DIY photobook binding

[Phantomas]

Despite availability of printing services (so this thread is not about them) I'd like to try printing a book myself. I've a decent printer and would use fineart paper, even double-sided, so can aim for a quality to at least match that of outsourced printing.
But, to complete presentation I would need to bind it, and that's when I'm unsure of the best way. Local art supply sites don't give much options, at least not affordable or at all flexible. So at the moment I can only think of checking out fabric stores for some very tough leather or similar material, later binding it with either string or bolts. That way it can stay expandable, but I'm not sure if any leather type material would be tough enough for paper protection...
In summary: anyone have any good idea, or even better experience with decent quality DIY binding? It'll be A4 (or slightly larger) size and I'm holding this (expensive) Hahnemuhle album as a reference.

 

[gns]

Screw post binding is probably a good way to go. You could probably make custom boards yourself or have them made by a book binder. Check on-line for book binding supplies & tutorials.

Cheers,
Gary

quick web search found lots of supplies and some sites like this...
http://www.whatconsumesanne.com/blog/2009/11/8/diy-screw-post-binding.html

And here is an example of a pretty good photo book done this way...
http://www.photoeye.com/auctions/Auction.cfm?id=5642

 

[jesse1dog]

Have a look at:
www.arrowfile.com
You might get some ideas there - catalogue available.
I have their binder system for negatives and prints - it isn't perfect but the binder and case is fine, looks good (to me), and basically works.
Making your own covers isn't as easy as it looks - I've done quite a few and never been satisfied - but that just might be me!.

jesse

 

[rbiemer]

This may be more involved than you want but how about this:
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26672
This is a book titled Bookbinding, and the Care of Books by Douglas Cockerell. A free download from Project Gutenberg.
And I'm sure you could find similar titles searching Googlebooks.
Depending on your choice of materials, you'd end up with a very handsome, hand made book. Probably not easily expandable, though.
Rob

 

[Phantomas]

Thanks everyone, I will check the options listed. I've looked at some tutorials yesterday, but most of them were about one time binding. In my case expandability is the key - I plan to add and reshuffle sheets in the book, ongoing portfolio, so permanent binding doesn't answer my needs.

 

[gns]

The screw post binding offers easy expandability yet still has a nicer finished look than ring type binders.

 

[Phantomas]

The screw post binding offers easy expandability yet still has a nicer finished look than ring type binders.

My thoughts exactly. The example in your earlier post shows a close to what I want style, but there must be some ready material that offers similar flexibility and doesn't look too nasty if made by self.



edit: OK, all this brainstorming helped. I'll use black matt cardboard and bind it with tape like in here, trying to be neat in the process, and bolt it together. Should easily hold 50+ thick sheets. Problem solved, thanks

 

[gns]

There are ready made screw post kits with the covers, but obviously, doing it yourself allows for more customization or a personalized look. Do a Google image search of screw post bindings and you will see a variety of approaches.