As a general rule, using a comb binding machine is pretty easy. In fact, comb binding is one of the easiest binding methods available. While this may be true, it never hurts to know a trick or two to make things easier. Here are five tips you should try using:
-
Your comb binding machine can only punch a certain amount of sheets at a time. This is called the punching capacity. Do not exceed the punching capacity. If you avoid doing so, the holes will be cleanly punched and you’ll keep the machine’s punching dies nice and sharp.
-
When you’re ready to bind your document, break it up into smaller sections. It’s easier to insert the comb’s teeth through smaller stacks of paper than one big one.
-
Your comb binding machine probably has a side margin control. If it does, be sure to use it. Adjusting the side margin control will help you determine the position of the holes in relation to the edge of the paper. If your document is thin, the holes should be close the edge of the paper. If the document is thick, the holes should be further in.
-
When you open up your binding comb, make sure you don’t open it too far. If you do, it will likely fly off the comb opener which can be inconvenient. Also, if you open up the comb a bit too far, it can make binding your document more difficult than it needs to be.
-
Make sure you empty the machine’s chip tray on a regular basis. If you don’t empty the chip tray, you’ll end up putting too much pressure on the machine’s punching dies and pressure bar. This can damage the machine over time.
Using a comb binding machine can be easy and hopefully these five tips will make the process easier for you. Good luck with your projects and happy binding!