Since its soft opening in January, the BookLab has been filled with exciting learning moments. In the latest edition of BookLab Diaries, graduate teaching assistant Juliet Tawiah reflects on her experience assembling her very first wooden book press. From unboxing the pieces to tightening the final bolts, this hands-on adventure offers a glimpse into the simple yet rewarding process behind creating an essential tool for bookbinding projects. Juliet’s article provides valuable insight into the creation of a key piece of equipment
Assembling My First Book Press: A Book Lab Adventure
The BookLab has been full of firsts for me, and I’m loving every moment of it! Today, I tackled something completely new: assembling a wooden book press all by myself. This press will be used for bookbinding projects in the lab, and putting it together turned out to be a surprisingly simple yet satisfying process. Let me walk you through it!
Unboxing the Pieces
When I opened the package, I found:
- Two brass-edged boards (top and bottom)
- Four carriage bolts with matching wing nuts and washers
- One handle with four screws
I grabbed a Philips-head screwdriver (essential for fastening!) and also watched a quick YouTube video to get an idea of the process before diving in.
Step 1: Setting Up the Bottom Board
I placed the bottom board on a flat surface and located the predesigned pockets where the bolts would go. Then, I inserted the carriage bolts, threaded side first, into these pockets.
Step 2: Aligning the Top Board
Next, I carefully aligned the top board with the bottom one, ensuring that the threaded sides of the bolts slid into the corresponding holes. As the boards met, I guided them to ensure that the brass strips on both edges touched and aligned perfectly.
Step 3: Attaching the Handle
With the boards in place, it was time to attach the handle. I positioned it over the top board, making sure it lined up with the faint screw holes. I then placed the screws into the holes and tightened them with my screwdriver until the handle was securely fastened.
Step 4: Securing Everything
To finish off, I attached the washers and wing nuts to the protruding carriage bolts and tightened them to hold everything firmly in place. And voilà, my book press was ready for action!
Seeing the fully assembled book press sitting proudly on the table was such a rewarding moment. It’s amazing how something so simple can play such an essential role in the bookbinding process. If you ever get the chance to put one together, don’t hesitate, it’s a fun and satisfying experience! Stay tuned for more of my BookLab adventures.
Written by Juliet Tawiah, Graduate Teaching Assistant for the BookLab course, Technologies of the Word
