Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books
A Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology

Previous item Up One Level Next item

nipper ( nipping machine )

1. A machine used in edition binding to compress the spine of a newly sewn book and in library binding to remove the original backing shoulders of a book that is to be rebound (and usually when it is to be resewn through the folds). The nipping machine in a library bindery is usually a hand-operated, power-driven device, while \ the edition bindery it is usually a\ continuously running, power-operated machine. In its typical design and operation, the book is secured by a spring-operated clamp to prevent the sections from slipping. The front jaw of the nipper is split lengthwise, the top half being held open by heavy springs. It projects beyond the lower half and can be slipped back flush with it. When the book is inserted and the jaws are closed, the upper half catches it and secures it while the lower half applies pressure to the sewing swell or shoulders at the spine.

The first nipper, a hand-operated and power machine, was introduced in 1882.

2. The flanges of a BUILDING-IN MACHINE which form the joints of the book.

3. See: BAND NIPPERS . (320 , 339 )




[Search all CoOL documents]