Bookbinding equipment...

All bookbining operations are carried out using tools and equipment. Some tools and equipment are small items and used frequently, so it makes most sense that everyone starting bookbinding should acquire their own personal kit iof basic items. Larger and more expensive specialist items are owned by the Group.

Personal equipment

These are all inexpensive items that each member ought to have in their own kit. They will be used most weeks and so it makes best sense for individual members to buy and bring their own. Also, it means that members can undertake

• Staysharp knives
• Scissors
• Bone folder
• Metal ruler
• Specialist materials e.g. leather, endpapers, gold leaf

Consumables

These are  used by everybody over time for their projects. We try to maintain an adequate stock for members as  required. However, often for specialist binding projects, for example restoring an old book, members should buy their own materials that match the requirements of their project.

Adhesives

• Paste
• PVA
• Adhesive film

Covering materials

• Board
• Linen/Mull
• Craft paper
• Book-cloth
• Lining paper
• Endpapers
• Leather

Decoration materials

• Dyes
• Foil
• Gold leaf
• Glaire
• Blocking plates

Book cleaning materials

• Repairing older books may entail cleaning
• Sellotape remover
• Leather cleaner
• Cloth cleane

Small equipment items

There are a few essentials that we keep in store for members to use when required:

• Cutting mats
• Brushes
• Needles

Large and more expensive equipment 

• Blockers
• Type
• Hand tools
• Stove
• Guillotine
• Board cutter
• Nipping presses
• Laying presses
• Finishing presses
• Plough
• Beveller
• Paring machines