subject: Martin Yale Model 611 Paper Folding Machine Review [print this page] Paper folding machine provide an effective and efficient way to fold paper on a large scale. This may be fore mailing purposes, for creating brochures or for other material. While there are literally dozens of different folding machines available, one model you may want to consider using is the Martin Yale 1611 paper folding machine from ABCOffice.com. This is my review.
Martin Yale has been manufacturing paper folding machines for decades. The 1501x (CV7) and 1217a are two of their best known machines. The Martin Yale 1611 is a relatively new machine, replacing the Martin Yale 1601 a little over a year ago. The 1611 takes the best elements of the CV7, 1217a, 1601 and refines them in a new machine.
The Model 1611 from Martin Yale is a manually setup machine. While the plates are manually adjusted, the machine does pull the paper in and fold it automatically. It can be used to create letter folds, Z folds, half folds, church folds and much more. Because the plates are manually set up, the 1611 can also be used to create a wide range of custom folds as well. It should also be noted that this paper folding machine can handle paper up to 8 " x 14" in size.
Unlike the older Martin Yale machines, the 1611 utilizes an improved feeding system that does not require the paper to be pre-fanned prior to placement in the feed tray. This saves a lot of time and cuts down on a lot of frustration. The feed table has a sheet capacity of 150 sheets. This improved feeding system is very impressive. Other feeding improvements include removable fold tables, improved stack wheels and easy access to rollers (for cleaning purposes).
One complaint many people have about paper folding machines is that the folds dont look precise or clean. This can be due to incorrect paper feeding or skew adjustment issues. The Model 1611 has enhanced precision paper skew adjustment settings. That, combined with self-centering paper guides, helps keep folds extremely accurate and professional.
While this doesnt really affect the functionality of the folding machine, I have to say that I really like the new design of the 1611. The older 1601 had a cream color to it. The black color of the 1611 looks classy and the machine blends in nicely with existing office furniture and machinery.
This folding machine also includes a handy bypass slot that allows the operator to fold 5 stapled or unstapled sheets of paper at a time. Simply take the paper and manually insert it into the slot. The 1611 will handle the rest. While this isnt ideal for high-volume multi-sheet folding, it is still a nice feature to have on hand.
This machine has a motor that runs at a speed of 9,000 sheets per hour that can handle paper up to 70 lb. index. While it is a robust machine, I wouldnt recommend it for industrial or commercial jobs. It is better suited for office use for folding a few hundred sheets of paper a day, or a few thousand in a day a few times a month. Overall it is a solid machine.
