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I finally bought a proper finishing press after years of using clamps and boards

Spent about $350 on a 12-inch finishing press from a tool shop in Chicago. It felt like a lot at the time, but it completely changed how clean my spines turn out, especially on leather work. I used to fight with books warping while the glue set. Anyone have a good source for smaller, cheaper ones for pamphlet projects?
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3 Comments
nora_park
nora_park1mo ago
I built my own with two thick plywood squares and four long bolts from the hardware store. It cost maybe $30 and works fine for smaller stuff.
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nora110
nora1101mo ago
That Chicago shop is a solid spot, I got my first decent bone folder there. Honestly for pamphlets, you can skip a press entirely. I just use two smooth ceramic tiles from a home store with a heavy book on top. The weight is even and they don't stick to the glue.
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miles_young59
My Chicago shop sells a great 12-inch press for under $200.
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