Adding string reinforcements

 The next step in this bookbinding adventure is adding strings to the binding to strengthen it. I'm sure there are more technical terms to use but hey, I'm just having fun and learning something new.

The process for this task is a bit scary. I had to use a coping saw to cut grooves into the newly glued binding for the strings to be inserted. To start, the book was then clamped into the press allowing 1" to the edge. Taking the saw I cut 7 grooves into the glued binding. After the first cut I realized the glue on the binding was pretty durable so I only needed to hold the scrap covers and binding together avoiding ripping them off.

Sawing the binding

 

Because I am using what's on hand in my house, the string actually would have been too think for grooves made by the saw. So I had to remove one of the strands leaving two to do the job. 

 

Regular string

 More glue! Another layer of glue and extra to add into the newly made groves for the strings. Upon thinking of this binding with just the amount of glue alone the book should last a long time.

More glue...

Adding the string reinforcements was easy enough. With a see saw motion I wedged the string in as far as it would go. In hindsight I probably could have sawed deeper into the binding to totally immerse the string. 

Using that handy plastic tool

The end results looks encouraging. Time for more drying. If there is one thing I've learned it is that bookbinding is not a fast process. Which suits me just fine. 

Waiting to dry

Tomorrow we'll remove the strings and the scrap covers.

Full disclosure I am a complete novice at bookbinding. I used YouTube videos for the inspiration and know how. At the end of this project I'll share a post of those YouTube videos which helped me on my first book binding adventure. As you can see, I'm not going into deep descriptions, as I feel you are best suited to watch the YouTube videos.