The Transmogrified Victorian Reporter's Notepad

Step 3 Drilling the Binding Holes

Next, I've clamped down the metal - this helps me to determine the proper spacing of the top two pieces. I've left a small 1/16" gap that will allow the hinges to properly open and close. If you look carefully you can also see that I've marked on the top left piece where I will drill.

As I've begun tinkering and building things, I continually learn new from my mistakes. One thing I've learned is how important it is to drill pilot holes (especially in metals). The smaller drill bits are easier to use in the solid metal AND they provide space for the larger drill bits to shed the metal that is being drill out. The second image here shows the two pilot holes I drill through the top and bottom pieces.

The next three images shows the top left piece and the bottom piece with the 1/4" diameter holes drilled and how I clamped down the top left piece to the paper pad and the holes drilled into the paper pad.

The final image shows the paper pad inserted between the covers and secured with the screw posts to test the assembly. Notice the space underneath the screw posts - it looks like enough room for the thickness of the 1/8" leather binding but it's not - I'll have two add extensions later (step 7) so the leather can be tightened down properly.