Fellowes Galaxy Comb Binding Machine 5218201 - 20 Sheet Capacity, Perfect for Office, School & Home Document Binding

This machine is very easy to use. It has been used to make cookbooks. As soon as one section is punched it can be placed in the comb and when all sections have been placed in the comb the comb is closed and the book is finished!The machine seems to work great. I ordered a used but in good condition machine from amazon and it did not have the cord in the box. Fortunately we had a cord that fit it, as it is a standard plug. Just beware ordering open box items.I thought for the amount of money this cost, it would be somehow far more heavy duty and that it would more easily bind paper into books, but after using it, I can’t fathom any reason why it needs to be this large to do the job it does. It is essentially just a big hole puncher, that also will slightly pull apart a plastic comb spine--and you have to do the threading of the plastic comb yourself. It’s not super easy or fast to do that last part. I’d hoped for the extra money, I could just feed the pages into the superior machine and it would do the work of binding, but not really so. Nevertheless, I was quite pleased with the bound copied I made with this. Just wish it wasn’t so large if it didn’t have to be, because I have to store it. I’d gladly store it if the large size contributed to the ease of operation; it does not.I love this binding machine. No more wrist/arm/shoulder strain to punch holes. Moving pages to the binder as soon as they are hole-punched is so much easier as they are punched standing up and they don't obstruct your view of the binder comb now. The storage tray is small but nice to store a few colored covers in it. It is not roomy enough to store the oversized plastic covers in however. The measuring tool is a nice touch to help you determine which size binder comb you will need for the project. My major complaint is the lack of clear instructions. You pretty much have to figure out everything for yourself unless you are one of those people who does Pictionary really well. The pictures and labeling don't really tell you what you need to know and the instructions were totally useless.A little pricey, but very sturdy and well made for its purpose. It's a real time saver compared to the manual machines and really gets the job done quickly and you can feed quite a few sheets with each batch that you punch. I am very happy with the purchase.Have been using this for a few months now and it was a good choice for our business. Reliable, sturdy and easy to use. Handles respectable quantities of paper. Previously had a similar machine that after many good years of service, had some of its plastic parts fail. Therefore, we have some experience from which to base our strong review on. I don't recall how much it cost, but I know we are pleased with this comb binder!As an educator, I've been binding instructional and student materials for years. This high-capacity binder is easy to use and saves me so much time, especially since the punchers have never been stuck in the machine when punching thick transparent covers. I have one at work and bought one for home. Its a little pricey compared to non-electric binders, but definitely worth the cost!Our office is moderately busy, not too big, not to small. We were using a manual binder. We have training books I make up for our employees. It took so much of my time and the wasted paper from punching the holes incorrectly.This galaxy 500 is a dream compared to the manual one we have. Stack in the slot and press a button. Easy as that. So happy with this new tool.We produce 1000's of student manuals per year. This is the machine that works for us the best to bind them.This machine worked well for a while, but then it broke and Fellowes doesn't make any replacement parts so now I have a $600 paperweight.Fantastic machine!Superb machine