’s built-in comb opener is capable of opening combs with up to 22 loops. Longer combs can still be used, but they require a multi-step binding process (similar to the punching process detailed above).
  12. Gently pull the comb opener handle (located on the left side of the machine) to open the comb. Once the tines of the comb have been adequately opened to insert your document, release the handle to keep the comb in an open position.
  13. Insert the pages of your document onto the comb, beginning with the front cover (facing down) and working to the back cover (facing up).
  14. Push the comb opener handle back to its original position to close the comb.
  15. Lift the comb straight up and off of the comb opener. Move the comb to the right and reposition it onto the comb opener so that the remaining loops can be inserted through the pages of your book.
  16. Repeat step 12 to open the remaining loops of the comb.
  17. Insert the pages of your document onto the open tines of the comb.
  18. Once all of the pages have been inserted, return the comb opener handle to its original position to close the comb and complete the bind.
  19. Lift the comb up to remove the finished book from the comb opener.

How Do I Bind with the Tamerica 213PB Comb Binding Machine with Wire Closer and 3-Hole Punch?

The Tamerica 213PB comb binding machine with wire closer and 3-hole punch is a versatile, multi-function comb binder that gives users the flexibility of binding with both plastic combs and spiral-o wires (which utilize the same 19-hole punch pattern as binding combs). The 213PB is designed to provide an budget-friendly and space-saving alternative to investing multiple single-function binding machines. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding books with the Tamerica 213PB comb binder with wire closer (including instructions for both comb binding, spiral-o wire binding, and 3-hole punching):

  1. Begin by assembling the machine (required on the first use only). Insert the binding handle onto the master shaft, then thread the screw through the handle into the shaft. Tighten to secure the handle in place.
  2. Use the included binding guage to measure the thickness of the document that is being bound to determine the correct punching depth and binding comb diameter to use.
  3. Adjust the side margin guide based on the sheet size of your document. The side guide is located on the left side of the machine base and can be moved by loosening the screw slightly, sliding it to the desired position, and tightening the screw.
  4. Disengage pins as necessary to elminate any partial holes from the edges of your document. Dies can be disengaged by pulling on the metal arm that corresponds to the hole until it stops.
  5. Use the adjustment knob (located on the right side of the machine) to set the depth margin to 1, 2, 3, or 4 as indicated on the binding guage. Note: The thicker your document, the greater the depth margin that will be needed to create an adequate bind.
  6. Insert up to 20 pages (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching throat. Pull the binding handle forward to engage the punching dies and push it back to its upright position to complete the punch. Repeat in sets until all pages have been punched.
  7. Place a plastic binding comb onto the comb opener by aligning the solid spine of the comb against the metal fingers of the opener. The loops of the comb should be inserted between the open side of the comb facing up.
  8. Push the binding handle back to open the rings of the comb. Once the comb has been opened enough to insert the pages of your document, release the handle to keep the comb in the open position.
  9. Insert the pages of your book onto the open comb, starting with the front cover and working backward. If the book that you are binding is especially thick, you may find it easier to insert the pages in small sets.
  10. Return the binding handle to its upright position to close the comb. Lift the finished book straight up to remove it from the comb opener.

If you are binding with 19-loop spiral-o wires instead of plastic binding combs, follow the instructions below:

  1. Punch your document with the 19-hole comb binding pattern by following the instructions for steps 2-6 above.
  2. Adjust the set-pin located on the lower right side of the machine to match the diameter of the spiral-o wire being used.
  3. Insert the pages of your document onto the open wire. In order to hide the seam of the wire, the face of the back cover should be placed against the face of the front cover before the book is inserted onto the wire.
  4. Once all of the pages have been placed onto the wire, insert the wire into the wire closer (located below the disengaging dies). The open side of the wire should be flush against the back of the wire closer.
  5. Pull the binding handle forward using steady, even pressure to close the wire.
  6. Return the handle to its upright position and remove the book from the wire closer. Turn the back cover to the back of the book to complete the binding process.

If you would like to utilize the 3-hole punch feature of the Tamerica 213PB, follow the steps below:

  1. Jog the pages to be punched by tapping them against a table or other flat surface.
  2. Insert up to 15 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the slot located at the back of the machine, immediately behind the comb opener.
  3. Pull the binding handle forward to punch the sheets, then return it to its upright position to complete the punch.
  4. Remove your sheets from the slot and repeat as necessary.