- About Bookbinding -
Bookbinding
With numerous engravings and diagrams
by Paul N. Hasluck 1903
Binding Accounting Books
The thread must be well selected. A good linen thread 3 cord No. 18 is a very serviceable size. Wax the thread to preserve it and to make it wear better. Each section of the book must be sewn all the way up, and the needle must be brought out at the far side of the band, and introduced again at the near side, thus bringing the thread round the bands. The end papers will also have to be sewn to the book, and treated in the same manner as a section of the book. The slips, when the book is sewn, should project about 1 ½ in. on each side of the back.
Gluing up the book, the work of the forwarder, is the next operation. The glue should be of good quality and thin, and tolerably hot when applied. It must be rubbed well into the sections. If the brush does not accomplish this satisfactorily, the thumb should be used for the purpose. When the glue is dry, the foreedge should be cut, and if the edges are to be mottled instead of marbled, do the foreedge at this point. The book will now be ready for rounding. A greater degree of roundness should be given to it than to a letter press book. The inside sheet of the end papers will require to be glued to the first and last leaf of the book. This should be done after rounding the back and the book put in the standing press between tins. This pressing of books with tins should always be done, especially in the case of account books, as a greater degree of solidity will thus be imparted. If the book can be left in the press overnight, so much the better.
In the morning, as soon as the glue is ready, get the book out of the press and line the back. Scraps or waste pieces of strong leather are kept for this purpose. The linings are cut to fit between the bands and the head and tail of the book. They should be long enough to extend from 2 in. to 3 in. on each side of the book. Glue the linings and the back of the book, and when attaching the lining, rub it well down with the folder to ensure it adhering well. The book should be screwed up in the, lying press during this operation. In lining very heavy books, cover the entire back, the bands as well.
Before making the back of an account book, it will be necessary to measure for it with a strip of paper. For this purpose, lay the paper strip on the side of the book about 3/8 in. from the back, bring it over the back, carry it to 3/8 in. on the other side, and cut off. With this strip of paper for a guide, cut three strips of good hard millboard, a special thin but hard board for this purpose being known as "black board." The first strip must be cut exactly to the size of the paper; the second one a trifle wider than the first; and the third one wider still. These strips will of course be about 2 in. longer than the book. Then with strong glue fasten the strips of board together. Glue the smallest first and each larger piece in succession so that the exposed edges of each larger piece are kept clean and free from glue; press firmly and leave till dry. The back must now be rolled, a wooden roller covered with stout brown paper being necessary. The paper is glued at one end and fastened to the roller. Heat the back thoroughly over a gas flame or a bundle of lighted shavings, and allow the heat to penetrate the boards, taking care to prevent burning. When the back is hot and pliable, place it in the roller and give one sharp turn; then reverse quickly and give another turn. It may require to be reversed several times to keep all the parts in place during rolling.