TOOL TYPES
Wood Engraving Tools
There are four main tool shapes – Spitsticker, Tint Tool, Graver and
Scorper, with numerous sizes available for each shape.
Spitsticker
The most versatile tool is the Spitsticker, it may be considered as the drawing tool since it will handle curved lines better than other tools. It can also produce a line that swells and tapers. Tools are identified by their cross section or face, and the Spitsticker has boat shaped profile, with curved sides.
Tint Tool
This is best for straight lines of even width, originally used by the trade engravers to produce graduated tints (as they referred to tones or shading), they used to be available in a large range of sizes now the range is limited. Despite what some of the old books say, a tint tool is also good for tight curves or circles. Tint tools are good for stippling. It can be identified by its tapered straight sides.
Graver
Although the generic name for all engraving tools is the graver, the term does refer to a specific tool, the graver will produce a line that can swell and taper better than any other, it doesn’t handle curves very well. There are two types, the lozenge and square profile, the former producing a more
gradual swell, the technique of making lines swell and taper is an essential skill and this is the best tool for the purpose.
Scorper
These are the tools with the largest range of uses and there are two types, the round and square. The round scorper is by far the most useful, in its smaller sizes it is identical to the larger tint tools and good for broader line work and stippling. The medium and large sizes are ideal for clearing areas of white, square scorpers are good for smoothing off ridges in cleared areas.
Additional Tools
Bullsticker
Is a beefier version of the spitsticker and produces a more pronounced swell of line., it has an oval profile.
Chisel Tool
Has only one function, that is to chamfer the edges of cleared areas around the block. Well worth having for this task.