New and Improved Version of Our Corner Cutting/Mitering Tool (And Why to Use It)
We are happy to announce that we moved to a newer version of our corner cutting jigs. From now on they will be delivered to our customers with sizes inscribed on the surface. This works both for dimensions in mm and inches.
Along with an option to have them 3d-printed in multiple colors, this will allow to more easily distinguish between the sizes.
There are other minor changes to the design as well meant to improve the overall quality of the tools.
To get the updated jig just follow this link to our Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BonefolderClub?section_id=25574192
Since the moment I first designed them, this is more than the tenth major update. The first version I created for a weekly kids’ workshop I was teaching back in Moscow was quite crude. And even while it fulfilled its function well, I’m always looking for a chance to improve the tools sold by iBookBinding.
Returning Customers are Getting a Discount
First things first. All our previous customers will get a 25% discount if they decide to buy the new version of the jig. To receive the code valid for any quantity and any types of corner cutting tools, please reach out to us through Etsy!
Why One Needs a Corner Cutting Jig?
The corner cutting jig (or, as it’s also called, a mitering tool) is intended for making the corners of your turn-ins looking better. It allows to cut away corners of the turn-in material at a perfect 45-degree angle. But I wanted to go one step further, so the jigs sold by iBookBinding are provided in multiple sizes, starting from 1 mm and up to 7 mm (1/16″ to 1/4″).
What are The Different Sizes For?
Size of the jig is the distance from the inner corner to the outside wall of the tool. It depends on the thickness of the cardboard you use in your work. I prefer to have my corners cut at a distance 10-20% more than the thickness of the cardboard. This allows to cover the tip of the cardboard corner perfectly and have no or almost no overlap of the turn-in material on the inside of the cover.
The most popular sizes are 1,5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm. They cover most of the popular thicknesses of cardboard. However, we print a lot of other sizes as well.
Jigs with an Angled Wall
Corner cutting tools with angled walls are intended for use when covering material is leather or some other similarly thick stuff. They allow cutting at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the turn-in material.
When turn-in, leather cut with an angled jig meets on the inside (as well as the material cut with a straight jig), and one angled cut covers the other angled cut, making turn-in even more seamless.
Other Ways of Using Corner Cutting Tools
In theory, you may use only one size for all occasions. You may even use an angled jig for straight cuts. However, I wouldn’t advise cutting vertically along the angled tool, because you may cut off part of it.
You just need to make a mark with a pencil, and then cut parallel to that mark at a distance of your choosing.
Additional Reinforcement for Smaller Sizes (1,5 mm and below)
One of the things I didn’t like about the smaller sizes (1,5 and below,) was that they were quite brittle and easy to break at the inner corner. To mitigate that issue the updated design has a special reinforcement. It wouldn’t hinder your work but makes all the small jigs quite sturdy. Even the ones with walls.
Three Heights of the Wall: High, Low, and No Wall
At the moment there are three ‘heights’ for the vertical-wall jigs. High, low, and jigs with no wall at all. The only practical difference is between the jigs without wall and the ones with a wall. It is safer to cut when your knife goes along a vertical surface, not just a thin horizontal piece of plastic. However, there are quite enough fans of wall-less jigs as well.
The difference between the high and the low wall is aesthetical only. Some customers prefer the first; other customers prefer the latter.
The high wall is 13 mm above the horizontal part of the jig, and the low wall is 6 mm.
Where to Find Them?
The corner cutting jigs are sold at our Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BonefolderClub?section_id=25574192
You may order one, or a set of three or four jigs. There are larger bundles as well.
Please also take a look at our other bookbinding tools!
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