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Fellowes Binding Combs: A Comprehensive Guide

Fellowes binding combs are essential components for creating professional and organized documents using comb binding machines. This guide provides a detailed overview of Fellowes binding combs, their applications, and how to effectively use them with machines like the Fellowes Star+ Comb Binding Machine.

Understanding Comb Binding

Comb binding, also known as plastic comb binding or Cerlox binding, is a popular document binding method that offers a cost-effective and versatile way to assemble reports, presentations, and other materials. It involves punching rectangular holes along the edge of the paper and using a plastic comb to hold the pages together.

Fellowes Star+ Comb Binding Machine

The Fellowes Star+ Comb Binding Machine is designed for light-duty use in small offices. It allows users to manually punch up to 15 sheets of paper at a time. An enhanced accuracy edge guide ensures that documents are centered for precise punching, resulting in a tidy and professional binding.

Key Features of the Fellowes Star+

  • Punching Capacity: Manually punches up to 15 sheets of paper at a time.
  • Binding Capacity: Binds up to 150 sheets with a 3/4" comb or up to 300 sheets with a 1 1/2" comb.
  • Accuracy: Enhanced accuracy edge guide for pinpoint punch alignment.
  • Convenience: Built-in comb storage tray with document measurement device.
  • Design: Vertical document loading ensures accurate punch alignment.

Components and Features of Comb Binding Systems

Binding Combs

Plastic binding combs are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 6 mm (1/4 inch) to 51 mm (2 inches) in diameter. The appropriate comb size depends on the thickness of the document being bound. The built-in comb storage tray with an integrated document measurement device on the Fellowes Star+ helps users select the correct comb size for their binding project.

Document Measurement Device

The Fellowes Star+ features a built-in comb storage tray with a document measurement device. This tool helps users select the correct comb size for their binding project, ensuring a professional finish.

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Enhanced Accuracy Edge Guide

The enhanced accuracy edge guide is a crucial component of the Fellowes Star+ Comb Binding Machine. It ensures that documents are centered with ease for pinpoint punching, eliminating misaligned holes.

Punch Handle

The punch handle is used to create the holes in the paper. On the Fellowes Star+ model, lifting the punch handle upward extends it into its operating position.

Comb Opener Lever

The comb opener lever is used to open the binding comb so that pages can be inserted. On the Fellowes Star+ machine, the comb opener lever is located on the left side of the machine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Fellowes Binding Combs with the Fellowes Star+

  1. Preparation:
    • Place the machine on a flat and stable surface.
    • Ensure the waste tray is empty and properly inserted.
    • Open the cover of the machine.
    • Verify that the comb opener lever is pushed back.
    • Lift the punch handle upward to extend it into its operating position.
  2. Comb Selection:
    • Use the comb gauge located on the storage tray to select a plastic binding comb of the correct diameter.
  3. Comb Placement:
    • Place the 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.
  4. Comb Opening:
    • 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.
  5. Edge Guide Adjustment:
    • Set the adjustable edge guide based on the size of the sheets being punched. This ensures that the document is centered and provides consistent hole placement.
  6. Punching:
    • 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.
    • It is highly recommended to punch a few scrap sheets before punching the actual document to verify proper positioning of the edge guide.
  7. Continue Punching:
    • Continue punching until all pages have been punched, working in sets of up to 12 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) to avoid overloading the machine. When punching cover stock, clear PVC binding covers, or thick paper, adjust the number of sheets per punch to prevent damage to the machine (approximately 2-3 covers per pull).
  8. Binding:
    • Place the punched sheets onto the open 19-ring binding comb, arranging them so that the front cover is first and faces down.

Choosing the Right Binding Comb

Selecting the correct size of binding comb is essential for a professional-looking document. The general rule is to choose a comb size that allows the pages to turn easily without being too loose.

Advantages of Comb Binding

  • Cost-Effective: Comb binding is one of the most affordable binding methods.
  • Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of documents, from reports to presentations.
  • Easy to Use: Comb binding machines are user-friendly and require minimal training.
  • Re-openable: Documents can be easily opened to add or remove pages.
  • Lay-Flat Design: Comb-bound documents can lay relatively flat, making them easy to read and write on.

Tips for Optimal Comb Binding

  • Proper Alignment: Use the edge guide to ensure consistent hole alignment.
  • Sheet Capacity: Do not exceed the recommended sheet capacity of the binding machine.
  • Comb Size: Select the correct comb size for the number of pages in the document.
  • Test Punch: Always test punch a few sheets of scrap paper to ensure proper alignment.
  • Maintenance: Regularly empty the waste tray to prevent jams and ensure smooth operation.

Additional Considerations

Paper Weight and Type

The weight and type of paper used can affect the binding process. Thicker paper may require punching fewer sheets at a time to avoid overloading the machine. When punching cover stock, clear PVC binding covers, or thick paper, 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.

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Binding Machine Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping the binding machine in good working condition. This includes emptying the waste tray, cleaning the punching dies, and lubricating moving parts.

Alternatives to Comb Binding

While comb binding is a popular choice, other binding methods are available, such as wire binding, thermal binding, and perfect binding. The best method depends on the specific needs of the project.

Ink Cartridges and Page Yield

While not directly related to comb binding, understanding ink cartridges and page yield is important for overall document production. A cartridge’s page yield is the estimated number of pages you can print. For example, if a short memo has approximately 5% coverage and a cartridge has a yield of 500 pages, it can print 500 pages of that short memo. However, if you are printing photos or graphics, your coverage will vary greatly and your page yield will drop significantly. Since everyone’s printing habits are different, actual page yield can vary from user to user.

It's also worth noting the shelf life of a printer cartridge can vary depending on what sort of cartridge you are using. A cartridge can dry out after sitting for a few months, causing it to clog.

Compatible and Remanufactured Cartridges

When considering ink cartridges, you might encounter terms like "compatible" and "remanufactured." Compatible ink is much cheaper than the name brand. It’s like buying the generic version of the genuine brand. Remanufactured cartridges are name brand cartridges that have gone through one cycle of use. They undergo a professional refurbishing process where they are disassembled, cleaned, and tested for quality, then refilled, tested again, and brought back to life. Remanufactured cartridges are also much cheaper than the name brand.

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