Wood Engraving
A wood engraving begins with a block of end-grain hardwood. Boxwood was traditionally preferred but is rare today and extremely expensive so I fabricate my own blocks using eastern maple. A drawing is transferred to the block and then tools called gravers are used to cut the design. Engraving a block typically takes two to three weeks.
Sections of a maple board turned on edge and glued together. The block will later be milled, sanded, and cut to size.
Working on an engraving. Cutting is mostly done under magnification.
An engraving in progress. (A trial proof has already been pulled at this point.) Note the different shaped points of the tools.
Making A Woodcut
Woodcuts are made on the face grain of a board or, in this case, a piece of plywood. They tend to be larger and more boldly cut than wood engravings. Carving tools such as knives and gouges are generally used. I prefer Japanese–style tools which are held like a pencil when in use. The Dremel tool is used to clear away large areas of unwanted wood.
Making A Print
When a block is ready to print a brayer is used to roll ink onto its surface. Paper is then carefully laid onto the block and pressure is applied. This can be accomplished with a press of some sort or simply with hand pressure using a suitable burnishing tool. (I prefer a bamboo rice paddle.) I do all my printing on hand-made Japanese paper using oil-based printing inks.