subject: Akiles Alphabind Cm Manual Plastic Comb Binding Machine Review [print this page] Offered as a money-saving alternative to its Mega Bind line, the Akiles AlphaBind CM gives consumers a durable machine that works best with letter sized documents. Here are a few of the strengths and weaknesses of this machine as we see them.
Strengths:
1.) One thing that we liked right off the bat about the AlphaBind CM is that it features the same rugged, all metal construction as its more expensive counterparts in the Akiles Megabind line. If you are going to be punching and binding documents that are letter sized for the most part, the 12" inch punching throat is perfect for your needs. By purchasing the AlphaBind CM, you can pretty much have the same heavy duty machine as one from the Megabind line for a much lighter price.
2.) Although, as we stated, the AlphaBind CM is primarily designed for working with letter sized documents, if you have the need, you can actually make bigger books using the AlphaBind CM's open throat design and its fully disengageable punching pins. All you will have to do is to make one punch, then flip the stack over and make another. This does add a little bit of time to the process, so if it is something that you will be doing a lot, you may want to step up to the Megabind.
3.) The AlphaBind CM packs a mean punch. Specifically, up to 25 pages of 20lb paper per lift. That is some pretty nice power for a manual machine, and it may well get you through the vast majority of your booklets in one punch, greatly increasing your overall productivity. With the AlphaBind CM, you will also be able to bind documents that are up to 2 inches thick with ease (which is about as thick as you can go with plastic comb binding), and the depth of margin punch control means that your books will be both functional and durable.
4.) Another feature that we really appreciated about the AlphaBind CM was its extra large chip tray. A lot of other machines scrimp on this detail, meaning that not only do you have to empty the tray more often than you'd like, but the chips can get into the punching mechanism and gum up the works. The AlphaBind CM's large bin (which is also easily accessible from the front of the machine) means you will have much fewer of these problems.
Weaknesses:
1.) The AlphaBind CM is a nice, tough, rugged manual punch, but when all is said and done, it is still a manual punch. If you are looking for a machine that can handle high volume projects on a regular basis, you will likely want to look into a machine that features and electric punch in order to increase productivity and lessen the tedium and fatigue factors.
2.) As we stated above, the AlphaBind CM is designed to be used for producing letter sized documents for the most part. Though it is capable of punching and binding bigger books, if you are going to be doing so on a regular basis, you will want to get a machine that will allow you to do the job in one punch.
by: Jeffrey McRitchie
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