Creating One-Of-A-Kind Calendars With A Spiral Book Binding Machine

Whether you’re interested in sending out promotional calendars to clients or you just want to make your own one of a kind calendar, designing and binding your own can be a snap. If you’re not sure how to start this type of project, here’s a quick guide that uses your own printer and Rhin-O-Tuff wire binding equipment.

Step One: Print Your Pages

Start by printing your calendar pages. There are a number of computer programs or applications that can help you create a custom design and send it directly to your computer.

Tip: Be sure to fully understand how your graphics program and printer work together, and your printer‘s capabilities. The last thing you want to do is spend time designing an 11×17 calendar only to realize that your printer will only work with 8×11 or A4 size paper.

Step Two: Use A Spiral Book Binding Machine To Punch Holes

Once your pages are printed and collated, it’s time to use a spiral book binding machine to punch the holes for your binding coils.

Nail hole or calendar hanger? First you need to decide whether you want to use a single nail hole or a special calendar hanger for your calendar. If you use a nail hole, you’ll see two sheets at once with the binding in the middle. If you choose a calendar hanger, you’ll only be able to see one sheet at a time and the binding will be at the top of the calendar.

Punching large paper: Many types of wire binding equipment aren’t equipped to handle large papers, but if you have an open-ended spiral book binding machine, you can almost double your punching capacity by resetting the paper and making two punches. You’ll need to make a first punch, flip the document over and line up the first hole of your second punch to make sure that the pitch (that is, the distance between the holes) is the same.

Punching small paper: If your paper is smaller than your spiral book binding machine punch, this step is easy. You’ll just need to make sure the paper stop is in the right place and you’re ready to begin.

Tip: If you’re planning on using a calendar hanger, you’ll also need to use a thumb cut die to leave space for the hanger. This should be in the exact middle of the holes so that the calendar will hang evenly.

Step Three: Attach The Binding To The Calendar

The final step is to use your spiral book binding machine to thread the binding onto the calendar pages. Double loop wire elements are recommended, especially when using a calendar hanger.

If using a hanger, place the hanger in the middle of the wire and then place it into the flat bar closer or other type of closing device. Close the wire to hold everything together and prevent the loops from unthreading.

Rotate the binding so that the wire seam loops are at the back and your calendar is done!

Tips For Using A Spiral Book Binding Machine

                     Be aware of image layout, margins and binding size. You don’t want the binding holes to be in the middle of someone’s head or going through your company’s logo!

                     Understand the limitations of your wire binding equipment. Calendars typically use heavier stock paper, which means you may not be able to punch more than one calendar at a time.

                     Use a blank piece of paper as a guide to ensure that the holes are placed where you want them before you start with your final documents.

A personalized calendar can be an excellent promotional tool for your business, but you don’t need to spend a lot of money having them commercially created. Instead, use wire binding equipment, such as a spiral book binding machine from Rhin-O-Tuff and you can create your own one-of-a-kind calendars.