Folder Recommendation

Discussion in 'Folders' started by mixedmedia, Jan 22, 2011.

  1. mixedmedia

    mixedmedia New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2011
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    2
    Location:
    Florida, USA
    We are a small shop that prints short run orders in house and brokers offset orders and more custom work.

    We have reached the point where we need some sort of in-house folding solution. We print mostly on coated stocks, mostly 80# and 100# gloss text, using our Docucolor 260.

    We have the finisher for Xerox, which is great for single folds and booklets, but we are now getting a number of orders for short-run newsletters at qty 500 or less, and the customers want right-angle folds for mailing service.

    What would you all recommend as a good folding machine? Speed isn't a major concern, and we need at least 11x17 compatibility.

    Any advice is appreciated!
     
  2. Raphael D Coccia

    Raphael D Coccia Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2009
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    Location:
    Rochester NY
    I would look at the morgana Digi folder. It is expensive and slow but the quality for folding digital coated stocks there is nothing better. The best part is that anyone can set it up and run it very operator friendly. It costs about 26,500 new. Good luck finding a used one. Best of luck!

    Raphael C
     
  3. mixedmedia

    mixedmedia New Member

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    Jan 2011
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    Location:
    Florida, USA
    Impractical

    I appreciate your suggestion, but it would be fairly impossible to pay a bill that large folding small orders for newsletters. Our volume is not high enough. What about used or simpler folders in the sub$2000 range?
     
  4. jimor199

    jimor199 New Member

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    Location:
    North Dakota
    Try going to the martin yale website. I found that they are about the cheapest online. I needed a low run folder and went with 11x17 model for about 1100. probably not for glossy though
     
  5. xfactor printing

    xfactor printing Senior Member

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    Location:
    united states
    The right angle fold requirement will be the problem on a budget. Reliably pulling in the already folded booklets with their slightly thicker/more rigid folded side will be troublesome for smaller machines.

    Is it a single sheet that needs to be folded (or is already folded by your printer's finisher) and then right angle bifolded or trifolded, or is it a couple- or few-page booklet that needs to then be right angle folded?
     
  6. Jeff Swaim

    Jeff Swaim Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2011
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    Location:
    usa
    With your requirements to handle a variety of stocks, including heavier weights and coated stocks, you will likely need an air-feed paper folder. The Baum 714 has been around for decades and might be a good choice for your applications: http://www.cfsbinds.com/ba71pafomatw.html

    We currently have a used Baum 714 and a right angle unit for half price. The right angle is like new. Contact Chuck at sales@cfsbinds.com for more info. Chuck is our sales manager and he has lots of experience with paper folders, paper cutters, paper drills, bookletmakers, etc.

    A less expensive option is the Martin Yale 2051. http://www.cfsbinds.com/nein20smfuau.html
    This automated machine is really nice for the price. It feeds heavier stock very well. Since it is friction fed it may mark your coated stock, especially if your ink or toner is not cured or fused well.

    Jeff
     
  7. james247

    james247 Member

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    Oct 2012
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    Location:
    USA
    Which is the best stock for folders durability.

    Thanks
     

  8. OffsetMindset

    OffsetMindset Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2013
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    indianapolis
    You could try MBM 352F. We use a tabletop folder like this one. You will have to have a crossfold option added to it, but it will work for all stocks.
     
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