Upcoming Tool Making Workshop in Provo, Utah. June 23-25, 2016.

I’m teaching a three day workshop this June at Brigham Young University. Not only will there be time to make some knives, delrin folders and lifting tools, but we will also work on hacking/ tweaking/ restoring/ rehabilitating all types bookbinding tools. Come join us!

Bookbinding Tool Making and Tool Repair Intensive: Knives, Folders, Lifters and More.

Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. June 23-25, 2016.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

In this three day tool making intensive, we will make several knives by hand, using stock reduction, and make a variety of Delrin and Tonkin bamboo folding and lifting tools. Participants should also bring any tools they wish to discuss, sharpen, alter, clean or restore. The specific tools that bookbinders use will be examined in detail: paring knives, lifting knives, scissors, hole punches, scalpels, spokeshaves and board shear blades. The pros and cons of various sharpening systems will be discussed, including water stones, ceramic stones, diamond stones, oil stones, natural stones, silicone carbide powder, aluminum oxide powder, diamond paste, abrasive papers and stropping compounds. Basic principals of tool steel and edge geometry will be discussed. This class will focus on the techniques of efficient free-hand sharpening, which is applicable to any sharpening system. Participants will be provided the 3M Microfinishing film, a large paring or lifting knife blank, and all hard hacksaw blades to two small knives of their choosing, a variety of Delrin blanks and Tonkin Bamboo. The goal is to free participants from the plethora of misinformation and mystique that surrounds sharpening, learn to shape Delrin and bamboo, and learn to maintain and repair common bookbinding tools.

To register, go to: https://gbw.formstack.com/forms/toolmaking

Contact: katie<dot>smith<at>ldschurch<dot>org for information about the facilities

Contact me if you have questions about the workshop content

March 29, 2016March 29, 2016

Nokey Travel Size Sewing Frame

Nokey-travel2 — Nokey travel size sewing frame, closed.

This smaller, and less expensive, travel size Nokey sewing frame is ideal for teachers or students who often travel to workshops. Or if your bindery is the kitchen table. The size of the base is 12 x 9 inches, overall weight 4 lbs. Folded it is 13.25 x 9.25 x 2 inches. Same features as the larger models, includes 5 buttons for attaching supports and an an adjustable 90 degree stop that can compensate for wear. 13-ply birch plywood and 6061 Aluminum. Lightweight ball-point hex driver included. Information on how to purchase above, in the store tab.

Nokey Travel: $350.00

March 22, 2016March 22, 2016

Are Beating Hammers Important?

Forging a beating hammer. Photo: Smederij Berndt.

Pictured above is a custom made beating hammer we will be using for my upcoming 18th C. French binding class in the Netherlands.

Using a historic tool, or a replica of one, is an invaluable exercise for book conservators. It increases the ability to interpret subtleties of how a book was made. Beating hammers, for example, once ubiquitous, have been obsolete for almost 200 years. Using one in this workshop is usually a new experience for participants. In addition to the cathartic thrill of beating a book with a gargantuan 14 pound hammer, it helps us to understand the complexities of leaf morphology and textblock undulations.

Thanks to Smederij Berndt, the blacksmith, for taking the time to make this great looking tool. I can’t wait to give it a swing, that is, if I can lift it!

unnamed — The finished hammer. Photo: Smederij Berndt.