I too was limited to Staples and their $6 wasn't in the budget (we were doing fundraising cookbook) I am doing family history books for relatives so purchased a comb binder from Staples (the manual one). Got a rebate so it was under $100 at the time. The combs are available for various prices depending on the size and I use the crystal clear covers.Personally the only prebound books I would take apart and rebind would have to be in very poor condition. My two cents worth here. I like having this machine available to put whatever book together for myself and family. Printed out some free quilt patterns on the laser printer and have a couple of new books for myself now.