Bookbinding - Attempt One: The Boards

I prepared the oak boards using almost all hand tools.  I did use a powered drill to drill the holes for the end bands. So far so good.

Using a rasp and files to shape the edges of the boards.

Areas for the supports ready for chisel work.

Areas chiseled out ready for the supports.

Bookbinding - Attempt One (Cont)

I don't think I started off my stitching tight enough, the first gathering is a bit loose, compared to the others, but the stitching went really quickly once everything was set up.  Next I'll need to cut the boards and do some work with the chisels to make the channels.

All the gatherings stitched to the leather supports.

Another view, before taking the book off the frame.

Ready for the next step.

Bookbinding - Attempt One

I was able to give my new sewing frame a test run. Materials include, paper from a sketch book, linen thread, leather strips, split (Might be to short, guess I'll find out).  Over all the frame was a bit of an issue to get all set up by myself this first attempt.  I might have to make a pair of shorter uprights for the frame at some point.  So far it's been fun putting to use things I have only read about to this point.

Folding the paper.

Punching holes for thread

Setting up the sewing frame.

Starting the stitching.

Collapsible Sewing Frame for Bookbinding

This past Saturday, I was able to spend some time on a project I've been thinking about making for awhile now, a collapsible sewing frame for bookbinding. 

It's made out of red oak, using modern power tools, and finished using danish oil.

All taken apart.

Assembled.

Assembled, another view.

De Clarea Wooden Whisk

The other evening I attempted to make a few wooden whisks based on Thompson's translation of the De Clarea manuscript fragment. I used apple branches cut that day for my flexible wood, and their was three that bent without breaking. I did tie the bent end down while the wood dried. After letting them sit for a few days, I untied the wood and two of the whisks look to be useable, while the third splintered a bit around the curve. I might be able to trim it up some.

One bent wooden whisk

Copy of the drawing from De Clarea (about middle right side of the paper)

I've also picked up a sea sponge and working on getting a scrap piece of wool cloth.  Once I get the cloth, I'm planning on making glair using the various tools and compare the results myself.  The Author of De Clarea says glair made using the whisk is the best while the pressed (wool cloth or sponge) is brittle and not good.  Should make for an interesting afternoon or evening.