Case Binding 2: Equipment & Materials

Essential Equipment for Bookbinding

Basic Tools Required

• The first essential tool is a cutting mat, preferably size three, which provides a self-healing surface and guidelines for accurate cutting.

• A bone folder is crucial for folding paper and smoothing glued surfaces; options include bone, teflon, wood, or plastic. Investing in a quality one is recommended.

• A metal ruler is preferred over plastic for precision in measurements; having two utility knives (Stanley knives) of different sizes can enhance efficiency during the project.

Additional Tools Needed

• Brushes are necessary for applying glue; while bookbinders brushes are ideal, a firm ordinary paintbrush can suffice.

• An awl is needed to create holes in the paper for stitching; alternatives include sharp needles or nails if an awl isn't available.

• Scissors and a hammer are basic tools required; any standard scissors and hammer will work.

Pressing Your Book

• A proper bookbinder's press can be expensive; however, simpler wooden presses made from boards and clamps can be effective alternatives.

• G-clamps can be used with boards to hold the book securely while working on it.

Materials Required

Paper Selection

• For the book block, 20 sheets of standard A4 printer paper (80 grams per square meter), cut in half to form A6 size pages, will be used.

• Ensuring correct grain direction when folding paper is important; bending the paper helps determine its grain direction.

Board and End Pages

• Bookbinders board (also known as chipboard or gray board), around 180–200 grams per square meter thickness, will serve as covers. Thinner cereal box material may also work if necessary.

Bookbinding Materials and Techniques

Essential Materials for Bookbinding

• To create a book block, you need a thick piece of board for the spine, ideally around 160 GSM. The grain direction should allow for bending.

• A strip of craft paper is necessary; it should be relatively thin yet strong, typically used in packaging. Ensure the grain direction runs along the length for proper folding.

• For covering material, decorative or stronger paper is recommended. The speaker uses acrylic-painted paper but suggests using thicker printer paper (around 160 grams) if needed.

• Traditional bookbinding thread is usually cotton waxed with beeswax; however, nylon thread can also work as long as it's strong and not overly thick.

• Model (starch gauze) is used to glue the spine. Alternatives include muslin or thin cotton fabric; while paper can be used in emergencies, it’s not recommended unless grain direction is correct.

Adhesives and Additional Components

• PVA glue is preferred for this project. While specialized bookbinding PVA is ideal, other types can suffice if they are flexible enough for use with paper.

• Testing glue flexibility involves applying it to plastic and checking its bendability once dried. Different applications may require varying thicknesses of glue.