Neenah Samples & 5-Signature Start

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Received Neenah sample stock and began the first five-signature notebook. Large cover sheets required cutting adjustments for accuracy. Pewter cover stock proved durable but slow to handle. Template-based punching improved alignment; one signature was remade due to punch offset. Sample cover stock paired with Staples text paper; threading postponed for precision under better focus.

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Date: Wednesday October 1, 2025

Classification: Week 1 Day 2 | Craft Day

Received: Neenah Sample Stock

Made: 1 × 9 × 6 pamphlet and began first 5-signature notebook

Piece: 4 of ∞, Prototype 1

Learned

While the 12 × 18 text sheets were workable at the bench, the 26 × 40 cover sheet was not. After two inaccurate cuts on the ground and some advice, the best outcome was cutting it in half. My initial thought was to reduce waste by making two precise cuts to maximize use of the sheet, but I created more waste with inaccurate cuts. Until a larger workbench can be obtained, bifurcating the parent sheet is the most efficient option at this time.

The cover stock I selected, though stiffer than anticipated and slower to handle, produced durable covers. I would prefer a graphite tone instead of pewter, but it looks sharp and functions well.

For the first notebook, I did not use the awl punch guide and instead followed the template method from Four Keys Binding. After my Day 1 experience, accuracy improved, except for Signature 5, which had to be remade due to punch offset. It was easy to make the hole-punch template and later use it to determine where slits should be cut in the cover material.

Note: Sample cover stock was used for the notebook; Staples stock was used for the signatures. Threading the binding was left for Day 3 to ensure accuracy under better focus.