The Akiles WireMac Combo is uniquely
positioned as virtually the only binding machine on the market capable
of binding documents with either wire-o spines or plastic binding
combs. Here are the strengths and weaknesses of this machine
as we see them.
The Akiles WireMac Combo is uniquely
positioned as virtually the only binding machine on the market capable
of binding documents with either wire-o spines or plastic binding
combs. Here are a few of the strengths and weaknesses of this machine
as we see them.
Strengths:
The Akiles WireMac Combo
offers some unprecedented flexibility in that offers users the
capability to bind documents in both the CombBind and the wire-o
binding styles. This machine comes in a couple of different
configurations. With the three to one pitch version of this system, you
will be able to bind documents using plastic combs, wire-o, GBC
Proclick and Zipbind, spiral coil, and spiral-o. This gives your
organization an impressive variety of options for the different binding
projects that you may have, such as presentations, reports and
proposals. You can also get the WireMac Combo in a two to one pitch
version which limits your options somewhat. This will provide you with
the ability to do your binding with wire-o, plastic combs, Zip Bind and
with specialty 0.400 spiral coil.
The WireMac
Combo is made from high quality steel components and is definitely
built to last. In fact, it is one of the most durable binding machines
that we have tested. The comb opener, wire closer, punching mechanism
and punching dies are all built extremely well.
This
system comes with an ultra-duty wire closer on the front of the
machine. The closer can handle all of the sizes of wire-o and spiral-o
spines ranging from 3/16" up to 1-1/4" in size. Plus, the closer is
designed to provide an even crimp along the entire length of your
spine. Other wire closers will slip over time resulting in one end of
your document being closed more than the other. That shouldn't be a
problem with this machine.
Some of the other features
that we really like about the WireMac Combo are the fully disengageable
dies which enable you to punch sheets that are custom size, and the
open throat design that allows for the binding of documents of just
about any size (using a two punch process). The wires on the front that
allow you to hang pages on the spines, and the depth of punch margin
control that allows you to set how far into the edge your holes are
punched, helping you to ensure the durability and usability of your
books.
Weaknesses:
For all its
versatility and functionality, the WireMac Combo is still a manually
operated machine when all is said and done. All this means is that this
is perhaps not the machine to choose if your plan is to use it for huge
runs of documents, or if you will frequently have the need for speed.
If that sounds like you, you may want to investigate an electric
binding system and/or a modular one that features interchangeable dies.
Still, this is a great machine for small to medium volume projects.
If aesthetics matter to you at all, you should be aware that the
WireMac Combo isn't the most sleek or modern looking piece of equipment
that you are going to run across. Also, it is fairly large for a system
of this type and it will take up its fair share of space on your
counter. These things aren't exactly deal breakers, but they are
something that we thought you should be aware of.
If you are interested in more information about the Akiles WireMac Combo Wire / Plastic Comb Binding Machine you should really check out MyBinding.com.
They offer a great price on this machine and they even offer Free
Shipping on all orders over $75. Plus, MyBinding carries huge slelction
of plastic combs and Wire Binding Supplies. Check it out today.
