OK, review time...I have only been using this binder off-and-on for a few short weeks now. And I have only used it to bind about 10 or 12 projects so far. But I have learned a few things while using it that I think are important.1. The machine is only as good as the materials you use in it.2. That burning smell goes away after a few uses...or maybe your nose just adapts to it.3. Reading the directions every time you use the device will cut down on mistakes. There are only 5 steps. Pay attention to them.4. Go back and re-read #1. That is the most important thing I can tell you.This machine is great. It does exactly what it is supposed to do. It is simple to use. Follow the steps each time and it will work. Having said that, pay close attention to what you use in it. Does this impact the review for this machine? Absolutely not. But I think you should know about it when purchasing this equipment. I use the Fellowes binding supplies as well as others that work for this sort of machine. Regardless of supplies, I recommend purchasing a good stapler that will staple through the amount of paper you are binding. I staple AND bind using the machine and that makes all the difference in the world. Otherwise I personally feel that the glue might not hold as well as I would like - and that is NOT a failing of this machine by any means. The binding machine does exactly what it is supposed to do, and does it well. But if you make a cake using subpar ingredients and then bake it, do you blame the oven when it comes out bad?