Binding Laminator Instructions

The Binding Laminator presses multiple pieces of binding material together, so that acetone can bond them.

The Binding Laminator presses multiple pieces of binding material together, so that acetone can bond them.

Instructions
Place the strips of binding into the jig by pulling the top slider open. Brush acetone onto the mating surfaces of the binding strips, six to eight inches at a time, and pull the binding through the jig. The acetone quickly softens the binding material, and the spring pressure squeezes the strips together to laminate them. Be sure the bindings stay down in the jig as you pull. Coat the next six to eight inches and pull it through. Repeat for the complete length of the bindings. It takes only a couple of seconds for the two pieces to bond together.

Allow several hours curing time before working with the laminated binding. We suggest hanging the wet binding with a spring clamp on each end to keep it straight while the solvent evaporates.

The top slider's spring tension adjusts automatically for various binding widths and thicknesses. For best results, hold the jig in a vise or mount it to your workbench to keep both hands free. In addition, support the binding strips coming in and going out of the jig. This makes it easier to keep the pieces aligned at the point of pressure.



One end of the top slider is for taller bindings and the other end is for shorter bindings. You can turn the slider around by removing the two screws. Watch for the spring that is hidden under the rectangular metal washer.

To do a lamination with many layers, we suggest that you laminate two- or three-ply pieces, then laminate those together in a separate operation. It's difficult to apply acetone to more that two or three pieces at a time. Laminations can be applied to the bottom edge of binding in the same way. If you're adding edge laminations to a piece you have already laminated, it's important to trim the edge clean and square to get a good joint and a clean appearance. This can be done with a sharp cabinet scraper after the first lamination has dried well (about 24 hours).

CAUTION: Acetone is flammable and a health hazard. Use it only in a well-ventilated area, away from sparks and open flames. Observe all precautions printed on its container.