International studio (32.1907)

Practical Bookbinding

KniFF TOI'HTNr? P00r work sometimes not
due to any lack of ability
CuTT/NiT or effort, but simply to lack

of conveniences. It is bet-
ter to become familiar
gradually with what is and
what is not needed, to ac-
cumulate tools slowly, but
not to begin definite work
until a somewhat complete
outfit is at hand, and one
has acquired by study of
works on bookbinding, and
by conversation with prac-
tical workers, some idea as
to ways and methods. It
would seem unnecessary to give advice of this kind,
but, as a matter of fact, I have known of a number
of instances where intelligent people 'have begun to
work under these conditions and have as a result
become discouraged unnecessarily.

Space needed: Living in a crowded city as I do,
and seeing a good deal of work done by others
where space is valuable, I have of necessity devoted
considerable thought to economy of space. While
this is not a matter of importance to all, still I
think a majority of amateurs are obliged to con-
sider the question. We are not all fortunate enough
to have a special workshop. All the work that I
have done has been accomplished on two tables or
benches, four feet long by two feet wide, fixed in
front of two windows. Three feet is a convenient
height, but this depends upon the height of the
worker.

One table is devoted to forwarding, and has

BOOK AND KNIFE IN POSITION

under it shelves and racks K N 1 F£ fo/'ST Fhft
for holding pressing- CUTi-lHtf SECTIONS-
boards, paring stones and
the miscellaneous para-
phernalia needed. The
edge next the window has
a raised ledge of six or
eight inches, on which
are arranged knives,
straight-edges, etc. The
other table, used mainly
for finishing, holds the gas
stove, etc. Above it on a
side wall a small set of
shelves gives room for the
various small items
needed in this branch of
the work. This table has
a number of drawers for
storage of papers, leathers, gold cushions, etc.

The raised back edge of the forwarding table,
with an adjustable support on the front edge, holds
the cutting-press when in use. This is not con-
venient, however. When possible, the usual “tub”
should be on hand for daily use.

The press, be it the usual standing-press or a
strong letter-press, must stand on the floor or on
a separate block. Almost all the processes of
binding may be carried on by artificial light, but
in this case it is well to have two lights, so as to
avoid strong shadows. I advise strongly, however,
against using finishing tools under artificial light.
It can be done, but it is difficult and not satis-
factory even for an expert worker.

Tools and necessary appliances: The most im-
portant thing is the cutting-press and plough. The
standard size made for use in commercial work of
all sizes, is too heavy and clumsy to be'used by a
beginner. A smaller size is made and may be
ordered through the regular dealers. It is much
lighter and is easily handled and answers all pur-
poses, as it takes books up to sixteen inches in
length. The price is the same as for the standard
size. As it is always made to order, it takes a few
weeks to get it.

The standing-press may be of wood or steel and
ranges in price from twenty dollars up. An
amateur may, however, -get along very well with a
strong letter-press. I know of a number of amateurs
in New York who are doing good work and who
use only a letter-press. Another amateur living in
the suburbs has converted to her use a small press
formerly used in a cider mill.

Finishing press: A press of this variety, 14 to

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