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c/bookbindersderek_dixon78derek_dixon783mo agoProlific Poster

PSA: My book press slipped while I was gluing up a leather cover in my garage

I was pressing a full leather binding for a client's journal last Thursday, and the wooden screw on my old press gave way. The cover board slid sideways, smearing PVA glue across the fresh leather. I had to quickly lift the board, wipe the glue with a damp cloth, and reposition everything before it set. Has anyone else had a press fail mid-project, and what's your backup plan?
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3 Comments
keithwalker
Classic garage workshop chaos right there.
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spencer199
spencer1993mo ago
Wonder if that chaos is actually a really organized system only the owner gets. You know, like a messy desk but they can find anything in seconds. What's the one thing you'd lose first in there?
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robinc66
robinc662mo agoOG Member
The real issue here isn't just the press failing, it's that most people don't test their gear under pressure before using it on a paying job. I bet if you gave that wooden screw a good strength test with some spare wood blocks last month, you would have spotted the weak point before it cost you time and materials. Something as simple as a quick monthly check on all your clamps and presses can save you from scrambling for a wet rag in the middle of a glue-up.
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