Fellowes Orion E 500 Electric Comb Binding Machine (5643201)

This binding machine malfunctioned the first time it was used. Tried to return it, got charged a restock fee for missing the window. It seems that there should be a general factory warranty of some sort? Not a high quality product.

I've put off writing this review until I really had a chance to break in the new binding machine. I bought it based on good customer reviews as well as product-tested reviews. Unfortunately, I am not happy with the purchase. Yes, it is great that it can punch up to 30 pgs at a time, but with that being said... I've noticed that the punched hole edges can sometimes look burnt, and the pages feel fused together at the punch site, and I also have one punch that does not always complete the punch in the plastic cover and I have to snip it off. The handle for opening and closing the combs is not smooth, and I sometimes have to struggle with getting it open or pushing it all the way to the closed position to get the comb out. Also, the knob to adjust the margin depth of the punch on the page does not push in and turn easily. The hole-punch catch tray is plastic, and does not sit and stay all the way in, so half of the pieces end up on the counter under the machine. To end on a better note, the foot pedal is nice when working with larger documents.

This is our second Fellowes Comb Binding Machine. Two years ago, we (non-profit) purchase the Galaxy e 500. It was our first comb binding machine. We soon discovered how much our training manual expense was reduced. So we started binding more manuals and training materials. Though the Galaxy e 500 is a great machine, the limitations concerning the number of sheets of paper that can be hole punched became a problem. With the number of manuals we were now binding, we had to look for another solution. The Orion E 500 can punch holes up to 30 sheets of paper at one time. That alone will have us time and money. We have used Orion E 500 for about 1 month. So far, so good. The machine was very easy to setup and use. We still have the Galaxy e 500 which we use for smaller jobs.

The Fellowes Orion Binding Machine punches great. It is easy to use. I was able to set it up quickly and was off and running.

Unit arrived quickly, works as expected for binding purposes. However, like other reviewers mentioned, the drawer is AWFUL. We were actually unable to get the drawer open until we removed the front metal plate on the drawer and FIVE of us tried)! It looked like it was actually wedged under the lip of the unit. We've left the front plate off, the drawer still catches awkwardly, but at least we can actually open it now to empty "after each use" as the manual recommends. For the price of this unit, not impressed that they couldn't design a functioning drawer.

We have a 7 lawyer law firm, and have a frequent demand for nearly daily production of bound briefs. This unit is to replace the old hand crank unit which lasted about 4 years though it cost about 1/5 the price. The powered punch comes at a premium cost, and so the expectation is that it will last far longer than 4 years. Time will tell. However, first impressions of our users have been very positive. It is solidly constructed. The foot pedal adds tremendously to the efficiency of punching, and the setup allows quick and repetitive production increasing efficiencies and eliminating any concern for repetitive strain injuries by our users who would otherwise be "cranking" on the long handle of the old machine.