Monday, April 9, 2007

Never be Caught in a Bind Again

Rubicoil Binding Machine
Reported By Colleen Schaan

Not every crafter needs a binding machine, but every crafter should want one. My want turned into a need when I began making card organizers as gifts (See below for picture). Oh sure, I could run up to the nearest office supply store and pay double or triple the cost of the supplies and then labor on top of that, but as a smart businesswoman, I decided to invest in my own binding machine instead. It has paid for itself and then some!

After researching a few of the different types of binding machines out there, I decided on the Rubicoil and I have not been disappointed. Here are some of its stats:

It is approximately 15 inches long and 10 inches wide. It weighs 16 lbs. It has a 4:1 pitch (meaning there are 4 holes per inch) It punches round holes It can punch 3-4 pages of cardstock or 6-8 pages of typing/designer paper at a time. It has an adjustable paper guide and a clearly printed hole guide. It has a grooved channel to help insert coils. It has a U-shaped handle for maximum punching strength. It has hardened steel dies for clean punching.



I really like my Rubicoil machine. It was pretty easy to learn how to use the paper guide and with the printed hole guide, I could see exactly where my holes where going to be punched. I do recommend you practice with a sheet of scrap paper the very first time to learn how to line it up correctly though (no sense in ruining a project because of a learning curve.) I like that I can cut multiple pieces of cardstock at a time; that makes doing larger projects a breeze, and every cut is clean and sharp. The U-shaped handle is unique because it gives me a much larger gripping area and allows the entire handle to move in a solid, smooth motion.

So what are some of the things I don't care for? Well, I personally don't use the groove channel to insert my coils. I have tried a few times and it just doesn't seem to work as smoothly as it is supposed to. I have found it is just as easy to roll the coil onto my projects by hand. (I think it is a control issue!) The biggest issue I have with the Rubicoil is the weight. At a whopping 16 pounds, it is NOT something I lug around a lot. And due to the weight, a very solid punching surface is needed. I tried using mine on a plastic crafting table and didn't like the fact that the table wobbled each time I pulled the handle down. I fixed this by moving my Rubicoil to the floor. Now I sit on the floor and punch each project with ease. It is kind of a pain, but I figure hefting myself up from a sitting position is good exercise. (rolling my eyes)

The Rubicoil is an investment¦it runs anywhere from $150 US to $175 US. It is also not readily available at your neighborhood store. Do your research and check out the various on-line offers. You will find that prices and supplies included vary greatly. I purchased mine from BindingStuff.net and was pleased with their service. You will also need to purchase coils. Again, check around for the best price. Coils come in 12 inch lengths and various widths. You can usually buy coils in lots of 100, so you may want to buy with a group and share. The only other tool you will need to get started is a cutter/crimper. I highly recommend spending the extra $20-30 (US) to get one. It will cut the excess coil and crimp the end so your projects stay bound.

I wanted¦I mean NEEDED the machine to make my card organizers but I have used my Rubicoil for many other things. Here are just a few of the ways I have used my Rubicoil:

*Bind your own calendars or cookbooks.

*The Card Organizer design that started it all!



*Cover and decorate chipboard coasters and then bind them together to create a decorative piece. (Chipboard coasters could also be bound into mini-scrapbooks, picture frames, calendars, or wall hangings.) A tip here…the chipboard coaster will not be easily punched after it is decorated with designer paper. Punch the chipboard and decorative paper separately and then glue them together.



*Create your own journals or inspiration books.

*Create your own shopping lists, menu planners, or supply inventories (This is an example of my Stampin’Up! supply list.)

*Use punched cardstock to create interesting borders or accents to a card or scrapbook page.

*Coil bind catalogs or magazines

You see…the possibilities are endless, and with all the possibilities…you NEED a Rubicoil binding machine. Happy Binding!