I think you'll have a really hard time finding a punch by itself for under $30, let along a punch plus covers, plus discs. Because of the cost of the punch, most people only buy one, I think. I hope I'm wrong and someone can help you out.

Me, I've only got one punch which gets quite a lot of use & a suggestion for you. For under $30, your best bet might be going to Staples and checking out the Rollabind system. Purchase a couple notebooks to see if you like them. I personally use a Junior size notebook along with an index card notebook for work. The address book holders are pretty nice too. You could buy those three items for under $30 and still have enough cash left for a pen to put in the pen loop of the Rollabind notebook.

-Kenny

Great ideas, but the point is i dont want to pay full price.
I mean, with shipping and everything (if i go circa, anyway), it's over 60 just for the punch. It'd be at least 75 if i want just the basics; thats a bit steep for me.

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anyone selling rollabind/circa punch, etc? I'm looking to start.

Hi Amy,

Recently on one of the posts here I saw a comment from someone who bought a rolladex punch. The rolladex is a storage roll for business cards, the punch only punches 2 holes at a time but is much cheaper than a punch for a whole sheet of paper.

They seem to sell for about $US9 http://www.amazon.com/Rolodex-One-Sheet-Business-Plastic-676...

As I don't use Circa, I have no idea if the rolladex holes are the right shape for circa/rollabind rings. However, I suspect they are. Can anyone confirm that???

If the punch does work, you should be able to buy a rolladex punch and a couple of cheapy rollabind notebooks to give you the rings, covers and punch you need to start

cheers
Katrina

P.S. I've done a bit of surfing and apparently they're NOT compatible and the holes don't have a mushroom top.

... and never will be.

But there are ways to save on the system.

First, watch the e-bay Levenger outlet. You aren't likely to find a punch there, but they have discs and covers regularly.

For a punch, if you will only be punching a few pages at a time, seriously consider the portable punch. While it only does 2-3 sheets at a time, it is very sturdy and will last a long time.

Here's how I got started. I bought the Levenger starter pack, which gave me rings, 8.5 x 11 covers, a couple pockets and dividers, and a smattering of paper. I then waited for a X% off everything sale (it was 25% or 30%, I forget which), and used my $40 to buy a portable punch and some 5.5 x 8.5 covers from the sale pages. So, including shipping, I spent ? $55 for a punch, several covers and rings, and some inner accessories — not too shabby. [I also bought a pack of good paper from Staples for my home-made forms.]

It's not $30, but I feel like I got very good value for my money.

--Liz

You could visit Staples and get one of their Rolla notebooks. Or order Atoma or Myndology notebooks.

I came up with a way to test out if the circa/rolla disc bound system before I invested in the punch. LINK

Another option would be to get a binder and print out your forms on heavier printer paper or lightweight cardstock. Do the normal hole punching and then just cut slits from the hole to the edge of the paper.

I lucked out and found a Rollabind punch on EBay for a reasonable price. Keep your fingers crossed and eyes peeled - you'll find one. :) Until then, tuck a few dollars a way from each paycheck (instead of getting a coffee or soda, get water) - your punch fund will grow before you know it.

And as mentioned before - the punches are BEASTS - you'll be able to use it as an exercise weight too ;)

--> my blog <--

If you are still looking for punch, rings, etc I have a Rollabind punch and some rings I would be willing to sell. My covers are home made but you would be welcome to them as well. If interested send me a note gmail and I will arrange for pic's if you like and we can cuss and discuss a price. vidiir at gmail.