How do I use Fastback PerfectBack strips with the Powis Parker Scoring Machine?

Perfectback LF strips produce a cover spine that hinges freely from the bound spine of your book block. Thus, the spine portion will lay flat when the book is opened. LF strips do not require heat for the final binding step, so you have the greatest freedom to choose your cover material or printing method. These strips are easily identified by the two thin bands of release paper, one on each side of the back of the strip.

After binding your document pages in a Fastback binder with a Perfectback LF strip, you need to score your book cover so it fits nicely around your bound book block. The Centering Guide enables you to easily and accurately locate scores for books up to 1-1/2 inches thick. This is especially helpful as your book thickness may be a bit different from what you expected due to the buildup of ink or paper thickness variations. The Centering Guide may be used with either the Single Die Holder or the Double Die Holder.

Operation with the Double Die Holder is the suggested mode and will be explained first. It makes your spine edge scores based on your document’s thickness – it also simultaneously makes secondary appearance scores 3/16″ from the spine edge on your front and rear covers.

A Demonstration Cover in your Accessory Pack summarizes how to prepare and assemble a book.

Double Die Holder Use – Scoring Your Cover

1. With your Fastback binder set in PERFECTBACK mode, bind only your pages with a Perfectback LF strip.

2. After it has cooled, place your bound book block between the Book Thickness Rings. Push the two rings together (A) and tighten the Book Thickness Locking Knob (B). Remove your book block.

3. Slide your cover under the transparent bar until your title is centered between the two silver lines. The bottom of your cover must rest against the Left Stop and the Guide Rail. Push the Lever to the right to clamp your cover in place.

4. With the Centering Guide Lock unlocked, slide the Centering Guide under your cover until the cover right edge (A) lines up with the middle of the X. Then tighten the Centering Guide Locking Knob (B).

5. Bring the Lever upright to unclamp the cover. Slide the cover over so its right edge (A) stops against step 1. Push the Lever to the left (B) to make a score.

6. Slide your cover over again so its right edge (A) stops against step 2. Push the Lever to the left (B) to make a score. The distance between the two middle scores on your cover is the same as the thickness of your book.

Double Die Holder Use – Assembling Your Document

1. With your cover and the Centering Guide in their last positions, slide your cover over so its right edge (A) stops against step 3. Push the lever to the right to hold down your cover.

2. Peel off the thin release paper from the front of your bound book block.

3. Fold your cover up to the left so it rests against the side of the Die Holder. Run your finger back and forth at the bottom at the spine area of the cover so it makes a sharp fold at the bottom.

4. Lay the book block, front facing up, on the right side of the Platform with its bottom edge resting against the Guide Rail. It is OK if part of it rests on top of the Centering Guide. Push the spine of the book block against the spine portion of your cover that is folded up.

5. With the book spine pushed fully and firmly to the left, fold the cover over your book block. Starting at the middle, rub down back and forth to secure the cover to the adhesive.

6. Release the clamp by bringing the Lever to the upright position. Remove the partially bound book and turn over. On the back side remove the remaining release paper.

7. Now fold the cover tightly all the way over the top of the book block. Rub back and forth on the top near the spine to secure the adhesive beneath the cover. Trim the book ends as desired.