Screw Post Binding

The beauty of a screw post bound book is that it is extremely easy to change or update. I chose to use screw post binding for my portfolio so I only have to switch out pages when I need to update it. This instructable shows how to create the covers and assemble your book.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

You should be able to find everything you need at art supply stores like Blick or Paper Source. I estimate the cost of everything was around $80.

Materials

• 2 book binding boards – at least 1/4" bigger on each side than your interior pages
• linen tape
• 2 screw posts
• bookcloth – I would get 2 sheets/rolls, but it depends on the size of your book
• 2 sheets of decorative inside cover paper
• PVA glue
• methyl cellulose (optional) – helps keep PVA from drying too quickly
• wax paper
• scrap paper – covers your work area so you can get your deposit back on your apartment later :)
• several heavy books – keeps your covers from warping while they dry

Tools

• cutting mat
• ruler
• utility/x-acto knife – the board is heavy-duty stuff. even with a utility knife, you'll need to make several repetitive cuts.
• glue brush
• bone folder
• pencil
• adjustable 3-hole punch
• some sort of book board hole punch or drill
• awl

Comments

[pupuccachu]

Yes, but you should keep in mind that printing may not be exact. So either take it to a printer and tell them the exact dimensions of your page and where it needs to be scored and hole-punched, or print it yourself on oversized paper with guides for cutting and scoring.

To add or remove pages, you just need to unscrew the screw posts and take off the cover. You can only add as many pages as your screw post is long, though.

[nataliebell0408]

it is possible to print the pages later and add them hey??

[ilau1]

was wondering if your scored all the pages in the book for easier flipping? Was wondering if this makes it easier because my professor suggested this but I never tried scoring all the pages. Should not be necessary if the paper is under 100# text right?

[pupuccachu]

I did score all my pages. I find it's easier to flip/more consistent when you score it (I used the back edge of my exacto).

Your mileage may vary, but I would recommend scoring with a book this size no matter what the paper weight.

[ymmik]

so good to find these instructions, doing a fine arts degree and this is my first assignment. Really helpful thanks!!!

[pheenix42]

Very nice!  With the addition of a couple of steps, this is what we use at my job for binding a thesis book for a grad student...Good instructions!