Binding Half-Letter Sized Documents: What You Need

If you've been binding your documents lately, you're probably aware that there are many different paper sizes. The most common one is letter-sized (8.5" x 11") and it's the kind of paper typically used in photocopiers and printers. Most binding machines are designed to handle letter-sized sheets but at some point, you may want to bind books that are half-letter sized. In other words, ones that measure 8.5" x 5.5". Binding documents with these dimensions can be difficult. However, it's not impossible. You just need the right machine and supplies and you may already have them. Let's take a look at what you're going to need....

1. First of all, you need to use a machine that has disengageable dies. This means that the device can punch different hole patterns. You can disengage the dies you don't need so that you'll be able to perfectly punch the 8.5" side of the paper. If your machine doesn't have disengageable dies, you can still punch the sheets but you'll have holes running off the sides of your document. That doesn't look particularly good.

2. There are a few different binding elements you can use when assembling a half-letter sized book. For example, plastic combs are a great choice because there are some that are manufactured for smaller documents. Spiral coils are also available in shorter lengths. The longer coils can even be trimmed down with scissors if that's all you have on-hand. You can also trim twin-loop wire spines, although you'll need a pair of wire cutters. (Regular scissors just won't cut it. No pun intended.)

3. Once you have your binding elements, you can begin thinking about the paper and covers you need for your documents. Half-letter sized paper can be difficult to find but you can make your own. Just use a rotary trimmer or guillotine cutter to cut 8.5" x 11" paper in half. It's really that simple. You can also do this to covers of the same size if you can't find any to purchase. If you choose to use plastic covers, make sure your cutter can handle it. (Not all paper cutters can slice through plastic. )

4. Once you have your machine and supplies, you're ready to begin binding your books. Make sure certain dies are disengaged before you punch your pages. After that, just follow the instructions that came with your machine. You'll end up with great-looking documents in no time whether you're putting together journals, cookbooks, presentations, and so on.

Binding half-letter sized documents isn't that different from assembling letter-sized books. However, you do need a certain type of machine and special supplies. The good news is you may already have the right binding implements, paper, and covers on-hand. If so, you can simply trim them down to the size you need. (Just make sure you have the right cutting tools especially if you're going to be using plastic covers.) After that, the rest is pretty easy: just punch and bind. Good luck with your bookbinding projects!

About the Author: Jeff McRitchie is the Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com. He regularly writes articles, reviews, and blog posts on topics related to bookbinding, laminating, paper shredding, and office equipment. More than 2,500 of his articles have been published in thousands of locations on the Internet. If you're looking for information about binding machines his articles are a great place to start.