How to Achieve Precision Paper Cutting With a Book Plough

A book plough is a traditional bookbinding tool designed to trim paper stacks with precision. Whether you’re crafting notebooks, journals, or trimming edges for a clean finish, this guide will walk you through using a book plough effectively. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts who value crisp, professional results!

Materials Needed

1. Book plough (wooden vise with plow attachment)
2. Sharp blade (modified block plane blade or rounded chisel)
3. Strop (leather with honing compound) or sharpening stone
4. Support pieces (hardboard, plywood, or scrap wood)
5. Wooden screws and clamps (for securing the vise)
6. Booklet or paper stack to trim

Understand your tool:

1. Wooden Vise: Features angled jaws to grip the book and a groove for the plow.
2. Plow Attachment: Holds the blade and slides along the vise groove.
3. Blade: A rounded-edge cutting tool (often repurposed from a block plane).
4. Adjustment Screws: For advancing the blade and stabilizing the plow.

Tip: If you don’t own a plough, check my DIY plans for building one!

A sharp blade is critical for clean cuts.

1. Strop Frequently: Run the blade edge over a leather strop loaded with honing compound to maintain sharpness between uses.
2. Deep Sharpening: Use a sharpening stone if the blade dulls significantly. Hold the blade at a 20–25° angle and polish until the edge shines.
3. Round the Corners: Grind sharp blade corners (if using a chisel) to prevent snagging.

1. Height Adjustment: Place wood blocks under the vise if your book is tall.
2. Secure vise: Clamp / secure the vise in place so it won't move or rack when used.
3. Back Support: Add a hardboard or plywood sheet behind the book to stabilize the stack.
4. Align the Book: Position the cutting line flush with the vise jaws. Clamp tightly to prevent movement.

1. Mount the Plow: Slide the plow into the vise’s groove and tighten the blade.
2. Start Slow: Advance the blade screw until it barely touches the paper.
3. Steady Pressure: Apply even downward pressure while turning the screw to move the blade forward.
4. Repeat: For thick stacks, make multiple shallow passes. Stop periodically to strop the blade.

Pro Tip: Stand to the side of the vise for better leverage and control.

1. Clean After Use: Wipe blade residue with a dry cloth.
2. Disassemble: Remove the blade and store it separately in a protective case.
3. Strop Again: Prep the blade for future use with a quick strop session.

1. Uneven Cuts: Ensure the blade is flush with the plow base and the vise is tightly secured.
2. Tearing Paper: Sharpen the blade immediately. Check for blade protrusion angle.
3. Vise Movement: Clamp the vise to a workbench or add non-slip pads underneath.

1. Razor Blade & Straight Edge: Ideal for thin stacks. Use a metal ruler and fresh blade.
2. Chisel Method: Round the edges of a chisel for safer freehand trimming. Secure the book in a vise.
3. Guillotine Cutter: Faster but bulkier. Invest in one for high-volume projects.

Want your own book plough: check out the full building plan here!

For a better perspective on how to use this awesome tool, check out the video!

A book plough delivers unmatched precision for bookbinding and paper trimming. With practice, you’ll achieve flawless edges on materials from tissue paper to cardboard.