I should have provided more details originally. Here's how I align fronts and backs.
1) Print 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of fronts on full-page label
2) Attach sheet to 8-1/2" x 11 sheet of cardboard
3) Cut the resulting piece down to the borders of the cards. I have cutting marks at the corners on my various (8-card Topps, 8-card Bowman, 9-card Topps, etc.) templates.
4) Cut the sheet of backs to the borders of the cards.
5) Attach backs to the cardboard.
6) Cut into single cards.
It is critical that you attach the back sheet to the front/cardboard assembly so that it is on squarely, otherwise you will get misaligned or diamond-cut singles.
The cardboard sheets I use are rather generic. A label on back identifies the maker as Pacon Corp., Appleton, Wis., "104225 White / Economy". I buy it in 22" x 28" sheets at a local craft shop. Hobby Lobby has similar sheets. I don't know what "weight" the sheets are; I just handle them in the store to get a feel for what seems to fit the vintage format.
For some of my cards I print the fronts on Avery #8383 Glossy Postcard stock, and attach the label sheets with the backs. I use this for my 1954-55 Topps cards and 1955 Bowmans. These are actually too thin to closely replicate the vintage cards, but in a top-loader you wouldn't notice it.
I have in the past printed the fronts on the glossy postcard stock, glued it to a cardboard core and attached the backs label, but have found that the glue too often finds it way onto the fronts.
I've been at this for nearly 10 years and am still learning, tweaking my techniques.
|