110V Thermal Binding Machine, 1-50mm Binding Thickness, A4 Maximum Binding Length, 500 Sheets Capacity with 20pcs 1/2' (12mm) Glue Strips with mesh Backing for Thermal Book Binder

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I ordered but can't figure out the assembly properly. The holes was big for the screw and it won't hold up properly. I bought another one from a different company, but it's almost the same. But it came with a very clear instruction. Then I realized that if I had clear instruction on the first one I ordered, I could have assembled it properly and not returned it. The price was okay and it came with 20 glue strips already.

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The first part is my fault for letting it sit unused for so long before opening it today, so of course, the return window has long since closed.I’m leaving this review in case you have the same situation and it’s too late to return your binder or you just don’t feel like the hassle of a return.The actual assembly itself is quite simple in that you have to plate holders that bolt in place on top of the base unit. The problem is (as I have also seen in other reviews), the holes in the base are two large for the actual screws/bolts, so it doesn’t stay firm in place, you can lift it right off, which means you would literally have to hold it by hand in place every time you want to bind something, which takes at least 6 minutes.Because it was too late for return, I decided to try different options to keep the holder in place. I ended up unscrewing the bottom panel (which you can see in the picture. It was very easy to do, but do not pull it all the way off because there are cables anttached to it) and placing nuts around the bottom of the bolts while carefully holding the plate in place. You have to hold the plate in place with the bolts already in it so that you can just immediately screw the nuts on (hope that makes sense).After I reassembled it, I tested it out and so far, with the one small notebook I made it seemed to work fine. Some of the pages didn’t glue all the way down the length of the spine, but that was probably due to new user error. I’ll give an update after doing more books if I remember

works great

I struggled quite a bit with my overall rating of the product.On one hand, this does work quite well and it does what it is supposed to do. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to use, because the cooling groove and binding groove do not stay in place at all, making it difficult to hold the pages all together.The machine arrived in good time, carefully packed between foam blocks and secured in a plain cardboard box. Assembly seemed super simple, as all you need to do is secure the plates to the machine with screws (they even include a little screwdriver and everything). I noticed immediately that the screws were far too shallow/short to hold the heavy metal plates right, but I tried them anyways. As I suspected, the screws that come with don't hold, at all. The cooling tray is flat at the bottom, so it does stay in place due to it's shape, but the screws don't lend much stability. The binding plate (the one in front) is pretty crucial as it keeps the pages together, pressed tight, and it just flops all over. Not a single one of the 4 screws holds the binding plate steady. I have tried a few different things to get it connected, but so far I really haven't had much luck. Longer screws aren't really an option either because there isn't a lot of space for them. I even tried small nut and bolt combo, but they get in the way. I will figure out a solution at some point because I want and need this to work. It's just so disappointing, again, because that front plate really is quite crucial.Other than that, the machine does seem to be well constructed. It does have a nice, hefty weight to it, so it doesn't feel cheep or flimsy. It does remind me of something you would have seen in an office in the 80's though. The machine warms up pretty quick and thankfully doesn't emit any unfortunate odors.I am thankful that some glue/binding strips were included, but I think that they could have spared a few more than 20. Actually, I wish they had included some folders along with the strips. Now, the included glue strips do work, but you really have to get them positioned just right for the binding to actually work. I ultimately purchased some binding folders and they were a lot easier to use. Also, the included strips tend to 'leak' (or run over the sides of the pages/blob out) when the melting is taking place. You then have to quickly clean the glue mess off of the smooth sheet inside. It can be kind of a hassle to be honest. Then because of this, it makes it a bit difficult to do more than one booklet at a time too because they end up getting glued together. You really have to take your time when using the included strips (without anything else over them) and make sure everything is placed/organized just right.Remember...I am forced to hold the books upright myself when they are in the machine/heating because the front shield won't stay on the machine. I feel like I hold them steady, but I can't say if that is causing the glue strips to 'leak' or not. I don't have the same issue with the folders (purchased separate).That front plate is really bothering me though and I need to come up with a solution ASAP because I would really like to do other things while the binding is taking place (it takes about 3-5 minutes per book, depending on the thickness) and not having to hold them myself. It is especially annoying because if I'm doing several booklets, and they can't be done together (because they will melt together) the job takes hours. Also, if the booklets are too heavy, they tip the cooling plate/rack over (because that doesn't stay secure either).Overall, the machine does work and it does produce some pretty nice booklets. This has been a great tool for me to use for work and makes my projects look incredibly professional. I really wish it worked like it was intended to though and the trays actually stayed in place. I have already dedicated a few hours to finding different solutions to keep them attached and I don't think that I should really have to do that myself- The company should have used/included better hardware. I also wish they had included more strips and at least a starter pack of folders too. Yes, they are inexpensive, but it would have made this a better value overall. Honestly, due to the fact the pieces won't stay on the machine, a 3.5 star rating is more appropriate in my opinion.