Welcome Back
Now that I have been bookbinding for a few years, I have to admit to really wanting one of those old fashioned book presses. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to buy this book press.
My 'New' Bookbinding Press
Isn’t it beautiful! I am in the process of cleaning it up a bit. Having the dilemma between wanting to keep the original paint, because I just love those wonderful gold lines on it. The dilemma being, there is a bit of surface rust and I’m worried about getting covered in it, every time I use it. There was a piece of card that had obviously been left in the press for a number of years, very firmly stuck to the underside of the platen’s. With much soaking with water, and encouragement from me it finally gave up and the platens are now as smooth as they are designed to be.
It is likely that in time I will need to rethink keeping the original paint work in favor of having a clean press, but for now I’m enjoying the beauty that comes with age. The thought that this press was around and in use before I was born and will outlast me is a pleasant thought 
and one that attracted me to it in the first place.
Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon
Billie
Ooh lovely!
I wouldn’t worry too much about the rust because you always press between boards anyway, or at least i do
Hi Liesan
I was hoping it would be ok, by the time my book is wrapped in wax paper and between a sandwhich of book board, hopefully that should be enough to keep it clean.
Thanks for the advice though.
Best wishes
Billie
A beautiful press! I agree with Liesan – as long as the screw works to your satisfaction you don’t have to worry too much.
congrats on the press. Looks wonderful. I have a cast iron one too, it’s heavy!
Hilke cleaned hers completely, she did a blogpost on the works last summer.
It’s lovely!
I’ve kept my eyes open for one but have yet to come across one. However there are lots of binders in my area so they probably exist, I’m just not quick enough
Hi Buechertiger, Dyphie and Kiley
Thanks for your compliments on my new press, its still a work in progress.
There is something delightful about working with a tool that has so much history. I can just about read a date stamped on the handle of 1823 :0 how much the world has changed since then. Its nice to know this tool is so ancient but will still be used now as it was then.
Best wishes
Billie
HI, do you mind me asking how much you paid for this press? I have one that I found whilst clearing out my dads bungalow. It looks identical to yours except bigger.
I don`t know how much to ask for it – would appreciate your help – thanks
Hi Judy
These kinds of press sell for all kinds of figures. The best advice I can offer is that you check out Ebay UK or COM and watch the auctions for a while. The price they go for depends on how many people are after them. I’ve seen mint condition presses go for very little and ratty looking ones go for a fortune. If there is a bidding ‘war’ for a particular price then the prices really go up.
Hope that helps
Best wishes
Billie