FanFic Pipe Book Press
In 2022, I prototyped an affordable nipping press using black steel pipe fittings. The challenge: To make something under $100, compact, portable, and easy to make without electric tools.
I'm sharing the supply list here (under the cut) with updated thoughts and notes.
Please note that when I've linked to Amazon in this post, I'm using an affiliate link.
Basic Materials
QTY 1 - Press Screw 2 - ½ pipe Mini Flanges 2 - ½ pipe 90° elbow fittings 2 - ½ pipe 4in nipples 2 - ½ pipe 6in nipples 2 - 1x½ pipe hex bushing reducer 1 - 1x1 pipe cross tee 1 - Large hardwood board at least 16"x6" 1 - Smaller hardwood board ~ 9-10" across and at least 6" wide 8 - #8x¾ flat head wood screws
Press Screw The press screw is the crank/long screw in the middle of the nipping press. As of this writing, the most affordable press screws are the one by Pony Jorgenson or the one by ShopFox. For just a little bit more, McMaster Carr sells a beautiful stainless steel hole mount screw clamp from Taiwan.
½ pipe parts These form the bones of this book press. Pipe fittings are designed to be resistant to water pressure and are easy to assemble. You can find some at your local hardware store (cheaper) or order on Amazon. You have the option to use basic black carbon steel pipe or go fancier by using stainless steel. This will likely run you between $40-$65.
Wood & Screws You'll want a hardwood (like Oak, Birch, Walnut, etc.) not a softwood (pine or basswood) for this project to prevent warping. A strong plywood such as baltic birch may work as well. Most hardware stores will cut wood to size for you. The screws are for attaching the pipe to the wood--but, depending on how you want to engineer the press, you could also use bolts.
Additional Supplies
Sandpaper in various grades
Sealant for the pipes (especially if you use pipe that sheds carbon, so you don't stain your books. I used clear coat, you can look into shellac and other finishes that work for you.)
Wood Finish (I used tung oil, you have so many options)
Screwdriver, Hand Drill, or Electric drill
Mallet (if you want to pound the lead screw into the cross pipe
Epoxy to glue the lead screw into the cross, or to affix the base of the screw to the wood.
Optional Upgrades
Use a hole saw to drill through the wood and a forstner bit the size of the flange to run the flange through the wood from the bottom. That way, pressure isn't put on the wood screws and the press will last longer.
Use Rub N' Buff to decorate the press
Use longer nipples, such as 8" or 10" nipples, instead of the 6" to get more daylight.
This press is sized for fanfic binders, but if you want a bigger one you can size up the pipes.
If you can afford thicker wood, especially for the base, you may want to opt for 8/4 wood instead of 4/4 wood.
Happy crafting! Let me know how things go, and if you end up making one, I'd love to see a picture.
