Whilst I’m awaiting my inductions for the wood shop I’ve been thing up a project I would like to make and some book binding tools have be on my wish list for a while. Whilst no more than an entusiast at book binding, i thought this would be an interesting thing to make. Specifically I been looking at making a laying press and book plough used to trim the book blocks nice and smooth.
There are quite a few available plans for these and they are essentially a wooden vice with a raised guide rail which then matches a cutting sled that runs flush to top surface of the vice where you can slowly engage the cutting knife with each pass.
I was thinking that once made we could have it in the space and if anyone would like to learn a bit about bookbinding I would happy to put my knowledge on the table. I know there are a few others here that may have a wealth more knowledge in book binding as well who might be able to help. Even in the meantime, the tools needed to start binding are very minimal if there was interest I would be happy to share info.
I am in need of making some fresh notebook soon so would be happy to show a few people. I would be making a multi signature, case bound book. If people want to go through this process from scratch I’d imagine the table in the clean room is big enough for 2 or three to follow along. It does take a good bit of time especially if you are learning for the first time. It’s possible to get it all done in a day though if you have a heat gun/hairdryer to hand to speed up the drying. Let me know how much interest there would be and I can look at getting some supplies together. I could start getting a communal tool chest together if there is enough interest
will be down the space tomorrow and will be doing a bit of binding, I’ll bring in an example of what we could make.
I can gather up a range of supplies if you are all interested and we could set a date for a workshop in a few weeks? It Would take you from flat paper and board to a hard cover, fabric wrapped, 96 page book with bookmark ribbon. If you could chip in for supplies the cost for one book would be about £5-10 I would estimate.
If more people want to join in the action, a well enough equipped tool box would be around £100-150 at a rough estimate. If there are any spare awls and squares in the wood/metal shops that might be able to come down a bit.