How Do I Bind with the Tamerica 210PB Comb Binding Machine?

The Tamerica 210PB comb binding machine is a manual comb binder that offers a comprehensive range of features – including fully disengageable dies, self-sharpening dies, and a 20-page punching capacity – at an affordable price. Designed for use in schools, offices, and other multi-user settings, the 210PB is easy to use and requires minimal user adjustments. Below is a step-by-step guide for binding books with the Tamerica 210PB comb binder:

  1. If this is the first time that the machine is being used, it will need to be assembled. To assemble the 210PB, insert the handle onto the master shaft (located on the right side of the machine) so that it is in an upright position. Thread the knob set through the handle and into the master shaft, then tighten to secure the handle.
  2. Adjust the side margin guide based on the sheet size of your document.
  3. Disengage pins as necessary to eliminate any partially-punched holes. The alignment guide on the feed table of the machine indicates the placement of the holes. To disengage a pin, simply pull the corresponding metal arm straight back from the machine until it stops.
  4. Using the included Binding Guage & Diameter Guide, measure the thickness of your book to determine the appropriate depth margin setting. Adjust the depth margin to 1, 2, 3, or 4 using the binding depth knob.
  5. Insert up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching throat. If you are using thicker paper and/or cover stock, you will need to reduce the number of pages in order to assure a clean punch.
  6. Pull the binding handle forward to punch. Return the handle to its upright position and pull the papers out of the punching throat.
  7. Repeat punching your document(s) in sets until all pages have been punched.
  8. Place the plastic binding comb onto the built-in comb opener so that the solid portion of the spine is behind the metal fingers and the open side of the rings is facing up. Note: Using the comb size specified by the Binding Guage & Diameter Guide will help to ensure a professional finish to your bound document.
  9. Turn the binder stop (located on the left side of the machine) toward the front of the machine until it stops.
  10. Push the binding arm backward until the comb has been opened enough to insert your pages. Hold the binding arm in position and rotate the binder stop toward the back of the machine until it stops. This will prevent you from over-opening the combs and increase the efficiency of your binding process.
  11. Insert the pages of your document onto the comb with the front cover facing down, making sure that all of the prongs have been aligned with the holes in your sheets. If working with a particularly thick book, you may find it easier to insert the pages onto the comb in smaller sets.
  12. Return the binding handle to the upright position, then lift the book straight up and off of the machine to complete the binding process.

How Do I Bind with the Akiles EcoBind-C Comb Binding Machine?

The Akiles EcoBind-C comb binding machine is a affordable, entry-level comb binder that is suitable for low-to-medium volume binding usage. The EcoBind-C has a number of features that are traditionally found in professional-level machines – such as fully-disengaging punching dies and a depth margin control – but with simplified all-manual operation and a lower price point. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding documents with the Akiles EcoBind-C comb binder:

  1. Place your EcoBind-C onto a flat, sturdy working surface.
  2. Adjust the Side Margin Guide based on the size of your document. The built-in ruler guide makes alignment easier and more precise.
  3. Slide the Depth Margin Control (located on the left side of the machine) to position 1, 2, or 3 based on the size of the document. The Depth Margin Control dictates how much of a margin exists between the holes and the edge of the page. For small books will be bound with combs that are 1/2″ or smaller in diameter, use position 1. For medium-sized books will be bound with combs that are 9/16″ to 1″ in diameter, use position 2. For large books will be bound with combs that are 1-1/8″ or larger, use position 3.
  4. Use the disengaging dies to eliminate any partially-punched holes based on your sheet size. To disengage a pin, simply pull the metal arm straight out from the machine until it stops.
  5. Insert up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching throat. Ensure that the pages are aligned against the side margin guide.
  6. Pull the punching handle down to punch the document. Because the handle designs allows for two-handed punching, you can punch up to 20 pages at a time with minimal effort.
  7. Repeat the punching process in sets until all pages have been punched.
  8. Select the appropriate binding comb size using the diameter selector (located on the right side of the machine next to the disengageable dies).
  9. Place the comb onto the comb opener so that the rings of the comb are between the the tines of the opener. The open side of the comb should be facing up.
  10. Gently turn the Comb Opener Handle counterclockwise to open the comb. Once the comb has been sufficiently opened so that the pages of the document can be inserted, stop turning the handle.
  11. Jog the pages by tapping them against a flat surface, then insert them onto the comb with the front cover facing down. When binding large documents, you may find it easier to break the document into smaller sets while inserting them onto the comb.
  12. Once all of the pages have been inserted, rotate the Comb Opener Handle clockwise to close the comb.
  13. Lift the book straight up to remove it from the comb opener and complete the binding process.

How Do I Bind with the Akiles DuoMac Binding Machine?

The Akiles DuoMac binding machine is a full-featured, dual-function binding machine that is available in a wide array of combinations to fill the needs of any office or production environment. Each DuoMac binding machine is custom-built to pair two popular binding styles, including 4:1 coil and 3:1 wire, 4:1 coil and 2:1 wire, comb and 4:1 coil, comb and 3:1 wire, comb and 2:1 wire, and 3:1 wire and 2:1 wire (also called the WireMac Duo). Depending upon the binding styles selected, the DuoMac also includes the necessary finishing equipment, such as a wire closer, comb opener, or coil crimping pliers. Below are step-by-step instructions for binding with the Akiles DuoMac binding machine, including each of the specialized finishing modules:

Assembly

  1. Before using your DuoMac for the first time, you’ll need to assemble it. Begin by placing it onto a sturdy work table.
  2. For models that include comb binding capabilities, install the comb binding unit onto the back of the machine using the included hardware.
  3. Remove the screw from each punching axle by turning it clockwise. Connect each of the punching handles to the punching axles so that the longer handle is on the front axle and the shorter handle is on the rear axle. Ensure that the handles are in a vertical position on each axle before tightening each screw in a counterclockwise direction.
  4. For models that include either 3:1 wire or 2:1 wire binding capabilities, attach the included handle onto the wire closer (using the same instructions listed above).

Set-Up

  1. Insert your unbound document into the Diameter Scale. Based on the Diameter Scale reading, the recommended depth margin, wire closer setting, and wire, comb, or coil size will be indicated on the Master Selector.
  2. Set the Depth Margin Control to match the color-coded depth indicated by the Master Selector. Note: It is important to set the depth margin appropriately based on the size of your document in order to allow the pages to turn easily. The thicker the document, the greater the depth margin that is required.
  3. If binding with either 2:1 or 3:1 binding wires, use the Wire Closer Control to set the wire closer as indicated by the Master Selector to match the diameter of the wire being used.

Punching

  1. Align the Side Margin Control to the match the sheet size of your document. If your inner pages and covers vary in size, it is recommended that you punch them separately as the side margin settings may vary.
  2. If necessary, disengage punching pins to eliminate any partially punched holes. To disengage a die, simply pull the corresponding metal arm forward.
  3. Insert up to 20 pages (based on 20 lb. paper) into the appropriate punching throat, aligning the pages to the side margin.
  4. Pull the corresponding handle to forward to engage the punching mechanism, then return it to its upright position to complete the punch.
  5. Repeat as necessary until all of the pages of your document have been punched.

 Wire Binding

  1. Place a twin loop binding wire onto the wire holder (located on the front of the wire closing unit).
  2. Insert your punched document onto the wire, working from the last page to the front cover. The back cover should be inserted onto the wire last with the inside of the cover facing up. This will help to hide the seam of the wire after binding.
  3. Lift the document and the wire off of the wire holder and place it into the wire closer so that the opening of the wire sits flush against the bottom of the closing channel.
  4. Firmly pull the wire closer handle forward to close the wire.
  5. Pull the document out of the wire closer and turn the back cover over to complete the bind.

Comb Binding

  1. Place a plastic binding comb onto the comb opener so that the rings of the comb are between the tines of the opener. The open side of the comb (the side on which the rings are not attached to the plastic) must be facing up.
  2. Slowly pull the comb binding handle forward to open the comb. Once the comb had been opened enough to allow pages to be inserted, release the handle.
  3. Tap the document onto a flat surface to align the edges. Holding the document firmly to keep the pages together, place it onto the prongs of the comb with the front cover facing down.
  4. Once the tines of prongs of the comb have been inserted through all of the pages of the document, return the comb opener handle to its upright position to close the comb.
  5. Lift the document straight up to remove it from the comb opener and complete the binding process.

 Coil Binding

  1. Align the pages of your punched document by tapping it against a table or other flat surface.
  2. Manually insert the plastic binding coil into the first 4-5 holes of the document.
  3. Holding the document against your work surface with your left hand, use your right hand to spin the coil forward and advance it through the holes.
  4. Once the coil has been inserted into all of the holes of the document, use the included coil crimping tool to trim away the excess and crimp the coil to secure the pages in place. Be sure to crimp both ends of the coil to prevent the coil from unwinding.

How Do I Use the Akiles CBM650 Comb Opener?

The Akiles CBM650 comb opener is a stand-alone comb opening module that can be used to add comb opening capabilities to a modular binding machine (such as the Akiles VersaMac) or as a second binding workstation for increased productivity. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding books with the Akiles CBM650 comb opener:

  1. Place a binding comb behind onto the comb opener so that the spine of the comb is pressed against the tines of the machine and the loops extend between them. The open side of the comb should be toward the top.
  2. Slowly pull the comb opener handle downward to open the comb, stopping then the comb is opened enough to begin inserting sheets. Depending on the size of the comb that is being used, you may not need to pull the comb opener handle the entire way down.
  3. Jog all of the sheets of your document (including the covers) by tapping them lightly on a table or other flat surface. Holding your document firmly with the front cover facing toward you and the holes along the bottom side, insert it onto the prongs of the open comb. When binding large documents, you may find it easier to divide the sheets into a few smaller sets to insert them (beginning with the front cover and working backward).
  4. When all of the pages have been inserted onto the open binding comb, slowly return the comb opener handle to its upright position to close the comb. Lift the entire book upward to remove it from the machine and complete the binding process.

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.

What are Spiral-O Wires?

Spiral-O wires look similar to twin loop wires, but they are specially designed to fit the same 19-hole punch pattern as comb binding. Spiral-O wires have 19 loops (similar to binding combs).

Like duo-wire, Spiral-O wire offers tamper-proof binding that is durable and lays flat when opened. The biggest advantage of binding with Spiral-O wire is that it uses the same pattern as comb binding, which means that users who already own comb binding punches do not need to purchase an additional punch, however it does require the use of a wire closer to secure the bind.

Spiral-O wire is available in sizes ranging from 1/4″ (20-30 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1″ (190-220 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in seven standard colors. The per-wire cost for Spiral-O is significantly higher than that of twin loop wire, so if you plan on binding frequently, you may want to consider twin loop binding instead.

How Do I Print Single-Color Clear Covers with the Foilfast P21x Printer? (Windows Users)

Whether you’re binding your documents using binding wires, 19-ring plastic combs, spiral coils, or Velobind binding spines, it’s the cover of your book that will make the first impression on the reader. There are few more powerful ways to enhance the look of your reports than by binding with customized binding covers. Below are the step-by-step instructions for printing single-color clear binding covers using the Foilfast P21x Printer from Powis Parker (for Windows users):

Note: When you choose to print your cover using the single-color mode, the printer will ignore the colors used in your original artwork and will only print in the designated foil color. For example, if you original artwork is black, but you select red foil in single-color mode, then your image will be printed with red foil. Similarly, if your artwork has multiple colors, then using single-color mode will cause the entire image to print in the designated color of foil.

Instructions (Using Non-Adobe Software)

  1. Choose “Print” from the “File” menu of the program that you are using.
  2. The main “Print” dialog box will pop up automatically. In the “Printer Name” menu, select the Foilfast printer and then click the “Properties” button.
  3. When the “Properties” dialog box appears, verify that “Foilfast ClearCover” is the selected option in the “Media Type” box. In the “Print Mode” box, select the “Single Ink” option. Note: The “Undercoat” box will be automatically checked when “Foilfast ClearCover” is selected as the “Media Type.” An undercoat is required when printing on clear covers, so be sure to leave this box checked. Also, ensure that a Foil Primer cartridge is loaded into the printer before proceeding.
  4. If you are printing in any color other than gold, click the button next to the desired color on the “Select Cartridge(s)” menu.
  5. After all settings have been adjusted as indicated, click the “OK” button.
  6. The “Print” dialog box will appear again. Verify that the size of your cover matches the setting in the “Properties” dialog box, and adjust the number of copies to match the number of covers required.
  7. Load a clear cover into the feed tray. Note: Clear covers should be loaded one at a time to help prevent jamming and misfeeds.
  8. Click the “Print” button to begin printing your customized clear covers.

Instructions (Using Adobe Software)

  1. Choose the “Print” option from the “File” menu.
  2. The “Print” dialog box will appear automatically. Select the Foilfast Printer from the “Printer” selection menu, then click the “Setup” button.
  3. A warning dialog box will appear that will ask if you want to continue or if you want to return to the “Print” dialog box. Select the “Continue” option.
  4. The “Print Setup” box will display. Ensure that “Foilfast ClearCover” is selected in the “Media Type” box. In the “Print Mode” section, select the “Single Ink” option. Note: Leave the “Undercoat” box checked, as a primer layer is required when printing clear covers. Be sure that a Foil Primer cartridge is loaded into the printer before printing.
  5. If you will be printing your image in any cover other than gold, then select the desired color under the “Select Cartridge(s)” section.
  6. Click “OK” after all settings have been adjusted.
  7. Once the “Print Setup” box appears, click the “Print” button.
  8. The “Print” dialog box will appear. Ensure that the paper size shown in the “Printing Preferences” box matches the size of your covers, and adjust the number of copies as required.
  9. Load a clear cover into the paper feed tray. Note: Loading your covers individually will help prevent jams.
  10. Click the “Print” button to begin the printing process.

How Do I Bind with the GBC BindMate Binding Machine?

Comb binding is an economical, revision-friendly binding style that allows users to easily edit documents after binding. The GBC BindMate binding machine enables users to bind documents up to 5/8″ using standard 19-ring plastic combs, and has the added benefit of functioning as a three-hole punch as well. Below are the step-by-step instructions for binding with the GBC BindMate:

  1. Begin by selecting the desired punch pattern for your document using the small, sliding knob located on the top left of the machine. Sliding the knob to the left will create a 3-hole punch pattern and sliding it to the right will create the standard 19-hole comb binding pattern. Note: The handle must be in the fully upright position in order to change between hole patterns.
  2. Set the alignment guide based on your document. The Standard setting is used for 11″ paper and covers, and the Oversized option is used for oversized covers (such as rounded corner covers with have an 11-1/4″ length).
  3. Fully insert the paper into the punching slot and align the sheets so that they are flush against the alignment guide on the left side of the machine. Note: The GBC BindMate is capable of punching up to 8 sheets per lift (based on regular 20lb. paper) or a single PVC plastic cover up to 7 mil thick.
  4. Pull the punching handle down until the sheets have been punched, and then return it to its upright position. Note: If your document is longer than 8 pages, you will need to break it up into sets and repeat the punching process until all sets are punched.
  5. Determine the appropriate plastic binding comb size based on the page count and/or thickness of your document (most manufacturers include this information alongside the size of the comb itself). Place the comb onto the comb opener so that the small “fingers” of the comb face the front of the machine. Note: The GBC BindMate has a maximum binding capacity of 5/8″, or 125 sheets or regular 20 lb. paper.
  6. Gently pull the punch handle down to open the comb. Once the comb has been fully opened, use the comb opening lock located immediately behind the handle on the right side of the machine to hold the comb in the open position.
  7. Insert your punched document onto the open prongs of the comb, so that the front cover faces down.
  8. Once all pages have been inserted onto the comb, release the comb opening lock and return the handle to the upright position to close the comb.
  9. Remove the completed book from the machine, and empty the waste tray as needed.

How Do I Bind with the GBC CombBind C800Pro Binding Machine?

The GBC CombBind C800Pro is a heavy-duty comb binding machine that makes creating your own custom books easy. Below are the instructions for binding a document using the GBC CombBind C800Pro:

GBC CombBind C800Pro
  1. Begin by adjusting the punching depth margin. The black dial on the right side of the GBC CombBind C800Pro is the four-position depth selector that is used to adjust the margin between the punched holes and the binding edge of the paper. The margin can be adjusted from as little as 1/16″ up to 3/16″. Note: Wider margins allow the pages of thick documents to turn more easily and help to create a bind that is more secure. 
  2. Disengage pins as necessary based on the length of your document. This model has a total of 21 disengageable dies to accommodate practically any document length. To punch the standard 19-hole comb binding pattern that is used to bind the 11″ side of letter-sized documents, simply disengage the first and last dies by gently pulling on the corresponding pins.
  3. Align your pages so that the edges are even, using either a paper jogger (recommended for large-volume binding projects) or by tapping your document against your work surface. Insert up to 25 pages (based on regular 20 lb. paper; sheets of thicker paper or cover stock will reduce the punching capacity) into the punching throat, using the side guide to ensure properly alignment.
  4. Step on the foot pedal to engage the dies and punch your document.
  5. For larger production runs, use the black knob located on the left side of the machine to lock in comb opening settings. Using the knob will allow you to automatically stop the handle at the same position every time for faster binding. Turn the knob clockwise to open, pull the binding handle to the desired opening (using a comb of the correct size in the comb opener as a guide), then turn the knob counterclockwise to lock in the setting.
  6. Insert the binding comb with the open side up, aligning the tines of the comb between the metal rake.
  7. Pull the binding handle forward to open the comb. The tips of the tines should be pointing upward with enough space to place the document onto them.
  8. Insert the paper vertically so that the front cover faces toward you.
  9. Once all of the sheets have been inserted onto the tines, lay the document flat on the top of the machine and return the handle to the upright position to close the comb.
  10. Lift the book vertically to remove it from the machine and complete the bind.

What is Pre-Punched Binding Paper Used For?

Many binding supply retailers offer pre-punched binding paper in the most common hole patterns. They are most commonly sheets of 20 lb. paper, and are generally sold either by the ream (500 sheets) or by the case (5,000 sheets).

For those who want to do their own professional-looking document binding but aren’t able to invest in a full-function binding machine, pre-punched paper makes it possible. By using the pre-punched paper with a stand-alone wire closer or comb opener, or a pair of coil crimping pliers, it is possible to create a quality bound document with ease.

Though pre-punched paper is popular with users who don’t own a binding punch, it is also frequently used in high-volume production environments. Since the pre-punched sheets can be run directly through digital copiers or printing presses, they save a great deal of time when compared to the amount of time required to both print and punch documents in-house.