About the Process

The wood (traditionally Boxwood, though it is somewhat reare today) used in egraving is cut from logs, in slabs, the same thickness as metal type, which is .918 of an inch.

The images are engraved on the end of the grain (as opposed to the side grain of a woodcut.)

This gives the ability to render very fine detail and have the durability to print thousands of impressions. Today, woods such as Maple, Lemonwood, and various fruitwoods can be used. Various synthetics, such as Resingrave®, also give good impressions. It is common for the wood to be pieced together, as the most flawless parts of the wood can be used.

The tools, called gravers or burins, are held in the palm of the hand. Varied tints and effects are achieved by using a variety of tools. Any mark upon the surface produces a white line. Any wood removed from around a line, leaves standing a black line. The white spaces are cleared with a chisel-like tool called a scorper.

The traditional set up was a lamp flame concentrated by a water-filled glove directed onto the wood block, though now any kind of lighting and magnification is used. The work is slow and exacting.

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