Linocut printing is a widespread technique used for creating printed graphics and designs. As much as it is a fun and creatively stimulating process, it also involves the handling of sharp tools and materials characterized by significant rigidity. Therefore, safety measures and the use of appropriate tools are of paramount importance during the entire linocut printing process.
To promote safety and reduce the risk of injury, various safety tools and accessories have been designed to assist linocut artists. Some of these include hand guards, safety grips, bench hooks, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, lino handles, and carving kits, among others. This article will delve into each of these tools, explaining their importance and how they contribute to ensuring a safe working environment.
1. Hand Guards
One of the primary safety tools for linocut printing is a hand guard. This tool is designed to protect your non-carving hand while you work. Usually made from robust, durable materials such as toughened plastic or metal, these guards are used by placing the non-cutting hand behind them while the other hand performs the carving tasks. Hand guards are adjustable, meaning you can alter their position to fit perfectly over the linocut block, offering maximum protection.
2. Safety Grip Handles
Safety grip handles are another must-have tool in the linocut printing process designed to aid control and precision. They provide a comfortable and secure grip, ensuring the cutting tools do not slip and cause unnecessary injuries. These handles are generally shaped to fit perfectly in the artist’s hand and often have a textured surface for enhanced grip.
3. Bench Hooks
A bench hook is an invaluable safety device that improves stability while you carve. It is a tool affixed to your workbench designed to hold your linoleum block in place while cutting. This ensures that the block does not slip, move, or rotate, thus minimizing the risk of accidents. There are different types of bench hooks, including those made of wood and metal. The choice of material is largely dependent on personal preference and the nature of your work.
4. Cut-Resistant Gloves
It’s said that prevention is better than cure. Cut-resistant gloves work to prove just that. They are made from highly durable materials such as Kevlar, Dyneema, or super high molecular weight polyethylene, which can resist sharp lino cutting tools, thereby protecting your hands from cuts and injuries. Notably, apart from their protective functionality, these gloves are usually flexible and comfortable, allowing you to have a good feeling of the tools you are handling.
5. Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are designed to protect your eyes from flying linoleum chips and fragments while cutting. With an added polymer known as polycarbonate, they provide a high level of impact resistance, making them a safe choice for linocut printing.
6. Lino Handles
Lino handles are designed specifically for comfortably holding lino cutters. Rubberized handles are particularly popular as they offer a firm grip and enhanced control, minimizing risks associated with slips and accidental punctures.
7. Carving Sets
In linocut printing, safe carving is dependent not only on how you use the carving tools but also on the quality of the tools. Using flawlessly molded, sharp, sturdy tools can minimize the risk of slipping or breaking. Ensure you invest in professional-grade carving sets with different blade profiles and sizes, thus enabling precise cuts and intricate detailing to be achieved safely.
8. Rubber Brayers
One of the most used tools in linocut, rubber brayers are responsible for applying ink to the linoleum surface evenly. An improperly loaded brayer may cause the linoleum block to slip during printing and can lead to accidents. Therefore, a quality rubber brayer not only helps in creating a perfect print but also plays a role in safety.
In conclusion, practicing safety in linocut printing goes beyond purchasing the right tools; it extends to how meticulously you use them and how consciously you handle each process in the printing project. Always remember to work at a comfortable speed, do not rush, and, most importantly, always focus on what you are doing to prevent accidents. Craft your prints safely and enjoy the art of linocut printing.
