Tag: book binding

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Casing Rib

The Delrin Casing Rib

What happens when you hybridize a  bookbinder’s folding rib and a case folder? You get the Casing Rib. 

The potter’s rib was adapted for bookbinding by Christine Cox, who made her version out of Teflon. It is used by many bookbinders for repetitive covering tasks, folding, creasing, etc. A Bakelite case folder is a more traditional tool for similar tasks. The case folder is first recorded being used by the Harcourt Bindery in 1972 according to Sam Ellenport; likely earlier. 

On the left is an case folder from Harcourt. A worn case folder is pictured in Kim Jinsub’s 2016 Book Tools.

Not to Goldilocks it too much; but for me, the teflon rib is too small and narrow, and the case folder is too large. Teflon, though wonderfully slippery, wears rapidly. Harcourts’ case folder is made from a Bakelite phenolic laminated material which doesn’t slide very easily. Daniel Mellis made an experimental stainless steel rib, which I enjoyed using, and it prompted my own search for a better size and material. 

So the casing rib was born.

Made from black Delrin, the large size is easy to grasp and apply pressure directly downwards. I use it for turning-in, general smoothing, box making, and more. Delrin is non-marking like Teflon, and more than twice as abrasion resistant. 

The Casing Rib. Black Delrin, textured sides, rounded top edge, and sharp edges on the bevels. Handmade, sizes vary slightly, ~ 2.25 x 6 x .25 inches. 

“Jeff, this tool is the best. It feels so nice to work with. I’m doing a big edition and using it repetively has been nothing but joy. Doesn’t hurt the wrist. My old case folder would sometimes snap my fingers down if I wasn’t careful. 10/10.” – Purchased by Gabby Cooksey 

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Upcoming Lecture, “John J. Bradford: A Knight of the Folding Stick.” Monday November 25, 2024, 3:30 – 5:00. Boston, MA.

Frontispiece to Bradford’s 1815 “The Poetical Vagaries of a Knight of the Folding-Stick of Paste-Castle.

A Presentation by Jeff Peachey
Monday November 25th, 2024

3:30-5:00pm

North Bennet Street School

150 North Street

Boston MA

John J. Bradford: A Knight of the Folding Stick. In this illustrated lecture, book conservator and lapsed poet Jeff Peachey traces the life of John Bradford and interprets his bookbinding-centric poetry. Particular attention will be paid to the 19th century bookbinding tools he describes, and is in fact made of in the frontispiece above. Bradford was a lifelong journeyman bookbinder in early 19th century New York City. 

Not only are John Bradford’s poems a lot of fun, but his book is the earliest American description of bookbinding written by an actual bookbinder. Only twelve copies are held in institutions. Bradford was an odd character parts of the book are written in hieroglyphics. This presentation is based on his recent publication, “The Binder’s Curse: John Bradford and Early Nineteenth-Century American Bookbinding” In Suave Mechanicals: Essays in the History of Bookbinding, Volume 8. 


At the conclusion, we will read selections from  “The Binder’s Curse” aloud. Join us for geeky bookbinder fun! Non-bookbinders are welcome.

Registration is not required. Open to the public.

A reproduction 19th century folding stick, made from boxwood.

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John J. Bradford: A Knight of the Folding-Stick. Free Presentation at Emory University, Friday, October 11, 3pm

Detail of the Frontispiece from John J. Bradford’s The Poetical Vagaries of the Knight of the Folding Stick of Paste-Castle and The History of the Garrett, 1815. Photo courtesy The Rosenbach Museum & Library.

Please join us at Emory University on Friday, October 11th, 3:00-4:30pm, for an informative and entertaining presentation in the Jones Room of the Robert W. Woodruff Library. This presentation is in-person, and registration is free. Light refreshments will be served.

In this illustrated lecture, conservator and lapsed poet Jeff Peachey traces the life of John Bradford and interprets his bookbinding-centric poetry. Bradford was a lifelong journeyman bookbinder in early 19th century New York City, remarkable for his idiosyncratic, self-published book of poetry, “The Poetical Vagaries of the Knight of the Folding Stick of Paste-Castle and The History of the Garrett” (1815).

Not only are John Bradford’s poems a lot of fun, but his book is the earliest American description of bookbinding written by an actual bookbinder. Only twelve copies are known of this book, and they are all heavily consulted. Bradford’s bookbinding infuses his mythopoetic cosmology in this seriously weird book; parts are even written in hieroglyphics.

“The Binder’s Curse” is John Bradford’s most well-known poem, and we will read it together at the end of the presentation. This talk is based on Peachey’s recent article, “The Binder’s Curse: John Bradford and Early Nineteenth-Century American Bookbinding” In Suave Mechanicals: Essays in the History of Bookbinding, Volume 8. (Ann Arbor: The Legacy Press, 2023): 386-457

Register here

This event will not be live-streamed or recorded.

Please contact Kim Norman or Ephranette Brown with any questions.