In the final part of our case binding series, Case Binding – Case The Text Block – Part 3, we’ll guide you through the crucial step of combining your text block and case to complete your book. This article will offer step-by-step instructions on securely attaching the text block to the case, ensuring a perfect fit and a durable finish.
To add a text block to a case, apply glue to the spine and endpapers, align the text block with the case, and press it firmly into place. Ensure even adhesion and close the book to set the bond. For a durable, properly aligned case-bound book, allow it to dry under weight.
By following these detailed instructions, you’ll learn how to properly align and glue the text block into the case, creating a beautifully bound book that’s ready for use or display. Let’s complete your case binding project and give your book the polished look it deserves!
- Case Binding – Creating The Text Block – Part 1
- Case Binding – Creating The Case – Part 2
- Case Binding – Case The Text Block – Part 3 (You are here)
What Does It Mean To Case The Text Block
To case the text block means to attach the completed case, or cover, to the text block, which is the collection of pages that make up the book. In this step, the text block is carefully aligned with the case, and adhesive is applied to the endpapers of the text block, securing it to the inner sides of the bookboards.
This process requires precision to ensure that the text block is centered within the case and that the spine of the text block fits neatly against the case’s spine. Casing the text block is the final step in case binding, transforming the separate elements into a complete, durable book.
Steps To Attach The Text Block To Case
What You Need:
- Finished Text Block
- Finished Case
- PVA Glue
- Glue Brush
- Bone Folder
- Book Press, Heavy Books, Or Binder Clips
- Utility Knife (optional)
- Wax Paper
Dry Fit Case To Textblock
Dry fitting the case to the text block involves placing the text block inside the case without using adhesive, allowing you to visualize how the finished book will appear. This crucial step helps determine if any adjustments, such as trimming the text block, are necessary. Ideally, the text block should fit inside the case with at least 1/8″ of space on all sides to ensure proper alignment and protection. Dry fitting ensures that both components are perfectly matched before permanently securing them, providing a polished and professional result in the final bookbinding process.
I like to start with the text block standing in the middle of the spine. The use of binder clips can assist with this. This lets you get a good idea of where the text block should go.
Next, you will want to check each side, meaning the front and the back.
Cut Textblock Edges (Optional)
Sometimes, the text block may need trimming, either because the pages don’t align evenly or because there isn’t enough 1/8″ space around each side.
To begin, measure and mark where you need to trim along the long edge of the text block.
Place your ruler along the marked line, and carefully cut through the pages using a sharp utility knife.
This process can be slow and requires patience—keep running the utility knife along the ruler, making multiple passes, until all the pages are cleanly cut.
Proper trimming ensures a more professional and polished finish for your case-bound book.
Gluing The Case To The Textblock
The next step is aligning the text block to the case and gluing. First, you will want to align the text block to have 1/8″ (or slightly more) on each side. You may want to use binder clips to hold the text block in position.
When you are satisfied with the location of your text block, brush glue on one of the end sheets. Glue the end sheet to the cover.
Then, smooth out the end sheet on the cover using the bone folder. Before closing the book, put wax paper between the end sheet.
Repeat this process for the other end sheet. Ensure the text block doesn’t shift and that it still aligns with the cover as you want it.
Brush glue on the second end sheet. Glue the end sheet to the cover.
Then, smooth out the end sheet on the cover using the bone folder. Before closing the book, put wax paper between the end sheet.
Press The Case And Text Block
If you have a book press, place your glued case and text block in the book press and allow the book to dry completely.
If you don’t have a book press, place your glued case and text block under some heavy books and allow the book to dry completely.
Casing the text block is the final and most satisfying step in the case binding process, where your hard work comes together to create a beautifully bound book. By carefully following the instructions in this article, you’ll securely attach the text block you created in Case Binding – Creating The Text Block – Part 1 to the case you crafted in Case Binding – Creating The Case – Part 2. With these steps complete, you now have a professional-quality case bound book that’s both durable and visually appealing. Congratulations on mastering the art of case binding!
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