Reviewing the GBC Comb Bind C340 Comb Binding Machine

The GBC CombBind C340 plastic comb binding machine is a relatively new product from the company, which still has the market cornered when it comes to binding machines. This machine has several features that really make it stand out and it should make binding easier for busy professionals. To find out more about this binding machine, please keep reading.

The GBC CombBind C340 plastic comb binding machine is a unit that was designed for offices needing a fast and easy binding method. This machine can punch almost 25 sheets of paper at once (this is one of the largest punching capacities available on a manual comb binding machine), and it binds documents that are up to 425 pages long. You can use regular plastic combs with this machine, as well as GBC ZipBind spines.

This machine has a few brand new features that are designed to make the binding process as quick and painless as possible. The first is a new paper-centering system that, when combined with a vertical feed alignment, ensures you'll always accurately punch your paper. There's also a paper separator that helps you figure out just how much paper you can realistically punch so you won't wind up with poorly punched pages or even a paper jam. A rotary control helps you open and close your binding combs, as well. As an added bonus, the machine's handle is ergonomically friendly, and can easily be used by both right- and left-handed people. The handle can also be used to transport the machine and since the machine has a small footprint, it can be stored just about anywhere.

The CombBind C340 retails for approximately $320.00, so it's a pretty affordable option for most offices. However, because of the price, the machine does have some limitations. First, the machine lacks disengageable pins, so you won't be able to bind documents that are custom-sized. The machine also lacks an open throat, so you can't use it for legal or A4-size punching either. You'll only be able to punch letter-sized documents, so if you need to punch documents of different sizes, the CombBind C340 definitely isn't the machine for you. This is also true if you'd like a machine that has a depth of punch control. Without this feature, you can't control the position of your document's holes. (Then again, you really only need this feature if you're working with custom-sized documents.)

There are two other drawbacks to the CombBind C340. Since the machine has a manual punch and a punching capacity of 25 sheets, this is obviously not a good machine to use if you'll be producing a lot of documents. Also, the rotary comb opener isn't as good as an old-fashioned comb opener. Those are typically easier to use, so inexperienced users may have some trouble with the rotary opener. The parts used in the comb opening mechanism are also not as durable as we would like to see. If you aren't careful it might be possible to break the comb opener on this machine. If the machine isn't under warranty you will end up buying a new machine since there are no parts available for this machine.

Despite its drawbacks, the GBC CombBind C340 would be a good choice for offices that bind occasionally and need a feature-rich plastic comb binding machine with a great punching capacity. The document separator and auto-centering guide make this machine unique amongst its peers. This machine is also affordable, so it's an obvious choice for people who need a plastic comb binding machine.