Tools

Book binding tools are not expensive.
An investment of about $150 will buy all the tools needed to start bookmaking. Most of the tools you will need will cost a lot less. The essential tools you will need are:

• a sturdy metal ruler, at least 3 feet in length, with a cork underside
• an exacto knife, with extra blades, size #11
• a bone folder or a burser. Bone folders tend to give cleaner folds
• leather awl/punch
• rotary paper cutter, a good one by Dahle is about $75.
• clamps or book press
• archival, PVA glue
• needles for binding
• self healing board for cutting paper

Of course a large work table is a must. You can order relatively cheap drafting tables with a storage tray through catalogs for under $250.

You can purchase pre-cut book binding kits at better art stores. I have used these as it is easier to begin with pre-cut binding board, which can be difficult to cut accurately. Plus I'm impatient so it cuts down some of the assembly time.

Books

You really need books to help you get started. Many of the books listed here show the step-by-step process of making different types of books.

Non-Adhesive Binding without Paste or Glue
Keith A. Smith
If you only buy one book, this is it. Nobody understands book making like Keith. This is more than just a how to book; Keith explores the art and soul of books. This book which will change your percpetion about books,and even if you never make a book, this is still a great book to read.

Cover to Cover
Sherren LaPlantz
This is another good book showing a large variety of bindings as well as how to create the bindings.

Making Books by Hand
Mary McCarthy, Philip Manna
A great introductory book detailing tools needed and some easy to hard bindings.

Stop Stealing Sheep
Erik Spiekrmann, E.M. Ginger
Do you love san-serifs with tall ascenders? This books deals with the emotion of page layout; FONTS. How type works, how to use it and great font history.

Links for supplies

SF Center for the Books Arts

The name says it all. Classes, exhibitions and work space available.

Flax Art Supplies

A dream store. The largest handmade paper supply probably anywhere, and almost all of your bookbinding supplies.

Kozo Arts

Supplier of fine Japanese paper, book making supplies, classes and premade books. Beautiful papers.

Arch

More of an architect's store, but they carry great handmade papers and their bookmaking supplies are better priced than some other stores. They have it all; awls, book tape, pva glue, kits, the whole thing.

Lineco

The largest producer of quality bookbinding materials and tools. This is where you can buy binding board and glue, binding tape, you name it.

Peculiar planet

my photography.