End Sheets and End Bands

This week was all about finishing the text block.  I had already attached the first lining of Japanese paper and now I was ready to  put on the 2nd spine lining of Mohawk 70lb. text weight paper.  This lining, unlike the first, is only as wide as the spine and the length goes from kettle stitch to kettle stitch.  These stitches are the first and last holes in the sewing pattern. They serve as a locking devise to keep the sections of the sewn book together.  I set up my standing press to be able to do 3 at a times.

Step 2: Attach spine lining

Step 1: Glue up spines

 

Step 3: Bone down lining very well so it adheres

To bone something is the book binding world is to press down with your bone folder, hence the term, to make sure what ever it is you are gluing together sticks. For spine linings it is very important that the linings are firmly adhered.  This is what forms the book into a solid form.  So as my binding professor likes to say, when you think you've boned it enough, do it some more. 

Bone folders are not necessarily made from the bone of an animal anymore.  For those who have a aversion to animal products you can purchase plastic ones.  The particular bone folder I'm using in this process is made of teflon.  A teflon folder is not used nor should it be for all jobs.  It is good for what I used it for and similar jobs along with scoring paper.  Different tools for different purposes.

The next step was to attach end bands that I had already made from a purple book cloth.  Here are a few pics of that process.

Cutting end band to size

End band is trimmed to stop at the top of the kettle stitch

Finished placement of endband

This week is all about case construction.  I will be making a lap component ( the center of the case that has the spine piece and joint area), cutting boards, etc.  More explanation to come shortly.