Jeff McRitchie

Plastic Comb Binding: How to Do It

If you are looking for a relatively simple binding method, plastic comb binding is the way to go. Aside from thermal binding, it's really the easiest binding method around and it can make your documents look great. To use this method, you need a comb binding machine, some plastic combs, printer or copier paper, and covers. The supplies are affordable and you can find a decent comb binding machine for about $100.00.

If you're looking for a relatively simple binding method, plastic comb binding is the way to go. Aside from thermal binding, it's really the easiest binding method around and it can make your documents look great. To use this method, you need a comb binding machine, some plastic combs, printer or copier paper, and covers. The supplies are affordable and you can find a decent comb binding machine for about $100.00. To bind your documents, just follow these instructions:

• Proofread and print your document. Choose a front and back cover for your book so it will look great when you're done.

• Make sure your comb binding machine is on a sturdy surface. If your device has a paper size selector, adjust it to reflect the size of your sheets. Most machine can handle letter-sized sheets as well as letter-sized covers. If you want to use paper that's larger or smaller than 8.5" x 11", you will need to disengage or engage some of the punching dies so you can punch the right number of holes. (Note: not every machine has disengageable dies. If yours doesn't, you'll probably be stuck using letter-sized paper.)

• Now that your device is set up, you can punch holes in your document. Your binding machine can only punch a certain amount of sheets at once. This punching capacity should be noted in the device's instruction manual. Do not exceed the punching capacity. If you do, you can dull the punching dies over time.

• Once all of your pages are punched, you need to select a comb. Most machines have a comb selector. If your machine does, use it to measure the thickness of your document and then choose a comb that can bind all of the pages.

• Place the comb on the metal teeth of the comb opener. The comb's tines should be pointing up. Open the comb by adjusting the comb opener lever on the side of the machine. Open the comb enough to make it easy to bind your document but not enough to cause it to go flying. Start stacking your document and slip the comb's tine through the holes in the paper.

• Close the comb by moving the comb opener lever to its original position. Remove your book from the machine and repeat the process for any other documents you need to bind.

• When you are finished binding your work, take a moment to empty the chip tray. This is usually located at the bottom of the machine. Emptying the tray will keep the punching dies in good shape so you can get more use out of your machine.

Overall, using a comb binding machine is easy and it will get easier each time you bind. If you want, bind a couple of practice books before you try to bind an important report, proposal, or other professional document. Then you can bind your work with confidence.

Plastic comb binding is a great way to to put together your documents so they'll look great. Give it a try today.

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