Lino blocks or carving blocks in general, are the basis of almost every creative work that involve linocut and woodblock printing. It is very important to choose the right equipment and block to get the desired results. Some of the most important considerations include the type of material that is used in the carving block, the size of the carving block and the hardness of the carving block. If you’re a beginner, block printing starter kits can be perfect for you to bring your imagination into life. In this article, you will learn about the basic principles of selecting a carving block and some factors to consider before buying your essentials.
Selecting Correct Type of Wood
Selecting the right type of wood for your carving block will have a lasting effect on your carving experience and the outcome. There are four types of material that you’ll get to know such as:
Linoleum
Lino is appropriate for both larger projects and for the initial stages of a carving process, linoleum is cheap and is relatively soft. It provides a fairly good level of detail and can be used for a multitude of projects. This is one of the finest and recommended materials by many crafters. There are various lino printing starter kits available in the market to create various design pieces.
Softwood
Balsa and basswood are easily workable and lighter in densities, which makes them perfect for the creation of complicated patterns. They may not be as hard as other harder material types, and may not have the wear resistance or strength.
Hardwood
These sorts of wood make the carving more difficult. Whereas, the woods like maple and beech have high aesthetic properties and density. These are best for big projects and professional carving artists.
Polymer
Polymer blocks are a modern material for construction and are superior to traditional ones. They are light in weight, less breakable, and provide a good surface for carving on. These are now becoming trendy.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Carving Block
If you’re fond of carving, you must consider these following factors to unleash your inner artist.
Project Requirements
You must know what are the requirements of your project. The size, complexity, and intended output of your carving project are some of the key considerations influencing the carving block choice. In less complex designs, a linoleum block can suffice, especially when the design is small in size. Complex, large-scale works might necessitate the use of a hardwood block, for example.
Skill Level
You must consider if you’re skilled enough to uby high-quality, expensive equipments or not. If you’re inexperienced carver you may prefer using linoleum or soft wood, while experienced carvers are equipped to work with the more difficult materials. Think in terms of where you are now, what material you are using, and how comfortable you are with it.
Carving Tools
Also ensure that your carving tools are appropriate for the material that you have chosen. It is for this reason that some tools are more appropriate to be used on soft materials as compared to others that are more proper for hard materials.
Budget
You must consider your budget before buying any equipment. Prices will differ by the type of material used and the size of the blocks that will need to be carved. Since it is for home use, ensure that you set a budget and select a material that will not strain your pockets.
Why are Linoleum Blocks Most Popular and Recommended for Carving?
This surface is to be used for beginners since it is cheap, can be used in almost any form of carving, and is very easy to carve. Its versatility is therefore ensured due to its ability to be both soft and yet also bear some toughness that makes it suitable for use in different projects.
- Linoleum blocks are available in different thickness. Thick slabs are more rigid, but carving them could be tiresome and also the blocks may not be ideal for big sculptures or construction. The thicker blocks have more strength to support their weight and can be used for more challenging applications
- The orientation of the grain in linoleum can influence the carving characteristics of the material. To ensure that the carving is even, then it is preferable to identify a block that has a single directional grain.
- The pre-mounted linoleum blocks have a backing board which makes them more manageable and easier to ink.
Wrapping up!
Selecting a good carving block is a very important factor when it comes to carving projects. Depending on the type of material needed in the project, size or difficulty level in mastering, an individual can choose the block that they need. Linoleum is a good option for beginners because it is not expensive, easy to work with, and very versatile. After choosing the right carving block and cutting tools, one can produce amazing art designs on the carving block. You can go through various online stores and search for starter kits at good prices!
