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7.0 Padding Tips
7.0 Padding Tips
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The Paddy Wagon is on wheels to save you time while handling paper. You can load it directly from
the cutter after a trim or you can take it out of the press, jog it, and load it directly into the padder
there. Then roll it into the bindery department to be padded.
Counting
When you're making a batch of pads of the same quantity ask the pressman to watch the counter on
the press and slip a strip of paper in to mark the pads. You can then insert the chipboard as you jog
and load the job.
If that's not possible, use a counter gauge. Count out one pad, measure it with the gauge and count
the rest.
Brushing
With regular paper and regular compound, two thin coats will work better than one thick one.
When you're applying the compound, don't try to put the second coat on until the first coat is dry or
the brush will stick to the compound of the first coat and ruin it. To speed up the process, a hot air
hair dryer can be used to decrease the drying time.
Since you have to wait 10 or 15 minutes for the compound to dry, take advantage of the wheels on
the PADDY WAGON and roll it into the corner while you work on something else.
The Compound
Regular padding compound tends to lose moisture the more it's used so by the time you get half way
through the bottle it's pretty thick. To thin it out again, just add a little water and stir it up. Don't add
too much or the compound will be too thin and curl the edge of the paper.
NCR
When padding NCR or self-bonding papers that must absorb the compound, don't use too much
pressure on the clamps. The heavy pressure will squeeze the edge of the paper too tight and harden
it so the compound can't sink in. One coat usually works fine with this type of compound. Make sure
the paper is good and dry before you release the pressure on the bar or the sets may not separate
like they should.
Separating the Pads
To cut the pads apart, use an ink knife, paint scrapper, or kitchen knife. If the knife's edge is too
sharp or square, it will cut into the paper rather than separate the pads. A rounded blade seems to
work the best.
Try to time the drying times (you could use an egg timer with a bell if you're inclined to forget things
when you're busy). It'll make cutting the pads apart easier and neater. If you separate them too
soon, the pads will tend to break apart. If you wait too long, the compound will harden and cut very
roughly making the pads look sloppy. Wait about 15 minutes drying time on the second coat or when
it's dry to the touch.
Cleaning
The edge of the clamping bar and the table edge were designed to be easy to clean. Just use your
padding knife to scrape the dried compound off the metal edges. If you want it really clean, finish up
with a wet rag or sponge.
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