User Guide: Book Binding Machine

Description

Use our book binding machine to punch holes in paper, then bind them together with book binding combs. You can make booklets, brochures, journals, sketchbooks, and more. We offer book binding combs for sale in 3/8" size (max 55 sheets of paper) and 3/4" size (max 150 sheets of paper).


What We Provide - Makerspace Equipment & Materials

Makerspace equipment is free to use, but there is a cost for project materials and items. We provide the following:

  • Book binding machine - GBC Docubind P200
  • Limited materials for sale (cash only). Material availability is not guaranteed; prices are subject to change. We encourage you to bring in your own materials to create your projects.
    - Book binding combs: 3/8" size (max 55 sheets of paper) - 5¢/comb; 3/4" size (max 150 sheets of paper) - 20¢/comb


What You Must Bring - Materials & Items

To use this equipment, you must bring the following:

  • Project materials - Bring the papers you need bound together.
  • Book binding combs - If you need a comb different from the sizes we sell (3/8" and 3/4"), you can bring in any combs that work with standard 19-ring comb-binding machines.


Learn

Print Guides:
- GBC Docubind P200 Manual

Using the Book Binding Machine

  1. The lever on the right should be facing vertically/straight up.
  2. Adjust the gray slider to match the paper height size.
  3. Insert the edge of the paper being bound into the front slot of the machine.
  4. Slide until the paper edge meets the gray slider edge.
  5. Pull right lever down to punch holes.
  6. Put binder comb behind prongs. Points of comb should point away from you. Prongs should go between each comb.
  7. Pull the small lever on the left GENTLY to open the combs.
  8. Align holes in paper with points/open ends of combs and adjust as needed.
  9. Push lever on the left down slowly to close comb.
  10. Lift book off prongs.
  11. If needed, trim extra binding.

Videos:
- How to Use a Comb Binding Machine - This video isn't specific to our GBC book binding machine, but it gives a good overview of how comb machines generally work.

In-Person - Book-A-Maker Appointment:
- Book-A-Maker appointments are one-on-one sessions to learn how to use a specific piece of Makerspace equipment. After your appointment, you'll have the knowledge and experience necessary to independently work on our equipment during Makerspace Open Use Hours.
- Book-A-Maker Appointments are open to Bloomingdale Public Library cardholders only. To make an appointment, fill out the online form. SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. Please allow at least 2 business days for a reply.
- If you're unable to make your appointment, please email or call the staff member who contacted you. If you have multiple broken appointments without notice, staff will not accommodate future Book-A-Maker requests.


Tips

  • Do not place anything in the punch opening of the machine other than paper and cover stock.
  • Lift the machine from the bottom, not the cover. Do not lift the machine by the cover or paper holder wire.
  • Punch only TWO clear covers at a time to prevent jams and excessive wear.
  • Maximum Punch Capacity: 25 sheets of 20 lb. paper
  • Maximum Bind Capacity: 425 sheets or 2"
  • Maximum Sheet Width: 11.7"


Reserve

Equipment reservations are recommended. Walk-ins during Open Use Time are welcome, but equipment availability is not guaranteed.

  • Reservation limit of 2 hours per day max.
  • Limit one reservation allowed per day.
  • Reservation requests can be made up to 7 days in advance.
  • All reservation requests are on a first-come, first-served basis.

To make a reservation, first check our Makerspace Equipment Calendar for equipment availability. If the equipment is not reserved, please call the Adult Reference Desk at 630-924-2730 to make a reservation. Please have the following ready:

  • Your full name
  • Your Bloomingdale Public Library card number
  • Equipment you want to reserve
  • Preferred date(s)/time(s)