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How to Use a Fellowes Binding Machine

Published in Document Binding 4 mins read

Using a Fellowes binding machine is a simple process involving punching your documents and then attaching them to a binding element.

According to the provided information, the process is straightforward: it is a matter of hole-punching your pages, lining up your binding circle and pressing the handle to the closed position. That is all there is to it. Just be sure to line up the binding circle properly, so all the tabs will interlock in the correct position.

This guide breaks down these steps into easy-to-follow instructions.

Getting Started with Binding

Before you begin, ensure you have the right binding supplies for your machine, such as comb bindings or wire bindings, and a cover page if desired.

The Simple Steps to Binding

Based on the core actions highlighted in the reference, the process is essentially divided into preparation (punching and setup) and the final binding action.

1. Punching Your Pages

The first essential step is hole-punching your pages.

  • Gather the pages you want to bind.
  • Insert a manageable stack of pages into the punching slot of your Fellowes binding machine. Be careful not to exceed the maximum sheet capacity specified for your model to ensure a clean punch.
  • Pull the punching handle to create the holes in your documents.
  • Repeat this process until all your pages and covers have been punched.

2. Setting Up the Binding Element

Next, you need to prepare the binding element (like a comb or coil) on the machine. The reference specifically mentions lining up your binding circle.

  • Place your comb or wire binding onto the opening mechanism of the binding machine.
  • Ensure it is lined up properly. This often involves positioning the spine of the comb or the loops of the wire so they are held open and ready to receive the punched pages.

3. Adding Your Punched Pages

With the binding element open on the machine, you can now add your documents.

  • Thread the punched holes of your pages onto the opened teeth of the comb or loops of the wire binding.
  • Start with the back cover (face down), followed by the rest of your pages (face down), and finally the front cover (face down). This ensures the covers are on the outside and facing correctly when the binding is closed.

4. Closing the Binding

The final step is to secure your document by closing the binding element around the pages.

  • Once all pages are threaded onto the binding element, you need to close it.
  • This is achieved by pressing the handle to the closed position. This action will typically close the comb or crimp the wire loops, securing the pages together.
  • As the reference states, be sure to line up the binding circle properly, so all the tabs will interlock in the correct position when closing the comb.

Essential Binding Tips

  • Check Alignment: Always double-check that your pages and binding element are correctly aligned before closing the binding to avoid misaligned holes or tabs.
  • Test First: If you're new to the machine or using a new type of paper, test punching and binding on a few scrap pages first.
  • Handle Capacity: Respect the machine's punching capacity to maintain punch quality and prevent damage.
  • Comb Size: Choose a comb or wire size appropriate for the number of pages you are binding. (Learn more about binding supplies - Note: This is a placeholder link)

Summary of the Binding Process

Here's a quick overview of the key steps mentioned:

Action Purpose Key Detail from Reference
Hole-punching your pages Preparing documents for binding First step to creating holes
Lining up your binding circle Positioning the binding element on the machine Ensuring correct placement before adding pages
Pressing the handle to the closed position Securing the pages within the binding The action that closes the binding element
Ensure proper alignment Guaranteeing a neat and secure binding All tabs will interlock in the correct position

Following these steps, you can easily use a Fellowes binding machine to create professional-looking bound documents.

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