* The GBC C800pro has been around for decades. It used to be called the Ibico EPK21 and is one of the most popular electric desktop comb binding machines available on the market.

* The CombBind C800pro is an all in one combination binding system with an integrated electric punch, disengageable dies and a heavy duty manual comb opener.

* This machine is produced by GBC (General Binding Corporation) who is the largest and most respected manufacturer of comb binding machines in the world.

Features / Strengths

* The CombBind C800 pro has a heavy duty electric punch that can punch up to 25 sheets of paper at one time. The punch is operated by a convenient and easy to use foot pedal switch. The foot pedal helps to increase productivity by allowing users to hold the pages they are punching with both hands.

* This machine offers a heavy duty manual comb opener that is capable of opening both round and oval shaped comb binding spines. The opener offers heavy duty metal fingers and is operated by a single handle located on the left side of the machine. Unlike many other comb binding machines, the handle on this machine is operated by pulling the handle forward (not pushing it backwards). This allows the C800pro to be placed against a wall.

* The machine also has fully disengageable dies and an open throat design. Although the throat of the machine is only 12 inches in width, the disengageable pins allow you to punch virtually any length of document.

* There is a convenient document sizing chart on the front of the machine to help you determine the appropriate size of combs for your document. You simply slide your book into the sizing guide and it will tell you the size of comb that you will need.

* There is a depth of punch margin control on the side of the machine that allows the user to adjust the distance of the holes from the edge of the document. This is an important feature for binding documents that are very thin or very thick.

* The machine is constructed of heavy duty steel and is incredibly durable. In fact many of these machines are still in use after decades.

Limitations / Weaknesses:

* Although the C800 has a 12 inch open punching throat, it is not an ideal choice for organizations that do a lot of legal length binding. Fourteen inch documents will require a two step punching process that is time consuming. Additionally, the comb opener on this machine is not long enough to open and close 24 ring legal size combs. This means that you will need to manually insert the last 2-3 rings on each legal length book that you plan on binding.

* Although the C800pro is extremely durable, the cost to repair the motor on this machine can be astronomical. In the event that the motor dies after the 1 year warranty period it will cost over $1000 to repair. Most users end up buying a new machine if this occurs. For this reason, it is a good idea to consider an extended warranty on this unit.

* The foot pedal used by this machine to activate the punching mechanism is convenient for long runs and increased punching productivity. However, the pedal is constructed out of plastic and should be treated gently. It would also be nice if the C800 Pro included a push button punching mechanism for short runs and occasional use.

* Although this machine can punch up to 25 sheets of 20lb paper at a time it should only be used to punch 1-2 plastic binding covers at a time. Punching more plastic sheets at a time can wear out the punching pins and shorten the life of the motor. This is a limitation shared by virtually all electric binding punches.

Recommendation:

* The C800pro is an excellent choice for schools, offices, mail rooms and medium duty production environments.

* The machine is extremely well built, comes with a 1 year warranty and is backed by the largest manufacturer of binding equipment in the world.

* However, this machine is not a good choice for users that need to do a lot of legal length binding or for heavy production environments. These types of users would be better served by looking at a modular binding punch and a stand alone plastic comb opener.