Abig etching needle with wooden handle, hardened steel point

Abig etching needle – hardened steel point for drypoint etching and engraving

The Abig etching needle has a reinforced steel point and a natural-coloured wooden handle. You use it to scratch fine lines into printing plates for drypoint etching and for technical engraving. At approx. 15 cm long, it sits in the hand much like a pencil, so you can guide your lines easily.

The point is hardened, so it stays sharp for longer even with frequent scratching. According to Abig, this is the fine-point version, and the needle measures 1.5 x 45 mm.

Working with the etching needle

In drypoint etching, you scratch the drawing directly into the plate, with no acid bath. Place the plate on a non-slip, flat surface and hold the needle at a constant angle. The harder you press, the deeper the groove and the stronger the line appears in the print. As you scratch, the point raises a fine burr at the edge of the groove, which holds ink and gives a soft, velvety line in the print. Remember that the drawing appears in reverse in the print. The needle is suitable for plates such as Rhenalon, Astralon or Schappa.

Abig etching needle product details

• Manufacturer: Abig, art. no. 19010
• Material: wood, silver steel, reinforced point
• Handle: wood, natural colour
• Length: approx. 15 cm
• Contents: 1 piece

You will also need: an etching plate, for example plastic or Schappa, printing ink and an etching press for printing

Sharp point: take care when handling. Keep away from small children.