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Finally caved and bought a proper lying press
I've been using a big woodworking vise with homemade boards for backing off books for years. Last month I dropped about $350 on a real cast iron lying press from a tool shop in Portland. The first time I used it on a thick leather binding, the difference was huge. The even pressure across the whole book made the spine so much cleaner. Anyone have tips for keeping the screw threads from rusting?
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nathana486mo ago
Notice how often we put up with a half-baked fix for years just because it works okay. We'll use a stack of coasters for a wobbly table or a brick as a doorstop forever. Then you finally get the right tool or part, and it feels so stupidly simple and good. It makes you wonder why you waited, but also, you needed that time to really appreciate the upgrade. That press must feel like a revelation after wrestling with that vise.
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mia_stone6mo ago
Know that feeling of finally upgrading a janky setup all too well. I used a car jack and some plywood for way longer than I should have. The difference in pressure is no joke. For the screw threads, a light coat of paste wax works for me. Just wipe it on, let it dry a bit, and buff off the extra. It doesn't get gummy like some oils can.
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green.grant6mo ago
So paste wax doesn't attract sawdust and grit like oil does? That's a solid tip, because my old can of 3-in-1 just makes a huge mess in the shop.
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