Powis Parker Fastback Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a Powis Parker Fastback binding machine or are considering buying one you may have questions. In fact, I talk to customers and potential customers ever week about different questions that they have concerning the Fastback product line. This article is not designed to answer questions about any particular machine but instead offers answers concerning the entire line of Fastback binding equipment. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we encounter…

Can I edit the book once it’s bound?

Yes, all Fastback binding machines have an edit feature which allows you to remove or insert pages. This feature works well if you need to add or remove one or two pages from your bound book. However, if you need to completely disassemble the document you will want to consider using a large guillotine cutter that can trim the spine off the document.

Can I cut a Fastback strip to a different width?

No. You must use one of the three widths available. Narrow strips can handle up to 1/2″ of paper, medium strips can handle up to 1″ of paper and wide strips can handle up to 1-1/2″ of paper. Attempting to cut one of these strips will destroy its binding capability.

Can I cut a strip to a different length?

Yes, as long as the strip is at least 6″ in length you should still be able to use it in your Fastback binding machine. However, when using cut-down strips, be careful to always place the cut edge to the right as you face the machine, so that the adhesive from the cut edge does not spill onto the center of the heating platen. Over time, binding documents using cut-down strips may lead to adhesive build-up on the edge of the platen and may cause problems if you don’t have your machine serviced and the excess glue removed.

Can I bind lengths other than 11″?

Yes. Fastback binding strips come in many lengths including 8 1/2″, 9″, 11″, A4, 14″, and 14 7/8″. However, as mentioned in the previous answer, it is possible to cut these strips down to virtually any size larger than 6″.

I would like the strip to wrap more to the back than the front of my document. Can I make it do that?

Yes. The wrap of the strip can be adjusted on your machine. Please see the users manual of your machine for more instructions on how to adjust the wrap on your model.

Can I use any kind of paper in my Fastback Binder?

Most papers common to copy centers work well in the Fastback binders. However, adhesion problems can occur if the paper fibers are not accessible to the binding strip. This can cause problems with high gloss sheets, photo papers and full bleed printed images. To bind documents with full bleed print or with on high gloss stocks you may want to consider using the Powis Parker Edge Splitter.

My machine says it has a strip jam. What should I do?

The Fastback 15xs, 11, 8x and 9 binders open easily to access the strip path. Open the machine and remove the jammed strip. Be careful: the heater is extremely hot!

Can I use tabs with the Fastback?

Yes. Tabs work very well in the Fastback. For best results (and the nicest books), use thin, grain-long tabs.

What should I use to clean my Fastback binder?

We recommend Icky Sticky Stuff Remover. This cleaning solution is safe, non-flammable and has been thoroughly tested on Fastback binding equipment.