Using a Comb Binding Machine

Let’s Review How To Bind A Book with a Comb Binding Machine.

Choose comb binding for its convenience and professional appearance for all your document binding needs! Comb binding machines provide a great and easy way to bind books, notebooks, presentations, and organize information. Comb binding is becoming more popular because books lie completely flat, which allows for easy reading, as well as the fact that pages can turn efficiently due to the spiral binding comb, and it is inexpensive.

Comb binding machines come in several types depending on what your volume needs are. The options are:

• Low Volume- used for home projects or occasional binding projects.
• Medium Volume- great for those who need to bind several books in one day.
• High Volume- can be used to bind anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of documents daily.

Each type of machine also varies in how many sheets of paper they can punch at one time. Again it depends on your needs. If time isn’t an issue and you are on a limited budget, you can choose a machine that only punches a few pieces of paper at once; however, if time is an issue and expense is not, then there are machines that can punch more paper, which produces quickly bound documents.

You can also choose either a manual punch, in which you must pull a lever to punch holes in your documents, or an electric punch that uses a motor and leaves both of your hands free. When you have chosen your machine, you are now ready to bind your document.

Sometimes even the easiest way to bind can become complicated and it no longer seems straightforward or basic. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you will find you can easily use your comb binding machine.

Simple Instructions For Binding A Book Using A Comb-Binding Machine:

1. Set up your comb binding machine and if necessary, adjust the margin depths, guides, and punching dies as needed. (Below is an image of one type of comb binding machine to give you an idea of where these can be found.)
   
2. Assemble the document you are binding. Place the front cover and the back sheet on also.
3. Choose the first group of pages that you are going to punch; according to how many pages your machine can punch at one time. (Hint: Your machine will last longer and perform more efficiently if you only punch 80% of the pages it can handle at once).
4. Punch the pages you have assembled. As you finish a group of papers, set them to the side, but make sure that you maintain the correct order of your document. This step will vary according to the machine that you have. Some will require you to push a button, while you need to pull a handle on others.
5. Put the binding comb in your machine’s opener/closer.
6. Open the comb and insert the open comb fingers through the holes of the papers you punched.
7. Close the comb and remove your document.

As with any piece of equipment, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and keep all your paperwork. If you have further questions or are unsure of a particular step, call for assistance.

How to Use Your Paper Cutter Safely

How to use your paper cutter safely:

First recognize that there is machine safety, which requires that all users know how to use the cutter properly, especially if your machine has safety mechanisms already built into it and personal safety, which requires the user to pay attention to prevent injury to themselves or others.

It is important to perform regular maintenance on your paper cutter so that it is in proper working order. Most paper cutter accidents that occur in offices are due to poorly maintained machines. Make sure that emergency stop buttons work and are properly fitted. If you are still shopping for paper cutter, look for extra safety features. The Dahle Safety First Series Guillotine Paper Cutters, for example, have rotary guards that cover the blade throughout the cutting process.

Guillotine paper cutters are extremely dangerous and everyone should be particularly careful when using when using this type of cutter. In 1999 the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) published a booklet specifically discussing guillotine paper cutter safety and created the following directives:

1. Guards must be provided to prevent the operator’s fingers from contacting the knife or clamp from either the front or rear of the machine. Only one person should be allowed to operate the machine at the one time and where long material is being cut and cannot be adequately supported by the worktable, additional supports should be provided.
2. A hand-operated guillotine should be made inoperative when not in use either by removal of the handle or by the use of a locking or similar device.
3. The shear edges of the blades should be maintained in good condition and blade clearance must be adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation appropriate to the thickness of the material being cut.
4. Waste scrap metal provides a hazard for the hands and protective gloves should be worn when the metal is handled. A container should be provided for waste material from the guillotine.

Make sure that employees do not take short cuts or try to rush the machine. All movements around your machine should be deliberate and cautious. Educate everyone that is in contact with your paper cutter on how to reduce injury, focus on:

• Lessening loads
• Provide mechanical aids
• Making sure you have a safe and efficient workplace layout
• The correct way to lift and carry supplies

Do not use a cutter if you are distracted, busy, or in a poorly lit room. Some employers have found it safer to put their cutter in a separate room to avoid user distractions. If you have a manual paper cutter make sure the table it is on is flat and stable. A digital machine should be checked to make sure its sensors are working and current.

Make sure to use common sense and follow your paper cutter manufacturers’ instructions and guidelines implicitly and if you have questions call them!