Instructions Bind Easy

On this page, you’ll learn how to use the Vaessen Creative Bind Easy. You’ll find information about punching, cartridges, binding methods, accessories and solutions to common issues with your binding machine. The Bind Easy is an all-in-one binding machine that lets you create your own notebooks, journals, planners, recipe books, scrapbooks and photo albums with a neat, professional finish.

What is the Bind Easy?

The Bind Easy is a compact binding machine that punches holes in paper and then binds the pages together using wire binding, disc binding or another binding method, depending on the cartridge you use. You can use the machine for notebooks, planners, journals, recipe books, photo albums, scrapbooks and other creative booklets.

Thanks to the interchangeable cartridges, you can choose the punch shape and binding method that suits your project. The machine has an adjustable paper guide, measurements in centimetres and inches, and an alignment guide that helps you centre the holes neatly.

Key features

The Bind Easy is suitable for wire binding and disc binding and punches up to 10 sheets of 80 g/m² paper at a time. The machine works with interchangeable cartridges, has an adjustable paper guide and clear measurements in centimetres and inches. Thanks to the waste tray for paper scraps and the lockable handle, the Bind Easy is practical to use and easy to store.

For sturdy covers, you can use materials such as greyboard. Always pay attention to the maximum thickness stated in the manual.

The basics: how does the Bind Easy work?

The Bind Easy works in two steps. First, you punch the holes in your paper with the correct cartridge. Then you bind the pages together with discs, wire or another suitable binding spine.

Important:

• Always use the cartridge that matches your binding method.
• Check beforehand whether the binding spine, wire or disc is suitable for the cartridge.
• Punch a maximum of 10 sheets of 80 g/m² at a time.
• Use fewer sheets at a time when working with thicker paper or cardstock.
• Align the paper carefully with the paper guide.
• Use the alignment chart on the machine for the correct paper size.
• Empty the waste tray regularly.
• Make sure the handle is unlocked before punching.

Choosing the right cartridge

The Bind Easy works with interchangeable cartridges. Each cartridge has its own punch shape and belongs to a specific binding method.

• Use the disc cartridge for disc binding. This is useful for planners and journals, because you can easily add, remove or rearrange pages later.
• The round Ø 5.5 mm cartridge is suitable for plastic click binding spines. This creates a flexible binding for booklets, planners and creative documents.
• Use the small round Ø 4 mm cartridge for 3:1 wire binding. This binding has three holes per inch and gives a fine, compact finish.
• The round Ø 5 mm cartridge, square 5 x 5 mm cartridge and heart 6 x 5 mm cartridge are suitable for 2:1 wire binding. These cartridges give your project a decorative look and are suitable for matching 2:1 binding wires.

Punching paper with the Bind Easy

For a neat result, first place the correct cartridge in the machine. Then adjust the paper guide according to the paper size and slide the paper fully into the punching slot. Gently press the handle down to punch the holes. Want to make a longer row of holes? Use the alignment peg on the cartridge to move the paper along neatly and align the next punching position correctly.

Tip: test a new cartridge or binding method on a scrap piece of paper first. This allows you to check whether the holes, alignment and binding spine fit together properly.

Using wire binding or disc binding

With wire binding, you create a sturdy, fixed binding for notebooks, photo albums and recipe books, for example. After punching, thread the pages and covers onto the binding wire. Then close the wire using the machine’s binding channel. To hide the closing seam neatly, you can position the back cover so that the closure sits on the inside of the back.

Disc binding is especially useful for planners and journals. Punch the pages with the disc cartridge and then click them onto the discs. The advantage of disc binding is that you can easily add, remove or rearrange pages later. This makes it ideal for projects you want to update regularly.

Depending on the cartridge, you can also work with plastic click binding spines or other binding methods. Always check that the cartridge, punch shape and binding spine are compatible.

Frequently asked questions about the Bind Easy

How many sheets can I punch at once?

The Bind Easy punches up to 10 sheets of 80 g/m² paper at a time. Are you using thicker paper, cardstock or cover material? Then punch fewer sheets at once.

Which binding spines do I need for each cartridge?

The right binding spine depends on the cartridge you use.

• Disc cartridge: suitable for Bind Easy discs, for example 24 mm discs.
• Round Ø 5.5 mm cartridge: suitable for 12 mm plastic click binding spines.
• Small round Ø 4 mm cartridge: suitable for 3:1 binding wires, for example Ø 1/2".
• Square 5 x 5 mm cartridge: suitable for 2:1 binding wires, for example Ø 5/8".
• Heart 6 x 5 mm cartridge: suitable for 2:1 binding wires, for example Ø 5/8".

For wire binding, always use a binding wire that matches the number of pages and the cartridge. With disc binding, you can easily add or remove pages later.

What is the difference between 2:1 and 3:1 wire binding?

With 2:1 wire binding, two holes are punched per inch. With 3:1 wire binding, three holes are punched per inch. 3:1 gives a finer binding, while 2:1 is often suitable for slightly sturdier or thicker projects.

Why are my holes not aligned properly?

Check whether the paper guide is positioned correctly, whether the paper has been pushed fully into the punching slot and whether you are using the correct alignment position. When punching continuously, the alignment peg helps the next row of holes line up neatly.

Can I add pages later?

With disc binding, this is very easy. You can unclip pages and add new ones. With wire binding, the binding is more permanent and you need to reopen or replace the wire if you want to adjust the pages.

Can I also make sturdy covers?

Yes, you can make sturdy covers with materials such as greyboard. Pay attention to the maximum thickness and always punch covers carefully to avoid overloading the machine.

When should I empty the waste tray?

Empty the waste tray regularly, especially when working on larger projects. This prevents paper scraps from building up inside the machine.

Maintenance and storage

Good maintenance keeps your Bind Easy pleasant to use. Remove paper scraps after use, empty the waste tray regularly and do not force the handle if the paper does not punch properly. Also always check that you are using the correct cartridge and binding spine. Lock the handle after use so you can store the machine safely and compactly.

Getting started with your Bind Easy

With the Vaessen Creative Bind Easy, you can easily create your own notebooks, planners, journals, recipe books, photo albums and creative booklets. By using the correct cartridge, binding spine and alignment, you give every project a neat and professional finish. Watch the videos on this page for extra guidance and use the product list to choose the right accessories for your project.