Hot Glue Gun technique vs Perfect Binding

[Shredder]

I have to make a 50-100 perfect bound books/week (400-500 pages each). Debating between buying a used Duplo or this hot glue gun technique. It looks less messy as well. Has anyone used this hot air gun technique? He makes it seem simple in this video:

It also sounds cleaner than dealing with a messy glue tank. I have had one that needed to be professionally cleaned.

 

[Bill Hardwick]

Not sure what a duplo is. But I glue Bibles on occasion for people in our church using a Perfect Binder, I have also tried to use the glue gun Method. I can put glue on the spine and close the cover and put some weight on the spine in about 30 seconds to a minute. With the glue gun it wasn't quite as easy. Hope this was a sufficient.

 

[Shredder]

Not sure what a duplo is. But I glue Bibles on occasion for people in our church using a Perfect Binder, I have also tried to use the glue gun Method. I can put glue on the spine and close the cover and put some weight on the spine in about 30 seconds to a minute. With the glue gun it wasn't quite as easy. Hope this was a sufficient.

Which perfect binder do you use? Duplo is a famous brand for perfect binders.

 

[SoggyWinter]

Shredder- I've seen quite a few EVA perfect binders at auction sites. PUR binders are less common at auctions. My team doesn't do a lot of perfect bound books, but we have been doing them by hand with PVA glue from Amazon since it is less involved to apply than hot glue.

 

[Bill Hardwick]

I have a Sulby. I use a small brush like I would use for padding, and paint the glue on the spine and put the cover back on. I have also set up to "glue bind small quantities also".(50-100) I am not a commercial printer I run a "church" Print Shop. 90% of what I print is 64 page booklets. Some of these we glue bind.

 

[Ynot_UK]

@Shredder for those sort of quantities you'll be OK with feeding a machine, i.e. you don't need full automation. Look out for a Duplo DB-280 (or the older DB-200), Horizon BQ150, Morgana KB2000 or similar. Stick with a simple to use & clean EVA machine, don't be tempted by big PUR machines going cheap. See and test it with your substrates before buying and don't forget to pre-crease your covers to achieve a nice sharp spine.

 

[Stickman42]

@Shredder - the video shows a relatively thin book being hot glue gun bound. At 400-500 pages, I think you would want a good bind for permanence. Spine milling, then proper glue application with good penetration should be considered. A small, tabletop perfect binder will get you there.

 

[Shredder]

Thanks for your feedback. I agree its either this or small table top unit. I hate having something that requires outside maintenance/service. I want something easy to service myself. Some machines look easier than others to work on.

 

[easiprint]

Hot glue gun looks fine for a handful, but to do 50 - 100 looks like it would take hours. We use one of these - Upgraded Wireless 110V Hot Melt Glue Book Binder Perfect Binding Machine | eBay Had it for about 5 years now, and for short run books it's perfect. We've found using Planamelt-R glue pellets gives the best bind even on coated stocks.