miniature bookbinding tools – Peachey Conservation

The Fox Folder is ideal for miniature bookbinding.

The Fox Folder is a miniature version of a larger bone folder that Gabrielle Butler gradually modified over for years to fit her working methods. Reducing the size for miniature books proved challenging, since it had to function like the original while being comfortable to hold.

This is a precision tool that can be used for all aspects of miniature binding. One end is rounded, and can be used for drawing down a line or getting into a tight area. The other is angled to get into corners both when building and covering miniature boxes. One side is straight and rounded for smoothing, the other thinner for detail work. The back is flatter, ideal for little turn-ins and board edges when covering. Although this description sounds complex, it becomes easily embodied in use.

Gabrielle Fox Butler is an internationally known bookbinder who specializes in miniature books. She has had a long interest in developing new tools and equipment for miniature bookbinding, including consulting on design with Frank Weisner for his presses and Jeff Peachey for this tool.

Delrin is an ideal material for the Fox Folder since it combines durability with a low coefficient of friction. This tool is a great way to improve the accuracy and quality of your miniature bindings. Supplied in a protective storage tube. The Fox Folder. The price is for one folder, the images show both ends.

Delrin. Approximately 3 x .5 x .15 inch. $75.00

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The Miniature Bookbinding Tool set is once again available for sale. I took a couple of years off to rest up my muscles. Ironically, it takes more strength to hold these while grinding and filing, than normal sized ones. The tools are made 1/6th scale, i.e. the Delrin sharpening plate on the left is two inches long, not twelve. They are made from the same materials the larger ones are, but please don’t expect to actually use them, they are much too small to hold comfortably. If you want a knife to use to make miniature books, I recommend my Flexible Mini Knives, and the cutting area can be made narrow if you desire, just let me know. The Miniature Bookbinding Tool Set is for the miniature book enthusiasts (you know who you are) or a gift for the binder who has everything. Seventeen tools are included, l-r: a Delrin sharpening plate, Peachey style French knife, Flexible paring knife, bone folder, small Powell shaped lifting knife, heart shaped finishing tool, brass triangle, engineers square, bookbinder’s hammer, swiss style paring knife, pallet, dissection scalpel, large Powell shaped lifting knife, French paring knife, cord wrapped paste brush, English style paring knife, and a strop. Supplied in a cherry box.

Miniature Bookbinding Tool Set: $800.00

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Elaine Nishizu, a bookbinder in Los Angles California, made this beautiful box to house a set of these tools. It is in the Guild of Book Workers California Chapter Member Exhibition, 2016. Elaine describes it: “The box structure has a reversible spine that folds back on itself like a Jacob’s ladder. It’s covered in Japanese paper and a French printed paper by Claude Braun. The box is lined with black ultra suede and has a magnetic closure.” Note: this box does not come with the tool set.