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An Introduction to Lino Printing

By , About.com Guide

4 of 10

How to Fit a Blade into a Linocut Tool
Lino cutting tools

It's easier to spot which end needs to go into the handle on some blades than it is on others. If the blade doesn't seem to be cutting well, check it's the right way around.

Photo © 2009 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Fitting a blade into a linocut handle isn't complicated. You simply unscrew the handle sufficiently to insert the blade, checking the semi-circular hole to see which way up it needs to be. Hold the blade carefully between your fingers a little way in from the end if possible, and be careful you don't slice yourself on a sharp edge. Don't try to shove the blade in the hole. If it doesn't want to fit, unscrew the handle a bit more.

Do check you have put the correct end of the blade into the hole, not the cutting end. On some blades it's considerably less obvious than others. Then screw the handle tight and it's done.

Next: Cutting a Piece of Lino

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