Book Binding Options

[Klippers]

I am looking for a good way to bind several of my documents, old and new. I want the bound sheets of paper to look good. I have been looking around on the Web for several methods to do this. I came across coil binding and think it might work. What are your thoughts on the matter? Thanks!

 

http://www.officezone.com/images/coil_s.jpg

List Of Coil Binders

[ZeissIkon]

I am looking for a good way to bind several of my documents, old and new. I want the bound sheets of paper to look good. I have been looking around on the Web for several methods to do this. I came across coil binding and think it might work. What are your thoughts on the matter? Thanks!

 

http://www.officezone.com/images/coil_s.jpg

List Of Coil Binders

 

Another option, which can be done in house at most "instant printing" shops, is comb binding. This uses a plastic binding, what amounts to a bunch of self-curling rings attached to a strip. The paper is drilled similarly to the method for coil or wire binding, and the comb inserted with a special tool. The equipment required for the comb is a lot smaller and simpler than for a coil, and the drilling machine about the same, making the operation practical for a small shop that might not be able to afford or have room for a coil binder. Best of all, it's fairly easy to remove the comb, if you ever need to unbind; this is not the case with a coil, which are generally a PITA to unbind.

[JHeels]

I am looking for a good way to bind several of my documents, old and new. I want the bound sheets of paper to look good. I have been looking around on the Web for several methods to do this. I came across coil binding and think it might work. What are your thoughts on the matter? Thanks!

 

http://www.officezone.com/images/coil_s.jpg

List Of Coil Binders

 

Another option, which can be done in house at most "instant printing" shops, is comb binding. This uses a plastic binding, what amounts to a bunch of self-curling rings attached to a strip. The paper is drilled similarly to the method for coil or wire binding, and the comb inserted with a special tool. The equipment required for the comb is a lot smaller and simpler than for a coil, and the drilling machine about the same, making the operation practical for a small shop that might not be able to afford or have room for a coil binder. Best of all, it's fairly easy to remove the comb, if you ever need to unbind; this is not the case with a coil, which are generally a PITA to unbind.

 

 

+1 on the comb binding. I comb bind most documents over 20 pages that I need to stock around for a while.

[Tricia]

I have to disagree with the others. I MUCH prefer coil binding because I can fold the pages back. I can't with a comb binding.

 

Kinko's (now FedEx/Kinko's I think) can do both and usually have samples, so check them out to see what works best for what you want. You can get the equipment yourself but it's so inexpensive at the copy shop that I prefer not having to do it myself. I get a lot of workbooks (the ones you're meant to write in) coil-bound at Kinko's. They cut off the spine, punch it, and coil bind it for just a couple of bucks.

 

 

[someonesdad]

Depends what your objectives are. For me, the first thing to decide is whether I want the binding to lay flat or not. If not, I'll go with Velobind or perfect binding or somesuch. If I want cheap and not-lay-flat, I'll just use a stapler and put three or four big staples in the edge and call it good. If I want flat folding, then typical choices are comb or coil binding. If I want to put a title on the spine, then I'll go with comb binding; otherwise, I'll use coil binding.

 

For me, many times a three ring binder is the preferred method. Not the junk they make today, but the older binders from 25-50 years ago that were built like tanks.

[merzig]

What about tape binding? Rather than perforating the pages and putting plastic through, they glue and tape the ends. Less invasive and they do it at Kinko's.

[Philip1209]

I've had binding done at Kinko's before and have had good experiences. For something I will write on (e.g. a notebook), I much prefer spiral binding. However, if you are rebinding old books, comb binding works well too. I believe tape binding is more like the original book's binding, so that may be another good option for you.

 

Here are the services Kinko's offers:

http://fedex.com/us/officeprint/storesvcs/.../finishing.html

[NateB]

If it is something you want to be able to do yourself, you may want to check out Levenger's Circa system.

 

If you live close to a college campus, you could check out their print shop. They generally have a wide range of binding options.

 

[Klippers]

Thanks for all the advice! I do like the look of the spiral binding, but the comb binding seems to be less money (Comb Binding Supplies). I guess now I will have to determine if I'm willing to make a sacrifice to save a buck. :-)