Need to add bindery print finishing to your shop but not sure whether to buy a repair project or a production system? The choice between the Martin Yale 1217A and the Graphic Whizard PC 33SC could not be starker: one is a folder with a worn feed roller belt, the other a used finishing machine intended for professional use.
Quick Verdict
If you have the tools and time to replace belts and troubleshoot, the Martin Yale 1217A can be your entry into automatic folding without the price of a large finishing system. If you need a system that is ready to work and can handle varied printing and bindery tasks, the Graphic Whizard PC 33SC is the more complete choice-for a much larger investment.
At a Glance
| Consideration | Martin Yale 1217A | Graphic Whizard PC 33SC |
| Listed price | $299.99 | $8,000.00 |
| Condition | For parts or not working | Used |
| Best for | A repair-minded buyer who can pick up locally | A shop needing finishing equipment now |
| What it is | Automatic paper folding machine | Printing and bindery print finishing machine |
Where Each Wins
Martin Yale 1217A wins on upfront cost and repair opportunity. The listed price is a fraction of the Graphic Whizard's, and the machine gives a hands-on buyer a chance to restore an automatic folder. The seller reports that the feed roller belt is worn through, but feeding a few single pages with different fold settings produced no issues.
Graphic Whizard PC 33SC wins on readiness and a wider finishing scope. As a used printing and bindery finishing machine, it is described for precision and efficiency across various printing and graphic arts projects, and it is suited for businesses from small studios to larger printing companies. You are not buying a repair project; you are buying a system that is meant to run.
Martin Yale 1217A
The Martin Yale 1217A is the repair-project route into an automatic folding machine. It is listed as for parts or not working because the belt on the feed roller is worn through, and other belts or parts may need replacement. The seller says a few single pages fed through with different fold settings caused no issues, but returns are not offered and pickup is local only. Choose it if you have the skills to replace belts and get a machine running again. Its limitation is that you are buying a project, not a ready-to-run folder, and the local-pickup requirement adds logistics.
Graphic Whizard PC 33SC
The Graphic Whizard PC 33SC is the ready-to-run choice for a shop with a larger budget. As a used printing and bindery finishing machine, it is described for precision and efficiency in various printing and graphic arts projects, and it is aimed at businesses from small studios to larger printing companies. Choose it if you want finishing equipment that does not start as a repair job. Its limitation is the financial commitment: this is a major purchase, and because it is used, you will want to confirm the machine's actual condition before buying.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want to spend less upfront and like bringing equipment back to life, buy the $299.99 Martin Yale 1217A. If you want production capability and are willing to pay more to avoid a repair project, the $8,000 Graphic Whizard PC 33SC is the finishing machine to budget for.
