Speedball Linoleum Cutter Assortment #1

Product Information

Linoleum is made from natural materials: linseed oil, cork and resin. Over time it dries out and becomes hard and brittle. Fresh linoleum smells of linseed oil and is flexible. Make sure you buy fresh! I recommend Intaglio Printmaker.

Keep in mind that they come with two handle types: mallet and palm. The mallet handles are longer and designed to be used with a mallet (obviously) on harder materials like wood.As with anything new, start with a simple design and get a feel for the technique first. Plan your design using layers of tracing paper, one for each color, before you start cutting. (Remember the paper color too.) When you've recut the lino, do a test print on a separate sheet of paper to ensure the cut is how you want it, before printing onto your actual prints. Choose a quality paper suitable for lino printing. This often means a paper that’s sturdy yet porous enough to absorb the ink. The most basic form of lino cutting tool is a plastic handle which can hold any of the various shapes of blade available. If you get serious about lino printing, you may find wooden handles more comfortable to use for extended periods, and consider having multiple handles so you don't have to stop to swap blades.

Once you’ve practiced the examples above it will be time to raise the bar and start trying something a bit more complicated. Try creating the silhouette of a face or the outline of a tree. Silhouettes are a stalwart feature of many linocut designs and you will do well to experiment with subjects like the ones I’ve just suggested. When cutting delicate features like the lips of the face or the whites of the eyes, use a narrow cutter and tilt the tool at a greater angle than that used for a line. Baren: For those who prefer hand printing, a baren is the tool of choice. Its flat surface is ideal for transferring designs from lino to paper with even pressure. Scale Test: Experiment with the size of your design. Sometimes a design might look great small but lose impact when scaled up, or vice versa.They come sharp out of the box and are easy to maintain over years of use. Pfeil carving tools also come with individual handles, so you don’t have to spend time swapping out cutters while you work. Always Test: Before diving into the final print, make some test impressions. This can highlight issues with ink consistency, carving depth, or paper quality, allowing for adjustments. After your design becomes visible on the lino, enhance its clarity by retracing with a fine-tipped pen.