Presented as a small or home office
solution for light duty binding, the Akiles OffiWire comes in 3:1 or
2:1 pitch versions. Here is a short report that lists some of the
strengths and weaknesses of this machine as we see them.
Presented as a small or home office
solution for light duty binding, the Akiles OffiWire comes in 3:1 or
2:1 pitch versions. It can bind documents using double loop, wire-o, or
twin loop styles. Here is a short report that lists some of the
strengths and weaknesses of this machine as we see them.
Strengths:
Available in two different models, one that punches a
three to one pitch, and one two to one version, the OffiWire give you
some great options right off the bat. The 3:1 pitch machine gives you
the option of binding books and booklets from three sixteenths to nine
sixteenths of an inch with wire. You can also use GBC Proclick or 3:1
spiral coil binding supplies with that machine. The 2:1 version gives
you options ranging from five eights to an inch and a quarter thick.
However, you also have the option of binding smaller sized documents
using special smaller sized wires if you ever find the need to produce
a run of like sized documents.
We really
appreciated that Akiles went the extra mile by constructing the
OffiWire's wire closer of all metal. It is often a problem with a lot
of lower end machines that they scrimp a little on the quality of the
closer. This creates problems down the line when they start to close
wires crookedly. This machine's wire closer is made out of heavy duty
steel and we can safely say that it is unlikely that it will ever wear
out. The bolts that it uses allow for precision adjustment of the
closer, and also prevent slipping.
It's the
little things that mean a lot. In the case of the OffiWire, that
includes the U-shaped operating handle that seems more ergonomic than
those on a lot of other machines. Our resident southpaw appreciated the
fact that it was just as easy for her to use as it is for the righties.
There is even a wire holder located on the
machine's front that will help the user hold the spine of the document
in place when hanging pages. All you need to do is to press on the back
of the holder and insert the wire. The clamp then holds the spine in
place while you do your inserting.
Weaknesses:
Though it is a very feature-rich machine, it is important to understand
that the OffiWire is a unit that is meant for use on a small office
setting. It has a fairly light punching capacity of ten sheets per
lift, and this alone makes it not terribly well suited for larger
office or higher volume use. If you will realistically need a larger
capacity than this, you should keep looking. If not, however, the
OffiWire is still a great choice, in our opinion.
Although the construction is good, it should be mentioned that the
chassis of this machine is made of plastic. If you want a machine that
is of all metal construction, you may need to step up to the WireMac,
Akiles' similar, but more durable machine.
There are no disengageable dies on the OffiWire, and it is limited to
punching sheets that are letter sized. There is also no mechanism for
controlling the depth of the punch margin.
If you are interested in more information about the Akiles OffiWire 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 Wire Binding Supplies and binding covers available on the internet. Check them out today!
