1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Fellowes Galaxy E 500 Electric Comb Binding Machine. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, setup, and maintenance of your binding machine. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the machine and keep it for future reference.
2. Safety Instructions
- Always operate the machine on a stable, flat surface.
- Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts during operation.
- Do not insert fingers or foreign objects into the punching or binding mechanisms.
- Unplug the machine from the power outlet when not in use or before cleaning.
- Do not use the machine if the power cord or plug is damaged.
- This machine is designed for office use. Do not use it for purposes other than binding documents.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the machine during extended use.
- Keep out of reach of children.
3. Product Overview
The Fellowes Galaxy E 500 is an electric comb binding machine designed for efficient document finishing. It features an electric punch for effortless hole punching and a comb opener for easy binding.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the Fellowes Galaxy E 500 Electric Comb Binding Machine, showing the punching platform and comb binding mechanism.

Figure 3.2: The binding machine in use, with a document being inserted into the comb binding mechanism. This illustrates the machine's primary function.

Figure 3.3: A close-up view of the removable comb binding cassette, which holds the plastic combs for binding documents.
4. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the binding machine from its packaging. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
- Placement: Place the machine on a sturdy, level surface with adequate space for document handling.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Punching Margin Adjustment: Adjust the margin guide to set the desired distance from the edge of the paper to the punched holes.
- Comb Size Selector: Use the comb size selector to determine the appropriate comb size for your document's thickness.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Punching Documents
- Prepare Document: Align the edges of your document pages. Ensure the maximum punching capacity (specified in Section 7) is not exceeded per punch cycle.
- Adjust Margin Guide: Set the margin guide to ensure consistent hole placement.
- Insert Pages: Insert the stack of pages into the punching slot, ensuring they are flush against the margin guide.
- Punch: Press the electric punch button or lever to punch the holes. Wait for the punching cycle to complete before removing the pages.
- Empty Chip Tray: Regularly empty the chip tray located at the side or back of the machine to prevent jams.

Figure 5.1: A hand demonstrating how to use the comb size guide on the machine, ensuring the correct comb is selected for the document thickness.
5.2 Binding Documents
- Select Comb: Choose a binding comb of the appropriate size based on your document's thickness (refer to the comb size guide on the machine).
- Open Comb: Place the comb onto the binding mechanism. Use the binding lever to open the comb's rings.
- Load Pages: Carefully load the punched pages onto the open comb, starting with the back cover, then the document pages, and finally the front cover.
- Close Comb: Once all pages are loaded, push the binding lever back to close the comb rings, securing the document.
- Remove Document: Remove the bound document from the machine.

Figure 5.2: A user operating the binding lever to open the plastic comb, preparing it to receive punched pages. This shows the manual operation of the binding process.

Figure 5.3: A person carefully placing punched document pages onto the open rings of a binding comb, demonstrating the loading step of the binding process.
6. Maintenance
- Empty Chip Tray: Regularly empty the waste chip tray to prevent paper jams and ensure optimal punching performance.
- Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Lubrication: The punching mechanism may require occasional lubrication with a silicone-based spray to maintain smooth operation. Consult Fellowes support for specific recommendations.
- Blade Sharpening: The punching blades are self-sharpening with regular use. If punching performance degrades, contact customer support.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not punch. | Not plugged in; power switch off; paper jam; overloaded. | Check power connection; turn on power switch; clear paper jam; reduce number of sheets. |
| Pages are not punched cleanly. | Overloaded; dull blades; chip tray full. | Reduce number of sheets; empty chip tray; contact service if blades are dull. |
| Comb does not open/close properly. | Comb misaligned; binding lever not fully engaged. | Ensure comb is seated correctly; fully engage the binding lever. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FEL5218301 |
| Manufacturer | Fellowes |
| Item Weight | 26.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 23 x 8.3 x 19.8 inches |
| Binding Type | Comb Binding |
| Punching Method | Electric |
9. Warranty Information
Specific warranty details for the Fellowes Galaxy E 500 Electric Comb Binding Machine are not provided within this manual. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Fellowes website for comprehensive warranty terms and conditions.
10. Customer Support
For technical assistance, replacement parts, or further inquiries regarding your Fellowes Galaxy E 500 Electric Comb Binding Machine, please contact Fellowes customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the Fellowes official website or on the product packaging.
You can visit the Fellowes Store on Amazon for more information: Fellowes Store