These end grain maple blocks are sanded down on each side to a smooth surface for engraving purposes and can be smoothed out further with extra-fine sandpaper. These blocks can be used either on the top or bottom of the block.

Wood engraving as opposed to woodcut's differ in that the end grain wood results in cutting across the rings in the wood, which have no directional differences. This allows for even cuts to be made in any direction and allow for the detailed images associated with the style. Wood engravings when printed produce dense and pure blacks, there fine sharp marks showing no evidence of the wood grain that is often a desired feature in woodcut prints.

Wood should be stores in a cool dry place away from direct sources of heat.

MES also stock a range of wood engraving tools; Spitstickers, Scorpers, Tint Tools and Gravers from E C Lyons.