When you're setting up bindery print finishing in a small print shop or home office, the two jobs that come up most are folding and booklet binding. A paper folder can handle the folding, while a stapler binder can handle flat stitching and saddle stitching. But in this head-to-head, you're choosing between the Martin Yale Automatic Paper Folding Machine 1217A, listed at $299.99, and the Electric 106 Auto-Rapid Flat+Saddle Stapler Binder, listed at $179.99. The Martin Yale is a folding machine, but it's being sold as "for parts or not working" due to a worn feed roller belt, and it's local pickup only. The Electric 106 is a new stapler binder that can switch between flat and saddle stitching. So which one should you bring into your shop?
Quick verdict
If you need a modern, working stapler/binder and want the lower price, the Electric 106 is the straightforward choice. If you need a paper folder, the Martin Yale 1217A has the potential, but only if you're willing to source and install a new feed belt and pick it up locally.
Comparison
| Attribute | Martin Yale 1217A | Electric 106 Stapler Binder |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $179.99 |
| Price indicator | ||
| Condition | For parts / not working | New |
| Function | Paper folding machine | Flat + saddle stapler binder |
| Country of origin | United States | China |
| Model | 1217A | 106 |
Where each product wins
- Martin Yale 1217A is the pick if folding pages is your primary finishing job. It's a dedicated paper folder and it's made in the United States. The seller says they fed single pages through and experimented with different fold settings without issues. The catch is the worn feed roller belt and the local-pickup-only restriction.
- Electric 106 Auto-Rapid is the pick if you need a ready-to-use binding machine. It does both flat and saddle stitching, has an adjustable binding thickness from 2 to 50 sheets, and includes a safety foot switch. You don't have to repair anything before using it.
Product notes
Martin Yale Automatic Paper Folding Machine 1217A
This is the machine to consider when your bindery finishing jobs involve folding pages before assembling them. The 1217A is a US-made paper folder from Martin Yale. The seller describes a worn feed roller belt that needs replacing and notes that other belts or parts may need attention. There are no returns, and it's local pickup only. On the positive side, they fed single pages through and experimented with different fold settings without issues. If you're comfortable with the repair, this could become a working folder for your shop. That gives it promise as a repair project.
Electric 106 Auto-Rapid Flat+Saddle Stapler Binder Book Binding Machine 110V
If you need to bind booklets and multi-page documents, this Electric 106 supports flat and saddle stitching and can switch between the two modes. It offers an adjustable binding thickness from 2 to 50 sheets, a safety foot switch, and an indicator light. The model runs on 110V and comes from HTG. You avoid the repair risk of a used machine, and the main drawback is that it won't fold paper-if your finishing line needs folding, you'd still need a separate folder. It is a ready-to-run option for small print shops.
Final choice by use case
Pick the Electric 106 Auto-Rapid Stapler Binder if you produce saddle-stitched manuals, booklets, or stapled sets. Choose the Martin Yale 1217A only if you absolutely need a paper folder, you can handle the feed-belt repair, and local pickup is practical for you. There's no wrong answer, but there is a wrong fit: match the machine to your actual finishing workflow.
