The Akiles DuoMac 541 is a unique binding
machine in that it allows users to produce documents with both a four
to one and five to one pitch binding. In this review, we will
take a more in-depth look at the DuoMac 541 and give you a list of this
machine's strengths and weaknesses as we view them.
The Akiles DuoMac 541 is a unique binding
machine in that it allows users to produce documents with both a four
to one and five to one pitch binding. In the following review, we will
take a more in-depth look at the DuoMac 541 and give you a list of this
machine's strengths and weaknesses as we view them.
Strengths:
Although there are no shortage of binding systems on
the market that feature a 4 to 1 pitch punch, there are only a very few
that offer you the option of binding documents with 5 to 1 pitch coil.
With the DuoMac 541, however, you have the option of doing both. 5 to 1
pitch gives you a really nice, tightly bound look that is fairly
professional and just a little more elegant than four to one, and it is
nice to have the option to do both included in one machine. For users
who prefer the look of five to one pitch coil but need to occasionally
bind larger documents this machine solves a huge problem. Five to one
pitch coil is only available in smaller sizes, but users of the DuoMac
541 can simply switch to four to one pitch binding for their thicker
documents (over an inch).
We like how Akiles
saw fit to make sure to include some disengageable punching dies on the
DuoMac 541 as well. In fact, both of the DuoMac 541's punching throats
are open, and feature five dies that are disengageable, meaning that
they are capable of handling most standard sizes of paper. Even really
long sheets are possible using a two-punch process.
Different thicknesses of books and booklets require different depths of
hole punching from the edge of the sheets. For larger documents, it is
important to punch holes a little bit further in so that the document
will be more durable and the pages will turn more easily. The DuoMac
541 features two knobs on the machine's right side that allow you to
adjust the depth of the punch. Also known as depth of margin punch
control, this feature is a nice inclusion on the DuoMac 541.
The DuoMac 541 also saw fit to throw in a pair of very high quality
spiral coil crimping pliers. This is no small thing because they are so
essential to the process. These pliers allow the user to crimp the ends
of the wire spine so that it stays on the booklet where it belongs and
doesn't twist off.
Weaknesses:
We
found it extremely puzzling that the DuoMac 541 includes a wire closer,
but that it is essentially useless for the pitch of binding that the
machine does. It is no secret or mystery that wire is not available in
spacing of either four to one or five to one. It's not like the wire
closer is going to cause you any trouble, we just can't figure out why
it is there in the first place. We suppose you can always use it on
documents that you have punched on another machine.
Just as there is a wire closer that you don't need, there is a lack of
a spiral coil inserter that would come in very handy on the DuoMac 541.
Puzzling.
This is less a weakness of the
machine than of the style, but whereas you can find four to one pitch
binding supplies in a wide variety of colors and styles, five to one
supplies are a little harder to find, more expensive and are only
available in smaller sizes.
If you are interested in more information about the Akiles DuoMac 541 5:1 and 4:1 Pitch Coil 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, they carry one of the largest
selections of Coil Binding Supplies and binding covers available on the internet. Check them out today!
