subject: Akiles Wiremac Combo Binding Machine Review [print this page] The Akiles WireMac Combo is uniquely positioned as virtually the only binding machine on the market capable of binding documents with either wire-o spines or plastic binding combs. Here are a few of the strengths and weaknesses of this machine as we see them.
Strengths:
1.) The Akiles WireMac Combo offers some unprecedented flexibility in that offers users the capability to bind documents in both the CombBind and the wire-o binding styles. This machine comes in a couple of different configurations. With the three to one pitch version of this system, you will be able to bind documents using plastic combs, wire-o, GBC Proclick and Zipbind, spiral coil, and spiral-o. This gives your organization an impressive variety of options for the different binding projects that you may have, such as presentations, reports and proposals. You can also get the WireMac Combo in a two to one pitch version which limits your options somewhat. This will provide you with the ability to do your binding with wire-o, plastic combs, Zip Bind and with specialty 0.400 spiral coil.
2.) The WireMac Combo is made from high quality steel components and is definitely built to last. In fact, it is one of the most durable binding machines that we have tested. The comb opener, wire closer, punching mechanism and punching dies are all built extremely well.
3.) This system comes with an ultra-duty wire closer on the front of the machine. The closer can handle all of the sizes of wire-o and spiral-o spines ranging from 3/16" up to 1-1/4" in size. Plus, the closer is designed to provide an even crimp along the entire length of your spine. Other wire closers will slip over time resulting in one end of your document being closed more than the other. That shouldn't be a problem with this machine.
4.) Some of the other features that we really like about the WireMac Combo are the fully disengageable dies which enable you to punch sheets that are custom size, and the open throat design that allows for the binding of documents of just about any size (using a two punch process). The wires on the front that allow you to hang pages on the spines, and the depth of punch margin control that allows you to set how far into the edge your holes are punched, helping you to ensure the durability and usability of your books.
Weaknesses:
1.) For all its versatility and functionality, the WireMac Combo is still a manually operated machine when all is said and done. All this means is that this is perhaps not the machine to choose if your plan is to use it for huge runs of documents, or if you will frequently have the need for speed. If that sounds like you, you may want to investigate an electric binding system and/or a modular one that features interchangeable dies. Still, this is a great machine for small to medium volume projects.
2.) If aesthetics matter to you at all, you should be aware that the WireMac Combo isn't the most sleek or modern looking piece of equipment that you are going to run across. Also, it is fairly large for a system of this type and it will take up its fair share of space on your counter. These things aren't exactly deal breakers, but they are something that we thought you should be aware of.
by: Jeffrey McRitchie
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