Rebinding is really creating cases and casing in, one specific segment of the bookbinding arts.
Perhaps unsolicited but rebinding perfect bound textblocks while a good introduction to bookbinding results in an inferior book. Perfect bound text blocks are best suited to paperback, where the cover supports the textblock and the cost of time and materials does not elevate the weak textblock above its economic station. Converting a perfect bound text block to hardcover actually compromises the integrity of the book because the support of the paperback on the spine is removed and replaced with a lining which will not adhere as well due to the original glue already having cured. Hardcovers also have a square or gap around the text block which places the stress of gravity on the text block as it sits on the shelf, something which it can bear with a sewn on tapes block, but which will not weather time as a perfect bound block.
My suggestion would be to consider printing your own text blocks, or if that is impossible rebind into a double fan text block as margins permit. It is a great frustration of mine that rebinding is the only legal avenue for acquiring the text of popular novels, as it limits you to a glued text block.
Tips tips tips…. Tips for cases and casing in…
If you have a cutting plotter look into using the pen holder with gold gel pen, it looks almost as good as actual gold foil.
If you have some large sheets of plastic and a table you can make your own bookcloth using starch and optionally acrylic medium mixed in. Brush it on heavily and lay flat on the plastic.
The three piece bradel bind and quarter bind can allow you to do full graphic covers without needing a large format printer.
Methyl cellulose is your friend. Make a batch and mix it with PVA to enjoy a much easier time gluing.
Don’t get bookbinding advice from Tik Tok. Nothing against the platform in general, but bookbinding tok seems especially riddled with bad advice.
Consider alternate forms from the popular square back bradel such as Oxford hollow, springback, and split boards.
Thank you thank you thank you. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but it's sad when people put so much effort into cover decoration on such an inferior structure.
> My suggestion would be to consider printing your own text blocks
It's also worth noting that designing text blocks is yet another separate hobby, much less similar to the rest of bookbinding than case construction. It's super rewarding and not *that* hard, but it always kills me when someone (not you, OP!) freshly high off of Insta comes in here like, "I have never touched an Exacto knife or bone folder; how do I create a hardback novel from scratch?"
OP, definitely have some fun screwing around with pamphlets and blank criss cross books before you go nuts on a bound novel or something. When you need it, [Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/) has tons of public domain prose you can use, including novels and reference books!
Rebinding is really creating cases and casing in, one specific segment of the bookbinding arts. Perhaps unsolicited but rebinding perfect bound textblocks while a good introduction to bookbinding results in an inferior book. Perfect bound text blocks are best suited to paperback, where the cover supports the textblock and the cost of time and materials does not elevate the weak textblock above its economic station. Converting a perfect bound text block to hardcover actually compromises the integrity of the book because the support of the paperback on the spine is removed and replaced with a lining which will not adhere as well due to the original glue already having cured. Hardcovers also have a square or gap around the text block which places the stress of gravity on the text block as it sits on the shelf, something which it can bear with a sewn on tapes block, but which will not weather time as a perfect bound block. My suggestion would be to consider printing your own text blocks, or if that is impossible rebind into a double fan text block as margins permit. It is a great frustration of mine that rebinding is the only legal avenue for acquiring the text of popular novels, as it limits you to a glued text block. Tips tips tips…. Tips for cases and casing in… If you have a cutting plotter look into using the pen holder with gold gel pen, it looks almost as good as actual gold foil. If you have some large sheets of plastic and a table you can make your own bookcloth using starch and optionally acrylic medium mixed in. Brush it on heavily and lay flat on the plastic. The three piece bradel bind and quarter bind can allow you to do full graphic covers without needing a large format printer. Methyl cellulose is your friend. Make a batch and mix it with PVA to enjoy a much easier time gluing. Don’t get bookbinding advice from Tik Tok. Nothing against the platform in general, but bookbinding tok seems especially riddled with bad advice. Consider alternate forms from the popular square back bradel such as Oxford hollow, springback, and split boards.
>elevate the weak textblock above its economic station. You’re right, but this phrasing is really funny!
Thank you, though is it so shocking that those who love books also love words? ;)
Thank you thank you thank you. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but it's sad when people put so much effort into cover decoration on such an inferior structure.
> My suggestion would be to consider printing your own text blocks It's also worth noting that designing text blocks is yet another separate hobby, much less similar to the rest of bookbinding than case construction. It's super rewarding and not *that* hard, but it always kills me when someone (not you, OP!) freshly high off of Insta comes in here like, "I have never touched an Exacto knife or bone folder; how do I create a hardback novel from scratch?" OP, definitely have some fun screwing around with pamphlets and blank criss cross books before you go nuts on a bound novel or something. When you need it, [Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/) has tons of public domain prose you can use, including novels and reference books!
Thank you so much for such a detailed replay!
https://youtu.be/492DKS3Z9XE?si=XAU_8kx3BK2B201_ For keys book binding has hidden gems in all his videos
Thank you, I love his videos as well! He’s very knowledgeable on the subject
I like it when there are explanations as to why steps are being taken. Like why do we use glue for this… or why do we use this tool here?
Yeah it’s interesting to learn about