Customer reviews from fellowes.com
Fellowes - Lyra Patented 3-in1 Comb Binding Machine, 30 Sheet Capacity - White/Gray
Average customer rating
4.8
(36 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 36 reviews
5 Stars
28
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
100%of customers recommend this product.
(
36 out of
36)
Customer Reviews for Fellowes - Lyra Patented 3-in1 Comb Binding Machine, 30 Sheet Capacity - White/Gray
Customer Rating
5
Convenient, Useful, Well Designed
on November 23, 2021
Posted by: TheWiseOwl
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] OVERVIEW
The Lyra (pronounced “LEE-rah”) offers three ways to bind your documents: 1) stapling your papers together (up to 30 sheets at a time); 2) punching three holes in your papers (up to 30 sheets at a time) for insertion into a ring binder; and 3) punching your papers (up to 20 sheets at a time) and fastening them to a plastic binding comb.
1. STAPLING
This is basically a regular stapler built into the body of the Lyra. So no more having to hunt around for one. The Lyra comes with a small box containing 1,000 ¼” staples. Each staple holds a maximum capacity of 30 sheets of paper (20lb weight), which is the maximum stack that the Lyra can staple at one time. Not sure what is 20lb paper? It’s the typical photocopy paper found in most homes and offices.
Like any stapler, you pull up the handle and insert a strip of staples (each strip contains 50 staples). Note that this is not an electric stapler. You push down on the handle to staple your stack.
There is an adjustable depth guide on the side that you push your paper up against to determine the location where you want to place your staple. With this guide you can place the staple anywhere from 1” down from the top edge of your paper to as little as 1/8” from the top edge of your paper.
Stapling the maximum of 30 sheets of 20lb paper was effortless. Just a gentle and consistent pushing down of the stapler was all it took while seated and having the Lyra at my desk. I have a variety of staplers that each have their quirks. With some, I have to slam down hard while others require a steady push from above with my weight – otherwise the staple does not go cleanly all the way through. With the Lyra, even pushing down with two fingers gave me a clean stapling – impossible to do with my regular staplers.
2. THREE HOLE PUNCH
As with the stapler, there is also no need to have a separate three-hole punch to take up more surface space. The Lyra has one built in and it operates in a similar way. You lift up the Lyra’s handle and insert your documents into the slot on top of the machine. Make sure your documents are flush up against the left so that all of your edges are even. I used the maximum – 30 sheets of 20lb paper.
With the Lyra on my desk, I was able to push down on the handle – while I was seated – and get three cleanly cut holes ready for inserting my documents into a three-ring binder. So it doesn’t take a lot of leverage or effort. There will be some resistance when the handle makes contact with the paper. But it’s not like you have to stand and push down with your weight. And there’s no confetti to clean up. The chads get collected in a small drawer on the bottom of the Lyra.
I also tested the Lyra using 60lb paper. Since it is much heavier, I limited my stack to 10 sheets. I punched three stacks and, each time, the Lyra had no problem cutting clean holes.
3. COMB BINDING
The steps for comb binding are: A) punching the holes; B) measuring the stack; C) loading and threading the binding comb.
A. PUNCHING HOLES
The process is similar to three-hole punching. But, instead of three round holes, the Lyra punches 19 small rectangular holes. Note that, unlike with stapling and three-hole punching, the maximum stack of 20lb paper you can punch is 20 sheets, not 30 sheets. The Lyra’s top lifts up to reveal a separate slot into which you insert your documents for punching the comb binding holes. Fortunately, this slot is designed so that if you accidentally put in 30 sheets – like I did – it will not fit in. For consistency, it would be ideal if the Lyra was able to comb bind a maximum of 30 sheets also.
Again, I operated the Lyra while seated and having the machine on my desk. Punching 20 sheets of 20lb paper did require a stronger downward push on the handle than it did for the three-hole punch. But this is to be expected as more pressure is needed to cut 19 smaller holes spaced closer together than three large ones spaced further apart.
B. MEASURING THE STACK
Next, you hold your stack up against a guide printed on the Lyra to determine what size binding comb you need. I punched 40 sheets (two 20 sheet stacks of 20lb paper), which fit the 3/8” (10mm) binding combs I was provided with.
C. LOADING AND THREADING THE BINDING COMB
Now that I know what size to use, I inserted the binding comb into the claws of the Lyra. They may look like claws, but they are not sharp enough to cause injury – the points are rounded. Be careful, though, when extracting the binding combs from the box. They are packed tightly – 25 to a box – and the corners at each end of the binding combs are pointy enough to elicit an “ouch” from me.
As a first-timer, threading the binding comb took some patience and bright lighting to see what I was doing. After inserting the spine of the binding comb into the claws, you then gently pull a comb opening lever toward you so that the claws pry apart the rings of the spine. Now you can manually thread or insert the rings of the spine into the holes in your document (and covers). As a beginner working under dim light, I missed some of the holes and found it easier to do when I broke up the document into smaller stacks rather than trying to thread the entire stack in one go. Once inserted, you push the lever forward so that the claws close up the rings to secure your document.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Lyra is a “green” machine – no electricity is needed to operate this mechanical device. The machine is about as wide and as deep as many home printers, but certainly not as tall. So it won’t take up too much surface space. The Lyra has a solid build. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy. The style and color of the unit will blend in with all of your home office products.
Paper instructions are included. The English portion is only four pages with lots of diagrams and pictures – so there’s not a lot you have to read. But I suggest downloading a PDF version so that you can easily do searches for specific subjects. The instructions with accompanying pictures were easy to follow though I did view the company’s two-minute video to get a quick overview.
Like many products today, the Lyra is made in China.
Overall, I am very pleased with the machine. I present educational workshops and routinely distribute paper materials. So now, with the Lyra, I can continue to have these materials stapled or I have the option of punching them for use in a ring binder or binding comb. Prices will vary, but I found that the 3/8” (10 mm) binding combs come to about 20 cents each and presentation covers about 50 cents each. So, apart from the initial cost of the machine, I can present my materials with a professional looking finish at a fairly nominal cost.
The Lyra (pronounced “LEE-rah”) offers three ways to bind your documents: 1) stapling your papers together (up to 30 sheets at a time); 2) punching three holes in your papers (up to 30 sheets at a time) for insertion into a ring binder; and 3) punching your papers (up to 20 sheets at a time) and fastening them to a plastic binding comb.
1. STAPLING
This is basically a regular stapler built into the body of the Lyra. So no more having to hunt around for one. The Lyra comes with a small box containing 1,000 ¼” staples. Each staple holds a maximum capacity of 30 sheets of paper (20lb weight), which is the maximum stack that the Lyra can staple at one time. Not sure what is 20lb paper? It’s the typical photocopy paper found in most homes and offices.
Like any stapler, you pull up the handle and insert a strip of staples (each strip contains 50 staples). Note that this is not an electric stapler. You push down on the handle to staple your stack.
There is an adjustable depth guide on the side that you push your paper up against to determine the location where you want to place your staple. With this guide you can place the staple anywhere from 1” down from the top edge of your paper to as little as 1/8” from the top edge of your paper.
Stapling the maximum of 30 sheets of 20lb paper was effortless. Just a gentle and consistent pushing down of the stapler was all it took while seated and having the Lyra at my desk. I have a variety of staplers that each have their quirks. With some, I have to slam down hard while others require a steady push from above with my weight – otherwise the staple does not go cleanly all the way through. With the Lyra, even pushing down with two fingers gave me a clean stapling – impossible to do with my regular staplers.
2. THREE HOLE PUNCH
As with the stapler, there is also no need to have a separate three-hole punch to take up more surface space. The Lyra has one built in and it operates in a similar way. You lift up the Lyra’s handle and insert your documents into the slot on top of the machine. Make sure your documents are flush up against the left so that all of your edges are even. I used the maximum – 30 sheets of 20lb paper.
With the Lyra on my desk, I was able to push down on the handle – while I was seated – and get three cleanly cut holes ready for inserting my documents into a three-ring binder. So it doesn’t take a lot of leverage or effort. There will be some resistance when the handle makes contact with the paper. But it’s not like you have to stand and push down with your weight. And there’s no confetti to clean up. The chads get collected in a small drawer on the bottom of the Lyra.
I also tested the Lyra using 60lb paper. Since it is much heavier, I limited my stack to 10 sheets. I punched three stacks and, each time, the Lyra had no problem cutting clean holes.
3. COMB BINDING
The steps for comb binding are: A) punching the holes; B) measuring the stack; C) loading and threading the binding comb.
A. PUNCHING HOLES
The process is similar to three-hole punching. But, instead of three round holes, the Lyra punches 19 small rectangular holes. Note that, unlike with stapling and three-hole punching, the maximum stack of 20lb paper you can punch is 20 sheets, not 30 sheets. The Lyra’s top lifts up to reveal a separate slot into which you insert your documents for punching the comb binding holes. Fortunately, this slot is designed so that if you accidentally put in 30 sheets – like I did – it will not fit in. For consistency, it would be ideal if the Lyra was able to comb bind a maximum of 30 sheets also.
Again, I operated the Lyra while seated and having the machine on my desk. Punching 20 sheets of 20lb paper did require a stronger downward push on the handle than it did for the three-hole punch. But this is to be expected as more pressure is needed to cut 19 smaller holes spaced closer together than three large ones spaced further apart.
B. MEASURING THE STACK
Next, you hold your stack up against a guide printed on the Lyra to determine what size binding comb you need. I punched 40 sheets (two 20 sheet stacks of 20lb paper), which fit the 3/8” (10mm) binding combs I was provided with.
C. LOADING AND THREADING THE BINDING COMB
Now that I know what size to use, I inserted the binding comb into the claws of the Lyra. They may look like claws, but they are not sharp enough to cause injury – the points are rounded. Be careful, though, when extracting the binding combs from the box. They are packed tightly – 25 to a box – and the corners at each end of the binding combs are pointy enough to elicit an “ouch” from me.
As a first-timer, threading the binding comb took some patience and bright lighting to see what I was doing. After inserting the spine of the binding comb into the claws, you then gently pull a comb opening lever toward you so that the claws pry apart the rings of the spine. Now you can manually thread or insert the rings of the spine into the holes in your document (and covers). As a beginner working under dim light, I missed some of the holes and found it easier to do when I broke up the document into smaller stacks rather than trying to thread the entire stack in one go. Once inserted, you push the lever forward so that the claws close up the rings to secure your document.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Lyra is a “green” machine – no electricity is needed to operate this mechanical device. The machine is about as wide and as deep as many home printers, but certainly not as tall. So it won’t take up too much surface space. The Lyra has a solid build. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy. The style and color of the unit will blend in with all of your home office products.
Paper instructions are included. The English portion is only four pages with lots of diagrams and pictures – so there’s not a lot you have to read. But I suggest downloading a PDF version so that you can easily do searches for specific subjects. The instructions with accompanying pictures were easy to follow though I did view the company’s two-minute video to get a quick overview.
Like many products today, the Lyra is made in China.
Overall, I am very pleased with the machine. I present educational workshops and routinely distribute paper materials. So now, with the Lyra, I can continue to have these materials stapled or I have the option of punching them for use in a ring binder or binding comb. Prices will vary, but I found that the 3/8” (10 mm) binding combs come to about 20 cents each and presentation covers about 50 cents each. So, apart from the initial cost of the machine, I can present my materials with a professional looking finish at a fairly nominal cost.
Pros: Alignment Guide, Binding Capacity, Document / Comb Measurement Guide, ease of use, Punch Capacity, Quality Construction, Safety Features, Speed, Warranty
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 24, 2021
Wow! We really appreciate the time you took providing your excellent and exhaustive review, TheWiseOwl! Very helpful! When we read you present educational workshops, we understood why this review was so comprehensive. Thank you for your valuable feedback!
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
4
Great for small business/office/home use!
on November 8, 2021
Posted by: bean
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Had a little trouble at first, but overall it's a nifty and hefty machine! I had a job that was perfect for it, but I think the space we had for the machine was not. (Or fault, not the machines). After some getting use to, and some minor tweaks, it's a useful tool in the office. (Just have to keep it level, which given the space we have, was hard.) I see a lot of use out of this machine in our future! *I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
Pros: Alignment Guide, Binding Capacity, ease of use, Quality Construction, Safety Features
Cons: Punch Capacity
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 8, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, bean. A level surface is necessary for sure.
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
4
Nice Product
on November 9, 2021
Posted by: Todd
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Very easy to use but can only punch 30 sheets or less. Could use a bigger punch. All mechanicals are very handy. Came shipped with 2 of the cover screws lying in the box. They came out in shipping
Pros: Alignment Guide, ease of use, Safety Features, looks clean
Cons: Punch Capacity, Quality Construction
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 11, 2021
Hi Todd. Thank you for taking the time to post about your experience. We are sorry to hear that something was damaged in shipping. Please check your inbox for note from us.
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
5
Binding Center
on November 10, 2021
Posted by: Hana
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is a really nice tool to have for the office. I guess I didn't think about it beforehand, but I was surprised that it didn't need to be plugged in to do its job. Everything works the way it is supposed to and I like how it looks, too. I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Pros: ease of use, Punch Capacity, Quality Construction
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 11, 2021
Thank you for taking the time to post your review, Hana!
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
4
Easy to Use!
on November 10, 2021
Posted by: Nadine
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Super easy to use! I have never used a binding machine before and it only took me about 10 minutes total to print and bind a manual. The next one took less than 5 minutes! So far the only thing I didn't like was that the instructions didn't state to make sure the paper is all the way to the left when punching it before binding. Thankfully I followed the instructions and used a scrap piece of paper to test it first. Overall, a great machine that will save us time and money instead of having to run to the store and have them bind our manuals. I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Pros: Binding Capacity, ease of use, Punch Capacity
Cons: Alignment Guide
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 11, 2021
Thank you for your great feedback, Nadine!
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
5
Well designed and well made
on November 11, 2021
Posted by: Koala
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have been using the Lyra for the past week and am very impressed. I'd previously been using the Star 150 and have found the Lyra to be much better. Unlike the Star 150, the lid goes all the way up so the paper stands vertically. With the Star 150, it didn't so the paper was always falling forward. It also seems much better built. It punches the holes for binding in the paper much more easily than the Star 150. It is also easier to load the combs and the mechanism for opening the combs seems more robust as well. I don't make 3 hold punches but I tried it out and it worked perfectly also. The stapler works fine. I guess the big benefit is not having to look around for one. All in all I think it is an excellent machine. "I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review."
Pros: Binding Capacity, Document / Comb Measurement Guide, ease of use, Punch Capacity, Quality Construction
Cons: it is a bit bigger than the star 150.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 15, 2021
Thank you for the excellent rating and review, Koala!
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
5
A thoughtful design
on November 11, 2021
Posted by: Saxophonist
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This Lyra 3-in-1 binding machine replaces a Fellowes Pulsar I purchased earlier in the year. I have used comb binders for years to create archival booklets of sheet music for my personal use. The Lyra incorporates some design innovations which I believe represent real value. Although I primarily use comb binding, on occasions I staple documents or use a three hole punch to put materials in a standard ring binder. The Lyra incorporates all three devices into a single unit, keeping all options at hand in a reasonable amount of space. It is heavy enough that it does not slide around under heavy use and incorporates an extended flat surface at the front for jogging papers together. One feature which I would highlight is the presence of a guide on the underside of the lid for selecting the correct size binding comb for the amount of papers to be bound. I am very satisfied with the Lyra and would have purchased it initially had it been available when I bought my original Fellowes binder. I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Recommended.
Pros: Alignment Guide, Binding Capacity, Document / Comb Measurement Guide, Punch Capacity, Quality Construction
Cons: a bit heavy for portable use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 15, 2021
Thank you for the detailed review, Saxophonist! We appreciate the recommendation!
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Product!
on November 11, 2021
Posted by: JWPhil
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently received the Lyra 3-in-1 Binding Center and after putting it through its paces, found it a great addition to an office setting. It is well made and all functions are easy to use. My wife and I found that it took little effort to use the stapler and paper punch with a little more effort for punching paper to bind. this may be due being brand new. My wife has had wrist and hand surgery, so to find something like this, that is easy and stressless for her to use, is saying something. I would recommend this to anyone doing large volumes of stapling, paper punching or binding. Does it very well with minimum effort. "I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review."
Pros: Alignment Guide, Binding Capacity, Document / Comb Measurement Guide, ease of use, Punch Capacity, Quality Construction, Safety Features, Speed, Warranty
Cons: nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from fellowes.comBy CM, CS, November 12, 2021
We are glad you are finding the Lyra to be a great addition to your office JWPhil! We appreciate your feedback!
Written by a customer while visiting fellowes.com