Buying guide for best binding machines
A binding machine serves several purposes. You can use one to publish your own works, make promotional materials, compile reports for business meetings, or add an extra dash of pizzazz to a school project. If you've never used a binding machine before, it can be hard to know which features are essential and which are merely options.
The best binding machine is the one that can meet your specific daily usage needs. It is durable and powerful enough to make your workload manageable while offering you the ability to adjust edge and depth margins for special projects. Manual binding machines are suitable for light-duty work, but an electric binder may be a better option for heavier usage situations.
For information on how binding machines work and which features to look for while shopping, keep reading. If you are ready to purchase a binding machine, consider one of the options we've spotlighted in this guide.
Defining your needs
To find the best binding machine, carefully consider your short-term and long-term goals. Answering the following questions can help you define your needs.
How many pages will your booklets be?
You will be disappointed if you purchase a binding machine that can’t handle your required page count. For instance, if you are going to be binding 200 pages and the machine you purchase maxes out at 150 pages, it won't be of use to you.
What size booklets will you be making?
If you are going to be making booklets that are a variety of sizes, it is possible to create them on most binding machines. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it will be an easy process. If that is your situation, it would be best to purchase a binding machine with features that facilitate flexibility.
How automated do you want the process to be?
Even though binding machines are meant to make the punching and binding process as effortless as possible, some exertion is still required. If you will be performing a great deal of manual binding work, over time, that repetition could cause injury to your wrist or hand. Electric binding machines are considerably more expensive, but if that's what you need to avoid injury, that's what you should purchase.
What is your budget?
Your budget is also an important factor to consider. Only you know what you can comfortably spend. However, if paying a few dollars more would make the difference between getting a binding machine that you constantly complain about and getting one that is up to the task, it is better to save up for the binding machine that would make you happy and allow you to achieve a smooth workflow.
Features and options
Now that you've determined how you will use your new binding machine, it's time to consider features and options.
Binding capacity: As noted above, a machine that cannot do what you need is not going to be of much use to you.
Punching capacity: How many sheets your binding machine can punch at once may not seem like an important factor, but it is the biggest consideration when it comes to production rate. If you have a machine that only punches 10 sheets at a time, it will take twice as long as a binder that can handle 20 sheets at a time.
Manual or electric: Since there are two steps — punching and binding — needed to create a book, there are two places where you could benefit by automating the process. Some binding machines only offer electric binding, while higher-end models may also offer electric punching.
Removable binding: Some binding machines come apart so that one person can be punching while the other is binding. This feature can double your production rate. If speed is important to you, look for a binding machine with this capability.
Edge guide: The edge guide allows you to center your sheets, so the position of the holes is consistent on all pages. This is an essential feature that is available, in some way, on all binding machines. However, pricier machines offer greater flexibility and control.
Disengageable dies: The dies are what produce the holes. With disengageable dies, you can select which pins punch and which do not. This is helpful if you have a half-punched hole at the edge of your paper that can't seem to be fixed by adjusting the edge guide. Disengage that die, and the pin will no longer punch that bothersome half hole.
Adjustable depth margin: This controls how deep into the sheets the holes can be punched. This is important when creating books with larger page counts because punching too close to the edge allows the pages to tear out more easily.
Built-in comb guide: If you need help figuring out what size comb you need for a project, look for a binding machine with a built-in comb guide to help you get it right each time. ("Comb" is the name for the plastic strip that binds the pages.)
Vertical feed: Some machines use gravity to help ensure that the pages are fully loaded into the machine before punching. You can easily distinguish these models because the pages load from the top.
Storage drawer: Some binding machines have a built-in storage drawer where you can keep your extra combs. This is a nice feature, but it is not a necessity.
Materials: Because of the nature of the work, your binding machine is going to take a lot of pounding. Look for one with all metal parts if you want it to last. Also, rubber feet may help keep the machine from sliding.
Did you know?
The plastic combs that you use to bind your books can be printed with your name, your company logo, or any other text or artwork that can fit on the comb.
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Binding machine prices
If you just need something for light-duty manual binding, you may be able to find a binding machine in the $35 to $60 range. However, the $60 to $120 price bracket is where you will find binding machines with a better build quality that are more durable. Between $120 to $300, you will find heavier-duty machines with bells and whistles that make them suitable for any binding job. In this price range, you will also find machines with electric comb inserters.
Once you move into the $400-and-above realm, you are looking at the heaviest-duty machines, some with electric punching, that will hold up to rigorous use.
A step-by-step look at the binding process
Using a binding machine to create books sounds like a long and intimidating process. However, it is a remarkably simple process that you can quickly master. To help you understand just how easy it is to make a book, we've outlined the basic steps below.
- Gather your pages. Whether they are blank or printed, assemble the pages for your book.
- Put your pages in order. It is best to place your pages in the proper order before starting, so you decrease the chance of making a sequencing mistake. Don't stress too long over this; the order can be changed even after you complete the book.
- Prepare and punch. Line the pages up, set the edge and depth margins (if your machine has them), and begin punching the holes. If you are making a 100-page book but your machine only handles 25 sheets at a time, you will need to do this four times, making sure you do not change any of the settings between punching.
- Choose your comb. Some machines have built-in guides to help you choose the right comb size. If yours doesn't have this, the box of combs will tell you the comb's capacity.
- Open the comb and place your pages. Slip your plastic comb into place on the binding machine, pull the lever to open the comb (if your machine is manual), and slip your pages on the comb.
- Close the comb. Raise the handle (on a manual machine) to bind your book.
FAQ
Q. I don't work in an office. Why would I need a binding machine?
A. The uses for a binding machine are only limited by your imagination. It is an incredible tool that can help you create keepsakes, personalized calendars, and photo albums. School tests, awards, artwork, important documents, ideas, affirmations, warranties, and owner's manuals can all quickly be punched and assembled to make permanent booklets of vital documents that you place on a bookshelf for easy storage and accessibility. Never misplace an important sheet of paper again.
Q. What other materials do I need?
A. Other than the printed sheets, there are only two materials you will need to create a booklet. You will need a durable front and back cover to help protect and preserve the inside pages, and you will need a plastic comb that is the right size for your project.
Q. What if I want to change my project after I bind the pages?
A. With comb binding, that is not a problem. If you would like to add pages, remove pages, or even just reorganize a few pages, simply slip the booklet into your binding machine to open the comb and remove the paper. You can then adjust your project however you'd like and close the comb to have a brand new book.
