Trimming the Signatures: to saw, cut, or slice.

The Hacksaw

I started out using a hacksaw I'd bought  thinking it might be the fastest method to trim my signatures to size. A quick Google search turned up no examples of anyone using this approach, so I decided to experiment before researching further.I

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Thinking I might need better gloves.

Darwin watches with concern

Got better gloves… then realized I should probably watch a how‑to guide. None exist? Well then.

Wix AI: "Compact hack saw packaging humorously labeled as "T's Latest Art Tool," capable of cutting through various materials like wood, PVC, and stainless steel."

I picked up a mini hacksaw hoping to shorten the time needed to trim pages. I expected it to leave rough‑edged pages — a texture I actually prefer. After a brief but ambitious foray into hacksaw trimming, it was clear the packaging was right: paper cutting wasn’t on its list of uses.

After a brief, albeit ambitious foray into the world of book trimming via hacksaw, it was time to reconsider the tools of the trade.

It was clear quickly that the package was very accurate in specifying the use of the saw - and paper cutting was not on the list. Before tearing into the actual text block, I checked what the more experienced bookbinders were doing -

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There were two options available to me:

use sharp knife to trip signatures...slowly

or

use a paper cutter to trim the signatures...also slowly

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Since the papers were already aligned in the press, I took my sharpest exacto knife and just sort of...went at it.

ACutting through the paper was satisfying, but doing the whole book at once had drawbacks. The cut developed a natural outward slant, leaving the last pages longer than the first.

So now was time for option 3: paper cutter. Slowly.

I trimmed each of the 64 (16 actually - I can't math - there are 4 pages of text per signature) signatures individually (having printed only the most interesting three‑quarters of the journal).

I’m happy with the result — especially the rough texture, unlike the perfect machine‑cut edges of store‑bought books. That’s not copeium; I’ll try for the “perfect” finish another time, possibly with sandpaper.

Two days later, step two was complete. Step one — printing in booklet format and folding each signature — remains unwritten, though it holds lessons worth sharing.

Next up: Choosing a stitch/binding style and making the cover.