BINDING A BOOK
Sewing the book sections : The first step involves sewing together the different sections of the book (also sometimes called signatures) to ensure that the book block has solid structural integrity. Gilding the page edges : A Gildmore machine is used to apply a thin metallic foil to the edge of the pages in a process called gilding. Rounding and backing the spine : A layer of glue is applied to the spine to prevent the book sections from slipping. The spine is then rounded using a backing hammer. The backing hammer folds the sections over each other and the book block is then placed in the rounding and backing machine. A metal roll is brought across the spine of the book block several times to smooth out irregularities and sharpen the edges. Trimming the boards : The boards for the covers are cut slightly larger than the page edges using a machine called a board chopper to give the pages protection. Headbanding : Three different coloured threads are wound around a core made from cloth and paper to create the headbands at the top and bottom of the spine. These are then sewn or tied down to some of the sections to attach the headbands firmly to the spine of the book. Lining the spine : A few layers of lining are glued onto the spine, starting off with a strip of mull (a type of muslin) that ensures a strong adhesion and base for the other linings. A few layers of craft paper are used to create a hollow, then attached to the spine. Each layer is rubbed down using a bone folder – a small hand-held tool that makes defined folds and creases on paper or leather. Traditionally these were crafted from animal bone. Adding raised bands : Bands are created across the length of the spine by gluing on raised strips of leather that are neatly trimmed to size. Covering : This is the process of encasing the book in leather. The leather is cut to an appropriate size, pared down to become thinner, dampened on one side before a cold water paste is added to the other. The leather is wrapped around the book and worked onto the spine firmly using a band stick – a wooden band used to smooth the leather over the raised bands. The corners of the leather are cut away so that they can be mitred – or joined neatly at a 45-degree angle. Band nippers – metal instruments used to further adjust and define the leather onto the raised bands – are then used.
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