Jeff McRitchie

Rhino Tuff PC-2004 Review

With its system of coil insertion that makes longer coils easier than with most machines, the Rhino PC-2004 can fairly claim some measure of innovation.In this article, we will weigh the relative merits of this machine and give you a list of what we think its strengths and weaknesses are.

What we like:

1. Rhino's PC-2004 features a coil inserting system that we found really unique and helpful. Among other things, the system makes the insertion of all different lengths of coil easier than it is on most other machines. With the small chute on the side that helps to guide the coil into the book, preventing it from falling to a side, we found that we had no problems with spirals from six to thirty six inches. When used in combination with the lexan insertion guide, the user will be able to do faster more accurate inserting.
2. The PC-2004's coil inserter can be used with a huge variety of coil sizes and document spines. This machine can handle anything from 6mm to 30mm in diameter without a problem. This is pretty unusual as we are used to seeing machines that can handle the smaller coils. However, it sure is nice to have a machine around that can deal with 25mm coils when necessary.
3. The binding world has come to expect machines that are part of the Rhino Tuff line to be strong and durable. The PC-2004 is no exception. It is a heavy duty, all metal machine that should be able to withstand years of use without any need for any but the most minor maintenance. The only thing that might need replacing is the rubber wheel, but even that should last years without needing attention.

What needs improvement:

1. Though we think that the unique design of the PC-2004's coil inserter is pretty remarkable - it is inarguable that it makes this machine extremely well suited for handling longer coils. However, it is also more difficult to use than the roller style inserters that we are traditionally used to seeing. While this shouldn't present much of a problem for those who will be using the machine on a regular basis, and can thus get used to the process, it will present a bit of a learning curve to those who are used to the way that some of the other machines operate.
2. The PC-2004's punch is rated to handle only a relatively low twelve sheets at a time. This is a decent capacity for lighter volume use. However, if you are planning on using it to punch a large number of books in a typical day, you will want to block out a lot of time, or find a machine with a larger punching capacity.
3. We found it a bit incongruous that this machine is clearly designed for inserting long coils, but the punch is less than great for punching longer documents. It has an open throat, but no disengageable dies, meaning that there might well be half holes on the edges of documents that are any larger than letter size.

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