[NFB-Braille-Discussion] braille buddy irie-at or viewPlus embosser question

[Josh Kennedy]

Hi
I just bought a braille buddy embosser to more easily get documents and stuff from my computer onto braille paper rather than copying it with my electric perkins brailler, and also to emboss pictures I take with my iPhone camera into tactile graphics. I have a few questions before I get the embosser on Friday. 

1. Does the embosser have a paper setting to adjust its punch force for embossing 8.5x11 inch permabraille plastic sheets? I will be using the single sheet feeder since my workspace is small… Or will I need to experiment and define a custom paper type when I want to emboss the thermoform plastics?
2. I will be using the printer to emboss church readings, address lists, bank statements, and other very short documents. Any tips on once I make a chart in excel, move it to its own sheet for translation and embossing, how should I change the chart in excel so it embosses in the most readable form? 
3. If I want to emboss business cards or index cards, what should I set the embosser paper size, to, in printer properties?
4. How long do these embossers last? Are they long-lasting like perkins braillers as in they last for decades? Or could I expect to get 10 or so years out of it and then I will have to buy a new one? I was told general maintenance of this embosser will cost similar to general perkins brailler maintenance. I got no extras with this embosser, just the embosser itself for $1495. And cut sheet 3 hole punch braille paper. Speaking of that, how do I make sure the embosser has a 1 inch left margin to avoid embossing inside the hole punches? 
Josh


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