By Jeff McRitchie
The Dynafold AF300 paper folding machine is a light-duty machine that is simple to use. In addition to being able to make the standard folds on the standard paper sizes, its makers claim that it can fold paper into a zigzag pattern, or with a fold out. Here we will take a look at some of the product's pros and cons, to try and help you make a more informed purchasing choice.
Pros:
1. The Dynafold AF300 is a surprisingly feature-rich paper folding machine for its relatively low price point. The AF300 can fold letter size sheets as well as A4 or legal size paper. You can even set it to fold paper as small as four by six inches.
2. Featuring four primary settings, including half, third (letter), fold out, or zig zag, the AF300's fold plates are manual, and can be set for folds that are different from the presets.
3. This electric folder can work through 4000 sheets in an hour, you the user can set it up to be used manually. Plus, using the manual feed slot, you can fold as many as three sheets at a time.
4. Though it has a feed hopper that can hold around fifty sheets at a time, it's probably best to use it to hold about half that many in order to avoid paper jams and feed problems.
5. The AF300 comes with a desk stand, making it ultra convenient for placement either on your desk or next to your postage meter.
Cons:
1. Manual adjustment is required for the AF300's fold plates. In order to do so correctly the user must loosen the set screws and relocate the paper stops by hand. The first few times, this can prove to be a bit of a hassle, and it might take a bit to set it up correctly. There are some tricks that will make the process a little easier, such as using the manual feed knob on the machine's side in order to feed the sheets though. You'll want to keep an eye on the paper when it hits the stops. If they are misaligned, the folder won't make straight folds. All told, the AF300 can sometimes take as long as fifteen minutes to set up. Great if you are using mostly one style of fold, but perhaps not so convenient for frequent changes.
2. Because of the way the fold rollers are set up, you will find that the AF300 is not an option for folding heavier or glossy paper stocks. These type of stocks will result in paper jams, misfeeds and other problems.
3. The AF-300 is probably best used for low volume projects. While a few hundred papers a week is well within its scope, you will find that the more paper you try to fold, the more paper jams you will experience. While the same can be said of most all other folders in this price range, it is something to be considered.
Recommendation:
Pretty versatile for the price, the AF300 gives the low volume user a few options when it comes to folding different patterns. Due to the relative difficulty of changing the patterns, though, it is probably best suited for a user who will generally want to stick to only one style of folding.
If you are looking for a great price on the Dynafold AF300 Paper Folder you should really check out MyBinding.com. They have awesome prices on paper folding machines and paper handling equipment. They carry Paper Folding Machines from a number of manufacturers including Dynafold, MBM, Intimus, Formax and Martin Yale.
Source:www.isnare.com |
