Indiana University Libraries Book Repair Manual
Finishing Press
The finishing press is used to hold the text block of a book vertically, spine facing up, while the book is out of its case and repair treatments are in progress. Normally, the procedures performed while the text block is in the finishing press are the cleaning of the spine and the attachment of the new headbands, super, and spine liner. It acts as a vice, holding the book tightly, yet not damaging the text block.
Standing Press
Immediately following completion of a spine or case repair, books are placed in a standing press. Each book is placed between two edge boards, with a flat board at the top and bottom of the press's workload, which may be from one to several books.
We started out with ones of the type shown above, with wooden platens. We have since added more of them. The two iron ones below were bought new. They are manufactured in the US and sell for a very reasonable price compared to their European counterparts, which were the only other ones we could find.
The paper conservation lab uses a large floor-standing model which was bought used.
