The Coilmac EPI is a heavy duty electric spiral coil binding machine with both an electric punch and an electric coil inserter.Offers
a 25 sheet punching capacity (actually more like 22 sheets) for 20lb
bond paper. Can punch 2 clear covers at a time. This is one of the
largest punch capacities available in a desktop binding machine. Uses a
foot pedal control to allow you to hold your document in both hands
while punching and inserting.
Overview:
The Coilmac EPI is a heavy duty electric spiral coil binding machine with both an electric punch and an electric coil inserter.
It is one of the largest and most impressive desktop combination units available on the market.
Offers a great set of features for medium to large organizations
Features / Strengths:
Offers
a 25 sheet punching capacity (actually more like 22 sheets) for 20lb
bond paper. Can punch 2 clear covers at a time. This is one of the
largest punch capacities available in a desktop binding machine. Uses a
foot pedal control to allow you to hold your document in both hands
while punching and inserting
Offers a continuous punching
guide that lets you punch longer documents using the open throat design
of this machine. This is a small metal pin that is on the side of the
punching throat that helps you to align the document when you flip it
over to punch the other side.
Includes a pair of coil
crimping pliers to help you finish the coil bound documents by cutting
off the excess coil and bending over the ends so it doesn't come back
off the book.
Includes a depth of punch margin control to allow you to choose how far from the edge of the page you want the holes.
Has
adjustments for binding 8.5", 11", A4 and A5 paper. You can also punch
14" legal sized paper and other longer documents with a two step
process using the continuous punching guide.
Can be used with
oversized covers by moving the paper guide so that the last pin on the
machine corresponds to the last hole on the cover. This is a capability
that most coil binding machines do not have.
Limitations / Weaknesses:
Does
not offer fully disengageable dies. This means that it will have
difficulties with custom sized non standard documents. This is not an
issue for most users but is something to keep in mind.
It
uses a single foot pedal that requires you to flip a switch to change
between inserting and punching. This means that it is not as efficient
for users who like to punch one book and then insert the coil. With the
EPI it will be faster to first punch your books and then insert the
coils.
Large volume users may find that a stand alone coil
inserter and a modular punch may increase productivity by allowing two
users to work on a project instead of just one.
Construction:
In
the words of one customer the EPI is "built like a tank" Heavy duty all
metal construction. This machine weighs almost 75lbs and is designed
for long lasting durability in medium to high volume applications.
The
only consumable part on the EPI is the small rubber belt that drives
the coil inserter. This is simple to replace and only costs a few
dollars. The other components on the EPI can be replaced if any
problems were to arise. Most desktop binding units are cost prohibitive
to repair. With the EPI this is not the case.
Recommendation:
Ideal for mid to high volume users looking for a solid spiral coil binding solution that is built to last.
Should be able to handle almost any job that you throw at it.
For
the highest volume users a solution that includes a separate coil
inserter (or an additional stand alone inserter) might be helpful.
This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com.
Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two
hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers,
3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper
Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.
