My bookbinding tools and stuff
I started binding in July 2023, so I'm certainly no expert, but in case you're interested in what I use to create my bindsβ¦
I use Adobe InDesign to typeset and Illustrator for graphics
I print on an old Canon laser printer for black and white and a Canon Pixma ix6820 inkjet for color
I am the proud owner of this gorgeous finishing press and this plough and these backing irons from Affordable Binding Equipment.
I purchase my shortgrain paper from Church Paper (for folios) and the long grain paper I use for quartos is just whatever (nothing special)
I use this legal paper for legal quartos.
I love my punching cradle and guide that I got off etsy.
I use this thread (that I wax with beeswax) for sewing signatures, but this is also good.
I love this cardstock for endpapers (Craft Consortium ink drops) but I collect pads of 12x12 cardstock in various designs from craft stores as well as paper from Paper Source and specialty sellers.
I get precut bookboards from Hollander's. I cannot recommend this enough. I got the .10 thick board.
This is the printable canvas I use.
I use these tools for spacing and squaring when creating covers
Everything gets stuck together with this glue. (GET THE POINTY TOP!)
I have an old Silhouette Cameo for cutting vinyl and applying foil to bookcloth (with this pen)
I use this foil quill for freehanding and this foil.
I apply laser toner foil with this Scotch laminator
If I am going to laminate, I use this soft touch laminate.
I have a thermal binding machine from Amazon and I use these glue strips with it
I have this guillotine (but I don't recommend black for visibility reasons) I give up on guillotines. See plough, above.
I have purchased bookcloth from Hollander's, Colophon, and Amazon. I don't recommend the Allure line if you are decorating with HTV or paint.
When I sew endbands, I use Gutermann silk or Soie Perlee.
Get this heat and bond if you want to make your own bookcloth
I make ribbon bookmarks with charms like these and these crimps.
I get positive feedback and help and kindness from @renegadeguild
Caveat: These are just the tools and supplies I use. I am not an expert. I'm a hobbyist who is relatively new to it. Some of the things I use might be "wrong" but every book I've made works, so who cares?
If you want to see what it looks like when I bind something, here's a short video.
