Re: [BKARTS] No job backer

[Don Rash <studior@xxxxxxxx>]

Mary,

While I've never used a WorkMate it wouldn't be a surprise that it 
doesn't have the pressing power of a job backer. You don't say if the 
different results between job backer and WorkMate are with the same 
sewing variables. You also don't say what sort of spine you're trying to 
produce and the sort of flaws you're getting. That information would 
tell a lot. One thing I can say is that your sewing is almost certainly 
not too tight, unless you're breaking the thread frequently.

I've never been a great fan of job backers. They take up a lot of room, 
they're heavy, and you can only back one book at a time. Later today 
I'll post info and pictures of a backing press that can be made easily 
and inexpensively. Not elegant, though. It will be on my blog at 
http://www.donrashfinebookbinder.com/blog1.

Hope this helps a bit.


Don Rash



Mary Yordy wrote:
> Some time ago, a couple of people recommended using the Black and Decker
> 'Workmate" bench (a clamp sorts with two opposed boards in the top which
> can be cranked together) supplemented with backing boards as a 'job
> backer'.   For me the results have been mixed and it doesn't really seem
> strong enough to do the job.
>
> I occassionally have access to a real job backer.  I'd wondered if  my
> sewing was too tight, or the paper I'm using doesn't have the right
> body--but when I used an actual  job backer I had a much better result.
> Can those of you who recommended the Black and Decker Workmate give me
> further pointers about making this work?  I could slack off on my sewing
> tension more--
>
> Or maybe I should just ask if someone in this area has a job backer they'd
> sell (Raleigh/ Durham NC)?
>
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            ***********************************************
         The Bonefolder, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2007 is Now Online at
            <http://http://www.philobiblon.com/bonefolder>
                                   
            For all your subscription questions, go to the
                     Book_Arts-L FAQ and Archive.
         See <http://www.philobiblon.com> for full information
            ***********************************************