To bind or not to bind, that is the question.
Actually, the question you should be asking yourself before purchasing a scrapbook binding machine is: Am I buying the right one?
Before investing in the handy crafting machines that allow you to create mini albums all the way up to mega-sized memory books, you should do research on the models that will best suit your scrapping needs.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, there is an array of binding machines on the market today. They range in price from $60 to more than $800 for professional versions.
Most scrappers can get away with buying a simple coil or comb binder; however, if have a habit of making large scrapbooks or albums with very thick pages, you may be better off investing in a more costly heavy-duty model. In addition, before you walk out of a store with a comb binder make sure it comes with the hole-drilling machine needed to accept the binding. If it doesn’t, then consider purchasing a kit that includes all the necessary equipment.
Serious scrappers may prefer thermal binding. This process includes applying a strip of glue-coated tape to the spine of your scrapbook. Heat from the machine melts the glue and adheres to all of the pages in the book. As the adhesive cools, a durable bond forms to keep the pages in place. The end result is a professional-looking album that should withstand the test of time. Unfortunately, thermal binding machines don’t come cheap. Most cost around $150, plus the cost of the tape.
If you don’t have the money to invest in a binding machine, there are other ways you can stock up on albums without draining your wallet. For instance, you can use a three-ring binder to create an affordable scrapbook. You could also take your layouts to a copy shop or office supply store and pay to have employees there bound your book. Or, simply wait for outdated binding machines to go on sale. When newer versions come out, shops typically place older models on clearance.