Book binding mill board hand cutting machine

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The Art of Bookbinding
by Joseph W. Zaehnsdorf
Published in London 1897

Book Binding Equipment

These are very large shears, in shape somewhat like an enlarged tin
shears. To use the shears, screw up one arm in the laying press, hold
the board by the left hand, using the right to work the upper arm, the
left hand meanwhile guiding the board. Some little tact is required to
cut heavy boards. It will be found that it is necessary to press the
lower arm away with the thigh, and bring the upper arm towards the
operator whilst cutting.
A mill-board cutting machine is now in all large shops. The cut fairly
well explains itself; the long blade descending cuts the boards, which
are held fast on the table by the clamp. The gauges are set either on
the table or in front. The board is put on the table and held tight by
pressure of the foot on the treadle;

book binding equipment steam mill board cutting

the knife descending upon the exposed board cuts after the
principle of the guillotine blade. Another kind, introduced by
Messrs. Richmond, of Kirby Street, Hatton Garden, is made for
steam work, and is no doubt one of the best that can be
made. Instead of a knife to descend, a number of circular
cutters are made to revolve on two spindles, the one cutter
working against the other (see woodcut) but I give Messrs.
Richmond’s own description, it being more explicit than any I
could possible give; “The machine accomplishes a surprising
amount of superior work in a very short time, and the very
best description of the ordinary lever mill-board cutting
machine cannot be compared with it. The machine is very
strongly and accurately constructed. It is furnished with an
iron table having a planed surface, and is also provided with a
self-acting feed gauge. The gear wheels are engine cut, and
the circular cutters, which are of the best cast steel, being
turned and ground “dead true,” clean and accurate cutting is
insured. The machine will therefore be found to be a most
profitable acquisition to any bookbinding establishment in
which large quantities of mill-board are used up.”

The boards being cut, square the edge which is to go to the back of the book. This must be done in the cutting
press, using a cutting board for one side termed a “runner,” and another called a “cut-against” for the other side.
There are simply to save the press from being cut; and a piece of old mill-board is generally placed on the cut-
against, so that the plough knife does not cut or use up the whole-binding, to be lined on both des with paper; if
for half-binding on only one side. The reason for lining them is to make the boards curve inwards towards the
book. The various pastings would cause the board to curve the contrary way if it were not lined. If the boards
are to be lined both sides, paper should be cut double the size of the boards;

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