Fellowes 5006801-99 Binding Machine Pulsar+ Comb Binding (5006801)

I’ve had this binding machine for about two years, and I’ve used it for at least 100 different books on family history and genealogy topics, ranging in size from 20-500 pages. It’s sturdy and works flawlessly. And, it’s saved me a LOT of money and time over going to an office supply store to have them do what I can now do myself.I’ve only had two problems:(1) not fully learning how to use it in the beginning - I am NOT crafty in any stretch of the imagination, so I needed to read the instructions and play with it at the beginning before I figured out how to use it. Once you figure it out once, though, it’s quite easy every time, even if it’s been awhile between uses.(2) very occasionally the pages / covers don’t get punched properly, but every single time it’s been because I’ve been in a rush; it’s never been the machine’s fault.Just make sure you keep paying attention to each step as you make each book, have a few size combs as options, and, have back and front covers if you need an extra level of niceness, and you’re good.After trying lots of different methods for books, these are my recommendations for great covers and paper, all of which work great with this binding machine. Genealogy and family history books are great, but when they're printed on garbage and put together like garbage, it takes away from the information I've put together. It's awesome when you put together something for someone and they're blown away the second they see the book, before they've even opened it.---------------------COVERSNote: the covers suggested here are thicker than the flimsy samples that come with the machineGeneral cover suggestions:- get thicker covers (8 mil) these bend but are not at all flimsy, and they work great with this machine- get oversized (8.75" x 11.25" vs 8.5" x 11") it just looks tidier, and covers your books better- get them in bulk: the price drops significantly when you get larger quantities in a package, so go with the 100 sized packages if possible- only put one cover in your binder at a time - you'll have less mistakes that way.Binding Front Cover recommendations:(1) Fellowes 52311 Crystal Clear Presentation Covers with Round Corners, 8mil Oversize Letter, Clear (Pack of 100)https://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-Binding-Presentation-Covers-52089/dp/B0015ZXIL2I'm not crazy about how the Crystal Clear covers feel. They feel like they'll scratch up like crazy, but then they really don't. You can't beat them price-wise. Right now 100 packs are about $18, which comes to .18 a cover.(2) Fellowes Futura Premium Heavyweight Presentation Covers, Oversize Letter, Frosted, 25 Pack (5224201)https://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-Binding-Presentation-Covers-52089/dp/B0196JUY7YThe Frosted ones are amazing. They're see-through yet frosted just enough to give them a much more professional look and feel than the crystal clear ones, in my opinion. Unfortunately I've only been able to find them in 25 packs, where they cost about .90 cents to $1 each. If you hunt around a little you can find a bit better of a deal, but no where near as low as the clear ones. If the costs were closer between the two types, I'd only use frosted.Binding Back Cover recommendation:Fellowes Binding Presentation Covers, Oversize Letter, 200 Pack, Black (52138)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y9FB0GAt about $22.50 for 200, these are a fantastic deal at less than .12 each.---------------------PAPERIf you want great paper, this is the stuff to get:Hammermill Paper, Premium Color Copy 8.5 x 11 Acid Free, 28lb, 100 Bright, 5 Reams / 2,500 Sheets (102450C)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EO3QHG/If you get it on the Subscribe and Save deal, it's currently about $40.50 a box, which comes to about .0162 cents per page. SO worth it. It feels fantastic, is wholly opaque, prints great in an ink jet. Absolutely hands down the best paper I've ever used. People WILL comment on it, and will think you spent a crazy amount of money on it.Note!! Because the paper is a lot heavier than most kinds people use, you have to account for that when choosing a comb / spine size. I made a little chart that I taped onto the binder itself to remind me what size comb to use with the 28 lb paper. If you have less comb sizes, use the next size up. The chart is attached as an image to this review.

This machine is so easy to set up and use. I quickly binded 12 books the first use. If you are using a sheet laminator first, you do need to trim the top and bottom for the pages to fit.

I worked in an office with an ancient comb binder that was super heavy but worked great. I purchased this for home and self publishing. It's very lightweight and does an excellent job. I love how you can punch holes and keep the binding on to fill a little at a time. Great product!

I purchased for home use. My family made gluten-free cookbooks for our extended family last Christmas! It worked out great! Well made!

I wanted to use this product for a while for my review to be more accurate. I have been using it for about three months now, and I love this product. I meets every need for my booklet assembly. I think the best feature is the gravity feed. It ensures page alignment without any hassle. It is so easy to use that I was a pro before I finished my first booklet assembly. And, it is so refreshing to have equipment that is not electronic that needs plugging in, charging, or having to update or worry about settings, blah, blah, blah, hehe. I will say, it needed a workspace of its own, because it took up too much desk space (it is about the same size as my home printer). Also, it is a bit heavy to be portable for me, but, to be clear, I am not a big/strong build personJ Overall, I could not be more satisfied with my purchase.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I needed a binding machine. I had previously purchased one from a different brand and had been severely disappointed. I still needed a binding machine so I purchased this one. This one was significantly easier to use and is rugged. I would definitely recommend this item.

I’m very happy with this binder machine! It works perfectly right out of the box and is extremely easy to operate, even for a beginner. The setup was straightforward, and it binds documents neatly and securely. If you’re looking for a reliable, user-friendly binder, this is a great choice. Highly recommend!