Jeff McRitchie

Reviewing The Akiles CombMac 24E Heavy Electric Comb Binding Machine

One of the only legal sized heavy duty electric comb binding machines available on the market.Built on the same platform with the same punching motor as the extremely successful CoilMac EPI and WireMac E.This is one of the only designs available where the comb opener handle is reversible. This means that if you are left handed you can move the handle to the left side for easy operation. This is extremely helpful in increasing productivity, especially for offices that have multiple users.

• One of the only legal sized heavy duty electric comb binding machines available on the market.
• Built on the same platform with the same punching motor as the extremely successful CoilMac EPI and WireMac E.
• Offers a high volume all in one solution for binding documents with plastic combs.

Features / Strengths:

• Punches 14" legal sized documents in a single punching cycle. Many of the other machines in this same price range will require a complicated setup and two punching cycles (you have to flip the documents over and punch the extra holes) for legal sized binding. It also has a legal sized comb opener for easy opening and inserting of plastic combs up to 24 rings.
• This is one of the only designs available where the comb opener handle is reversible. This means that if you are left handed you can move the handle to the left side for easy operation. This is extremely helpful in increasing productivity, especially for offices that have multiple users.
• Includes fully disengageable dies and a depth of punch margin control to give you full flexibility for binding documents that are non standard lengths and for use with plastic combs that are as small as 3/16" and as large as 2" in diameter.
• Heavy duty electric punch will punch up to 25 sheets (more like 23) at a time using a convenient foot pedal control. The foot pedal allows you to hold the document with both hands while punching to ensure that all of your pages are punched accurately and are aligned every time.
• Comb opener can be unbolted from the top of the machine and used as a stand alone device. This can help to improve productivity by allowing two users to take part in the binding process simultaneously.

Weaknesses / Limitations:

• It would be nice if the machine included a push button switch for punching. The foot pedal works great but sometimes it is more convenient to use a push button for just a few documents.Unfortunately, none of the other similar machines on the market include a push button switch either.
• Heavy duty design is ideal for high volume applications but is large and not very portable. If you are going to need to move the CombMac you might want to consider a moveable cart or work table since the machine is almost 75lbs.

Construction:

• Built on the same proven platform as the Coilmac EPI and WireMac E. Akiles has proven that these machines are some of the best in the industry.
• Built with high quality all metal components that are designed to hold up to even the most rigorous use.
• Simple to operate. The only complaint I have is that the comb opener looks like it was an addition to the machine. This does not affect functionality (in fact it actually enhances it). However, it isn't that asthetically pleasing.

Recommendation:

• Includes features that other machines in its class don't include such as legal sized punching and comb opening, a reversible handle for the opener and the ability to use the comb opener as a stand alone device.
• These features make it extremely worthwhile to look at the Akiles CombMac over the competing GBC C800pro or the DFG E Titan Comb.
• The reputation of the Akiles products is exceptional and their service is excellent if anything ever goes wrong with any of their machines (this is seldom the case).
• I would highly recommend this machine for organizations that do medium to high volumes of plastic comb binding. The next step up is several thousand dollars more.

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