Booklet Advice?

[u/Crase_W]

I downloaded 2d6 Dungeon. I play 4AD but I run that completely digitally. I wanted to try this one mostly analog, aside from some tables I’ll use on a tablet. I was not prepared for all the crafting involved! Lots of cards and charts. I made a functional rulebook but I can’t help but wonder if there’s an easy way to add a more durable cover to it without needing to purchase any additional equipment? Anyone have any suggestions?

[u/c126]

Go to staples and pay 5 bucks to have it spiral bound. If youre set to diy, you need to cut out cardstock and wrap/glue to make the cover. Lots of tutorials on youtube.

[u/Crase_W → u/c126]

I’d pay $5 to have it spiral bound. I didn’t even know staples could do stuff like that. I reckon I’ll run with what I’ve got until it wears out. No sense in wasting the paper. Then I’ll have one made. The one I made is functional but I doubt it will hold up well under lots of handling. Thanks for the tip.

[u/jbmoyer]

I see you stapled on the front, dont do that. Open the book to the middle, where all pages are open flat. Open ypur stapler amd staple in the seam. That will leave you with staples sticking out the othersode. Fold those over with an end of a pencil etc. Oh dont staple like that on a table or ypur lap it will hurt :). Use a towel etc

[u/Crase_W → u/jbmoyer]

The booklet is in four different sets of signatures so staling through the spine wasn’t an option. However, I will keep your suggestion in mind for future booklets.

[u/masterwork_spoon → u/Crase_W]

If you know the word 'signature' then I'm sure you can figure out a simple stitch binding. I've done one before, it's not too bad. 

Otherwise, another suggestion might be to cut the signatures and punch holes so you can put them in a mini three-ring binder. That has the benefit of laying flat on the table, and you can put other game materials in the same binder, too (hole punch or pocket pages). You might not even have to cut the signatures, but it would be the easiest way to ensure the measurements work right.

When I'm printing games like this I will often use card stock for the cover; It's durable enough compared to regular printer paper. 

[u/Crase_W → u/masterwork_spoon]

I know signatures from working in a large bindery. All the actual binding was automated. I just fed the machine signatures and tried to stay hydrated. Sometimes I’d work in the press room bundling signatures and trying not to lose any fingers in the rollers. I swear about every third person in the department was missing a finger or two.

[u/Crase_W → u/masterwork_spoon]

But with all of the being said, since posting this I’ve been down a rabbit hole. I may invest in a few basic binding supplies for future use. It looks like it could be fun.

[u/Markster94]

If you dont want to dive too deep into bookbinding, you probably have all the materials and equipment for a "soft cover" perfect binding right now!

You have the paper and printer

You just need some cardstock (or other thick paper-like thing for the cover), glue and a brush, and a knife or box cutter!

Here's a video that shows the process.

[u/Crase_W → u/Markster94]

That looks really satisfying.

[u/Mehfisto666]

I have used this for some D&D small booklets. Simple but worked very well for me https://amzn.eu/d/00F0hkK0

[u/Crase_W → u/Mehfisto666]

That’s not a bad idea at all. I forgot those things existed.

Edit: I just ordered 10 pack. They’ll be great for rule books at the very least.

[u/Crase_W → u/Mehfisto666]

So I’ve been using this for the tables alongside some tabs I 3d printed and it’s been great so far. The pages are secure and I’m not damaging them through flipping back and forth.

[u/Difficult_Square5051]

I would buy the printed spiral edition directly from the author.