Choosing a binding machine can be glove machine
Choosing a binding machine can be glove machine confusing.
There are a lot of options on the market, for many different types of
binding. If you are looking for a desktop binding unit, but still want
higher-volume capacity, the Akiles Coilmac EPI may be the right binding
machine for you. This heavy-duty electric spiral coil-binding machine
has both an electric punch and an electric coil inserter, making it
very versatile. The Coilmac EPI is also one of the largest and most
impressive desktop combination units on the market today. Its features
are perfect for any medium to large organization looking for a reliable
binder that can take on larger projects.
To that end, the Coilmac EPI is a desktop binding machine with one of
the largest punch-capacities available now. Its official punching
capacity is 25 sheets for 20lb bond paper, but the true capacity is
probably a bit closer to 22 sheets. The Coilmac EPI also has the
ability to punch 2 clear covers at a time, using a foot pedal control.
This type of control allows you to hold your document in both hands
while punching and inserting, making the project much easier and more
convenient. In addition, the machines open-throat design allows you to
punch longer documents. This can be accomplished by using the
continuous punching guide, which is actually just a small metal pin on
the side of the punching throat. This pin helps you align a document
while you flip it over and punch the other side a clever and
effective idea.
The punching guide is not where the extras end, however. The Coilmac
EPI also includes a pair of coil crimping pliers. These pliers make it
possible for you to finish your coil bound documents in a neat and
professional way. In addition, a depth-of-punch margin control, which
allows the user to adjust for hole locations within the diameter of the
page. The machine also allows adjustments for binding 8.5, 11, A4 and
A5 paper and punching 14 legal sized paper. This is the kind of
flexibility that can be very helpful if you create a lot of different
kinds of documents. And unlike most coil-binding machines, the Coilmac
EPI has the ability to bind oversized covers. This is accomplished by
moving the paper guide to align the last pin on the machine with the
last hole on the cover, creating perfect alignment, every time.
As we have discovered, the Coilmac demonstrates a variety of unique
benefits, but there are also a few limitations to this machine. For
instance, this binding machine doesnt include fully disengageable
dies. This isnt a huge issue, but it can make it difficult to work on
customized and non-standard documents. Another issue is the machines
single foot pedal. When the foot pedal is used, you must flip a switch
to change from inserting to punching. This can really cause the binder
to be less than efficient. This is especially true for people who want
to punch one document first, then insert the coil, and so on. The
Coilmac EPI is better for punching all of your documents first, then
insert all of the coils at once. If larger-volume projects are
important to you, the Coilmac EPI may not be the perfect choice. In
that situation, you may be better served by purchasing a stand-alone
coil inserter with a modular punch. This kind of set-up makes it
possible for two people to work on a project at the same time
The Coilmac EPI is a very sturdy machine and is made with an all-metal,
heavy-duty construction, this machine is built to last, or as one user
put it, its built like a tank. The machine weighs 75lbs, which is
quite heavy for a desktop binder. Because of this great durability, the
CoilMac EPI really is a great binding machine high or medium volume
projects and day, after day use.
There is only one component on the CoilMac EPI that may need
replacement on a regular basis. This part is the small rubber belt,
which is used to drive the coil inserter. This part is easy to replace
and is not very expensive, costing just a few dollars. If there are any
other components that fail on the CoilMac EPI, they can certainly be
replaced, but the chances are good that this will never happen.
However, if there is some sort of a mechanical problem, the EPI is very
easy and inexpensive to repair, much more so than many of the other
desktop binding machines.
The Coilmac EPI is a great solution if you require a well-made,
spiral-coil binding machine and plan to use it for medium to large
volume applications. The EPI is definitely well-built and can handle
almost any project you give it. As mentioned before, if your needs are
very high-volume, you may need to purchase a stand-alone coil inserter.
This could potentially effect your decision to buy the Coilmac EPI. In
most every other way, however, the EPI is a great solution for your
many binding needs.
