I have tried three different kinds of binding machines and this is the best budget machine I have found. It comes out of the box, all but ready to work. Use the scrap paper for the first few punches to make sure no residual oil gets on your work. It does the job it is sold for easily, and without hassle. It is big enough to get the job done without feeling like you might break something, but not so large as to dominate your office. You may forget it is there, and the non-garish colors help it blend into the background. (This is helpful in that people may not notice it, and subsequently, want to borrow it.)