The process of bookbinding not only requires certain materials, which are consumed, but also a set of tools needed for the production. This article covers all the bookbinding tools needed for handmade bookbinding. Large-scale industries require entirely different machinery, which is not applicable for individual use. However, the general idea stays the same in both procedures.
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Definition: Bookbinding tools
Bookbinding tools are tools used to bind books. Some of them are needed to process the paper, while others assist with sewing or gluing. Therefore, different types of bookbinding materials are also necessary, such as glue, cotton, printing ink and special printer paper.
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Awl
An awl is a sharp, pointy tool that pre-establishes holes in the book board, cloth, and paper, which are later used for sewing. There are different sizes and materials depending on how small the holes have to be or how thick and sturdy the pierced material is. For starters, it can also be exchanged with a needle, as awls just come in a broader variety and have more comfortable handles.
Folding bone
A folding bone, also called a bone folder, is a dull tool, often with one more pointed and one rounded edge. It is used to fold and crease the paper, cloth, leather, or any other bookbinding material you might be using. They also come in different sizes and lengths, depending on how sturdy the material to be folded is and what paper size is being used.
Paper drill
A paper drill is a mechanical tool to punch holes in large stacks of paper. It is often used in industrial bookbinding, being the high-volume pendant to an awl, and is capable of piercing precise holes even in massive stacks. For private book binding, it is not advised to use paper drills, as they are expensive and not sustainable for only occasional usage. However, companies looking for a professional tool to bind books, this is a very useful bookbinding tool.
Book press
A book press, often a screw press, is used to hold the book block together with great pressure during the process of stitching or while the glue is drying. It can furthermore be used for fore-edge paintings to prevent the paint from seeping between the pages. It is important to fix the book tight enough to prevent paint or glue from slipping between the pages, or to ensure that the sewing is straight. However, if the screw is tightened too much, it can leave the paper crumpled or embossed. To prevent this from happening, you should add an additional layer of fabric or thicker paper to protect the book block.
Measuring tools
Another type of bookbinding tool are different kinds of measuring tools. They are used to measure the accuracy of the paper, the cuts, or the angles.
- Steel compass: ensures equal distance between holes for sewing.
- Steel ruler: measures the length of paper and is used for cutting edges precisely.
- Square: for cutting book boards precisely.
- (Vernier) calliper: measures the thickness of paper or paper stacks
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FAQs
Bookbinding tools are tools used in the process of binding a book. They include, for instance, awls, folding bones, or book presses.
A bone folder, also called folding bone, is a tool to fold or crease paper accurately and tightly. It is often made from plastic, having one pointed edge and one round, while having no sharp edges all around.
Yes and no. Paper drills are often used in industrial bookbinding with large quantities or special bindings such as screw post binding or the Japanese stab binding. In individual handcraft, paper drills are rarely used and replaced by awls.
