You're shopping for a bindery print finishing folder, and two Martin Yale machines look like candidates: the PREMIER P7200 Rapid Fold and the Automatic 1217A. Both are repair projects rather than ready-to-run equipment. Your choice comes down to which repair project fits your skills and situation, because the work ahead is different on each machine.
Quick verdict: Choose the Martin Yale PREMIER P7200 if you are comfortable cleaning rollers, adjusting the feed, and replacing two top-cover screws. Choose the Martin Yale Automatic 1217A if you would rather start with a machine whose folding path has already been checked with single sheets.
| Martin Yale PREMIER P7200 Rapid Fold | Martin Yale Automatic 1217A | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 125.00 | USD 299.99 |
| Condition | For parts or not working | For parts or not working |
| Model | P7200 | 1217A |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan | United States |
| What needs attention | Roller cleaning and feed adjustment; two top-cover screws missing | Feed roller belt worn through; other belts may need replacement |
| Pickup need | No local pickup required | Local pickup only |
Where each product wins: The P7200 wins when you are willing to do the initial cleanup and setup yourself. The missing top-cover screws are simple to source, and the main fault-grabbing multiple sheets-points to a fixable feed-path issue. The 1217A wins when you want a more identified repair target. The fold settings were exercised with single sheets and produced no issues, so the repair path starts from a clearer place.
Martin Yale PREMIER P7200 Rapid Fold
This is the Martin Yale folder with the catch tray included, and the video shows it running-though not adjusted. The catch is that it has been sitting in storage for years and was grabbing more than one sheet when tried. You will need to clean and adjust the rollers so it pulls only one sheet at a time, and you will need two screws for the top cover. If you are comfortable with basic folder maintenance, the P7200 gives you a straightforward repair path: clean the rollers, set the feed, and replace those cover screws.
Martin Yale Automatic 1217A
The 1217A has a more defined starting point for repairs. Single sheets were run through different fold settings without issues during a bench check, so the folder's folding mechanism responded well. The main known issue is the feed roller belt, which is worn through, and other belts could be in similar shape, so budget for replacement parts. Because it is a for-parts purchase, look over the rollers and belts closely before you take it. This machine suits a buyer who wants a clearer diagnosis before beginning the repair work.
Final choice by use case: If you want to minimize your out-of-pocket investment and can handle roller cleaning, feed adjustment, and two missing screws, the Martin Yale PREMIER P7200 is the better entry point. If local pickup works for you and you want to see the unit before buying, the Martin Yale Automatic 1217A is the stronger pick. Both are repair projects, so the real decision is which repair you are willing to take on.
