If the block is to be sent to the printer all unnecessary wood has to be
taken away, and if there are large surfaces this is best done by gouge and
mallet. First saw the block square to within ¼ of an inch of work, then
fix it in a vice or clamp to a bench. Use the gouge as a chisel, never
forgetting to have the cutting edge pointing towards centre of block. If
used towards the edges pieces of wood will suddenly chip away and the last
stroke of the mallet will, perhaps, ruin the work, though an experience of
this kind is seldom repeated. The block will have to be turned about in
the vice to enable the gouging to be made towards the centre and care must
be taken to hold the gouge high enough just to clear the work and so
prevent bruising. The wood must be taken away deeply. If cut too shallow,
the ridges formed by the gouge will pick up the ink from the roller which
ink again will be picked up by the paper whilst proofing. Any edges or
small pieces that the gouge cannot clear away must be trimmed off with the
scauper, the card being used to protect the work.
[Wood-cut from The Decameron, Venice, 1492. Re-engraved by R. J. Beedham.
By permission of The Shakespeare Head Press]
Wood-cut from The Decameron, Venice, 1492. Re-engraved by R. J. Beedham.
By permission of The Shakespeare Head Press