No. 149. j 137 



in their proper place. The frame stands on an iron table, to 

 which it is made fast by bolts from underneath. 



A smootli roller is used for sunk band or smooth backs, and 

 for raised bands a roller is used with grooves turned in its surface 

 corresponding to the bands on the book. 



The advantages in backing books with this machine over the 

 common method, are mainly three. First. The preserving of the 

 book comparatively free from the wrinkles or irregular folds 

 that are generally produced by the hammer. This is an advan- 

 tage of primary importance. Second. The securing of uniform- 

 ity and regularity in the shape of the backs, by means of the 

 gages and an even surface over the whole back by means of the 

 roller, wliich leaves it straight and free from indentations, such 

 as are produced by the hammer; and in raised bands, the full 

 size of the bands underpressed. And third^ despatch; saving a 

 portion of the time usually occupied in backing with the ham- 

 mer, but to a much greater extent in raised bands and flexible 

 work than in the case of sunk bands or smooth backs, varying 

 from ten to one hundred per cent. A great saving of noise 

 might also be mentioned. 



MACHINE FOR FINISHING BOOKS. 



This is also an original invention by Mr. Charles Starr, of the 

 city of New-York, and is designed for embossing, lettering and 

 gilding the backs of books, after they are covered. Although 

 this machine is well adapted to accompany the backing machine, 

 there is no necessary connection between the two, and either 

 may be used without the other. 



The finishing of the backs of covers has heretofore been done 

 by one or two methods, both differing from the mode adopted in 

 the use of this machine. First. Ey embossing or gildin^' the 

 covers before they are put upon the books, making use for this 

 purpose, of a machine wliich performs the operation by the use 

 of a platten, producing an even or level pressure. There is no 

 diiSculty in producing good work in this way, but the objections 

 to this method will be hereafter stated. 



