Question

The Martin Yale punch models 1325PB, 1325B & 1340PB state they have an adjustable margin depth but it doesn’t state what that depth is.  I checked the Martin site and it didn’t state either.  Need clarification on the margin depth spec.  I need a depth from the edge of the paper up to 1″.  I also will need an extra punch head as my application requires 4 holes.  If there is an option for 1/4″ punch size that would be preferred but can get by with 9/32″.

Gordon K.

Answer

The margin depth adjustment for these three models goes up to a half inch. The manufacturer, Martin Yale, has found that most businesses do not need a hole punched in a stack of paper that reaches beyond a half-inch. Holes punched further into the paper typically make it more difficult to turn the pages of a bound document. The largest diameter punch head in this series of paper punches is 13/32″. You can also install up to seven punch heads on the unit.

Paper hole punches are a useful tool for punching multiple stacks of paper, and assisting in the document binding process. Paper hole punches are available in a wide variety of models and formats. These commonly include single-hole punches that punch through hundreds of sheets at a time, custom punches, two-hole punches and three-hole punches.

Some paper hole punch models, such as the 1325B and 1340PB, come with different diameter punch heads, depending on your preference. The most common hole size is a quarter inch in diameter. Typically, the larger the hole the easier it is to turn a page in a stack of paper.

Question

Do you have a shredder around $1000 that shreds 20 sheets, jam free heavy duty, micro or cross cut?

Brenda M.

Answer

That’s a tall order! We found you a shredder, but it’s actually about $1,600 — the Dahle model 30414 Cross Cut Shredder. It shreds between 20-25 sheets of paper at a time (depending on paper weight). The challenge that you run into when searching for a cross cut shredder is sheet capacity. Most cross cut or micro cut shredders in your requested price range will not shred 20 sheets of paper at a time.

But high sheet capacity certainly isn’t an issue with the powerful Dahle 30414 paper shredder. This impressive German-engineered machine is capable of continuously shredding paper without the necessity of a cooling-down period. That’s because the Dahle 30414 shredder has a thermally protected motor. It’s also equipped with a heavy-duty, chain-driven motor. This keeps the shredder consistently shredding without any slipping.

The Dahle 30414 not only shreds paper, but destroys DVDs, CDs, credit cards, ID badges and other similar items. Several sensors make the 30414 one smart shredder. These sensors include an automatic on/off switch that detects paper when it is inserted into the machine, and a convenient bag-full indicator.

Question

Dear Sir/Madam:

Would either of these machines handle glossy stock and up to how many sheets?

My other question is how long will shipping/delivery take? Thanks.

Beth G.

Answer

We consulted Staplex, the manufacturer of the SS-45NHL and SS-45N Electric Saddle Staplers, and found that the paper stapling capacity depends on two factors. First, you need to know the paper weight. Coated stock, or glossy paper, comes in various thicknesses or weights. Second, glossy paper is manufactured with varying amounts of clay. The clay gives the paper increased rigidity. As a general rule of thumb, most glossy stock paper will reduce the stapling capacity of an electric stapler by at least 50 percent.

The model SS-45N was recently discontinued by the manufacturer, but the SS-45NHL dual capacity stapler is still available and will staple up to 40 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper at a time. If you need to staple more than 15 sheets of 20 lb. at once, you should use the RLD Thick Wire Long Length Staples for best results.

Delivery time on this model is typically three to five business days, depending on your location. It is also important to note that Staplex will not release a machine before testing a customer’s paper samples. This ensures that the right machine is delivered for your specific needs.

Question

I need the best value in a semi automatic Shrink wrap machine. I need to shrink wrap 50 CDs and a CD player all together where I stack the 50 CDs (in jewel cases) on top of a CD player put in a very clear heavy duty clear bag and run thru a heater to shrink the CDs and the CD player together and sell to a retailer so that the package looks like a great value and consumer can see the CDs with player and looks very professional.

We sell about 20 to 50k of these packs in one year. Our margins are very tight so I need something that is cost efferent and can do at least 500 to a 1000 per day with one or 2 people working the whole thing. Must be easy to operate so little training and must set up this machine with in 2 weeks to meet timing.

John S.

Answer

We recommend the Minipack Media Auto Shrink Wrap Machine for your highly specialized CD wrapping application. This shrink system is quick and efficient at wrapping large quantities of media components and materials. The Minipack Media was especially engineered for high-volume shrink wrapping jobs such as yours. It boasts a large sealing area and a heat tunnel that quickly shrinks down both PVC and Polyolefin shrink wrap film.

You can use either type of film for your special shrink wrapping project. The machine may also be programmed for various other jobs as well. The Minipack Media Auto Shrink Wrap Machine is a competitively price model for its category, easy to set up and operate, and it’s built to last a long time.

Question

I am currently looking for some equipment for my print shop. We are getting ready to expand our location and product line. What paper folder would you recommend for small to medium runs? I saw one that scores perfs and slits. Could you tell me more about it and a little more info on what the difference is in folders my current one is really old.. lol

When I hear back from someone I will have more pricing requests as well.

Travis P.

Answer

We recommend the Dynafold DE-8 Automatic Paper Folder. The DynaFold DE-8 is a lightweight, yet high-performance automatic paper folding machine. It is relatively easy to set up and operate. We have found this particular model popular with print shops, schools, banks, various offices and churches. Customers especially find it useful for folding business correspondence letters, bank statements, invoices and marketing materials.

The DE-8 paper folder can perform several common and uncommon folds. The DE-8 adjusts for differing paper thickness, and it can half-fold sheets of paper at an impressive rate of 22,000 sheets per hour. This model includes a creasing roller, dotted line roller, and cutting roller. Customers find these extra rollers useful for creating tear-off coupons, tickets and marketing promotional literature.

Question

I have bought an Easy Lam II laminator and I’m confused which laminating film to use.

Can you guide me please.

Best Regards

Naim A.

Answer

The EasyLam II Roll Laminator from Banner American is an excellent machine. It’s also a snap to operate. The EasyLam II offers plenty of clearance for lamination film loading. This means no more burnt knuckles when you need to hot-load a roll of film. The EasyLam II also features easy-to-use operator controls. There is a wide variety of laminating films that you can use with this laminator.

You may use 1.5 mil or 3 mil thick film with the EasyLam II. The film most of our customers use is the clear type. In fact, clear is the most common film used today. It is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive. You typically find clear roll lamination film in most copy shops, offices and schools.

Matte film is another popular stye and quite similar to clear lamination film. Matte film has a dull, non-glossy look. This type of film is ideal for eliminating annoying glare. You could also use UV film with your machine. This type of film protects and preserves documents by filtering out UV rays that fade color in photographs and other images. Office Zone carries several other types of laminating films that you can view here.

Question

How reliable is this Mini Pack External clamp sealer an how does it compare to the Foodsaver machines? I butcher 2 cows per year plus many vegetables. What machine would you recommend?

Herb C.

Answer

Food vacuum sealers are amazing tools for preserving and storing food for an extended amount of time. We carry several models that should fit your needs. However, we need some more information before making the most
accurate recommendation.

What’s the largest item you plan to seal? How many bags do you want to seal in a day? Do you plan to vacuum seal products with liquids? Is time a concern? Do you need to process food in a relatively short amount of time?

The model you mentinoed, the Minipack Food Vac External Clamp Vacuum Sealer, is a well-built, reliable model capable of handling most small, home vacuum sealing jobs. It’s also a good choice for select light duties at a restaurant or other similar food environment. We are not familiar with the Foodsaver line, so we would not be able to offer you comparisions with competing models.

Since you plan to process and vacuum pack at least two head of beef this year, we recommend you go with a commercial-grade chamber vacuum sealer. The money savings alone for vacuum bag supplies is reason enough to go in this direction.

Vacuum bags for external vacuum sealers require more of an investment when compared to internal chamber sealer supplies. Be sure to contact Office Zone to determine the best food vacuum sealer for your needs.

Question

I’ve been asked to price out a replacements for our current RENZ ECL 360 & our RHIN-O-TUFF HD7700 ULTIMA as we hope to find replacements that are no larger than 19-1/2″ deep in order to fit on the counter space of our shrinking/smaller work area.

Please email me a very SIMPLE list of your machines roughly comparable to each with measurements/dimensions, and very basic specifications, and pricing.  My boss asked that we get this before end of business Friday if at all possible.

Send along what you can and hopefully we can find smaller replacement machines. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing what our options are.

Thank you,

Clara

Answer

We’ll keep this as simple as possible. We recommend you replace your old Renz ECL 360 wire closer and HD 7700 Heavy Duty Electric Punch with two machines from Akiles: the VersaMac Super Duty Electric Interchangeable Binding Machine and WBM-532 Modular Wire Closer. The VersaMac electric punch actually takes up less counter space than your current machine. It measures 10-1/2 inches high by 18 inches long by 20-1/2 inches wide.

Although Renz makes a durable, professional-grade machine, Akiles is also just as well known in the industry for their high-quality binding machines and accessories. The VersaMac is a durable binding machine capable of punching up to 55 sheets at a time (depending on hole pattern), thanks to its powerful electric motor.

The VersaMac uses interchangeable punch dies. That means you can wire punch, swap out the die, and punch a document for coil binding. Other dies are available including three-hole, comb, and VeloBind. This is a simple-to-use machine designed for high-volume, continuous punching.

You can then complete your punching and wire closing ensemble with the WBM-532 Modular Wire Closer. It can close wire up to 14 inches in length. This durable, all-metal construction wire closer will last you for several years. It is easy to set up and includes several user-friendly features such as a wire diameter size selector and a built-in wire holder. This closer may be used with both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wire.

Question

Hi,

I am interested in buying a pouch laminating machine and would like your recommendation. I am a bit overwhelmed by all the choices!

I will be using the laminator in my home and will need to laminate about 1000 letter size pages over the next few months. I will probably use 7 or 10mil pouches. I need professional, reliable results. I’m looking to spend between $100 and $200.

I don’t think I’ll need the cold setting but I would like the option of laminating a medium cardstock paper.

Thank you.

Rebecca

Answer

If you absolutely must keep your purchase under $200, then the Fellowes Jupiter JL 125 Office Pouch Laminator is your best option. Keep in mind, however, that you cannot use 10 mil lamination pouches with this particular model. The thickest pouch you can use is 7 mil. But if you’re laminating medium-weight cardstock with 7 mil film, you should have plenty of rigidity with the final product.

The Jupiter JL 125 is especially useful for laminating photos, menus, art projects, covers and more. This is an easy-to-use laminator with many features typically found on more expensive laminators. Some of these features include a reverse button (to back out jammed objects), a variable temperature control, and a cold setting for pressure-sensitive laminating film. This setting is typically used by our customers who want to protect a photograph or laser-jet printed materials and avoid heat damage.

After just four minutes, the JL-125 is fully warmed up and ready to use. The Jupiter JL-125 is a good, all-around economical pouch laminator choice for home and office environments.

Question

Hello:

I’m looking for and industrial sized shrink wrap machine for sealing nuts and candy in small canisters/cylinders. What do you recommend?

Darvin S.

Answer

Based on similar packaging needs with past customers, we recommend the PP1622 (Preferred Pack) Combo Shrink Wrap System by GHL Packaging. This industrial-sized shrink system will package a wide variety of products with speed and extreme precision. The model PP1622 is a Preferred Pack combination system. That means it’s highly adjustable and versatile. You can watch an informative video demo of the PP1622 Combo shrink wrap machine here.

GHL’s Preferred Pack commercial/industrial machines feature a highly reliable micro-knife system. You won’t have to worry about down time from seal wires wearing out or breaking. This is a big advantage in high-production environments where minimal machine down-time is crucial. The strategically located heat tunnel evenly shrinks film around products in a relatively short amount of time. The tunnel comes complete with a re-circulating air chamber and live roller rod conveyor.