Akiles CombMac 24E Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review

By: Jeff McRitchie
Submitted: 2009-11-03 17:55:16
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As one of the few, legal-sized electric comb binding machines available on the market, the Akiles CombMac 24E already enjoys an advantage over most other machines. Akiles wisely decided to build the 24E on the same platform as its extremely successful CoilMac EPI and WireMac E machines, giving it the durability and productivity that Akiles machines are known for. Let's take a closer look at the various advantages and disadvantages of the 24E.

Advantages:

1. The 24E is capable of punching fourteen inch legal sized documents and booklets in one punching cycle. For most other machines on the market, the user will be required to undergo a complicated setup procedure, and put the document through two punching cycles for legal-sized binding. The 24E also features a comb opener that will handle plastic combs that are up to twenty-four rings in length. Speaking of the comb opener, the 24E features a fairly unique reversible opener handle design. For lefties, this means that you will be able to move the handle to the other side for easier use. This is great for offices where the machine will have several different users.
2. The dies are fully disengageable and contain a feature that allows you to control the depth of the punch margin. This is great for binding non standard length documents, and for use with a wide variety of plastic comb sizes up to two inches in diameter. The punch is one of the most heavy duty available, and will allow the user to punch up to twenty five sheets (though you may find it works better if you top out at about 23). One of the 24E's great features is the convenient foot pedal which allows the user to hold the pages securely during punching to ensure that the pages are aligned and the punch is accurate.
3. The comb opener can be removed from the machine and used on its own, meaning that, for larger jobs, two people can work on a project at the same time. This can dramatically improve productivity.
4. As stated above, fact that the 24E is built on the same well proven platform as Akiles' Coilmac EPI and WireMac E, making it almost assuredly one of the most durable machines on the market. Plus, the design helps to ensure that the machine is very simple to use.

Disadvantages:

1. While the foot-operated punch is great for larger jobs, it might be a little more convenient if the CombMac 24E came with a push button operation option for smaller volume projects.
2. As one of the most heavy-duty machines out there, the size and construction leave the 24E as not one of the most portable. The machine weighs in at a hefty 75 pounds, so you would be well advised to either put it on a wheeled cart, or to have a dedicated space for it in your office.

Recommendation: Considering the many features we have discussed here, the capacity for heavy duty use, and, last but not least, the fact that the next step up in comb binding machines will run you thousands of dollars more, anyone who will be doing medium to high volume plastic comb binding should take a good look at the Akiles CombMac 24E.

Article source: Expert Articles