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How to Cut Etching Plates

Printing etching plate requires that the plate be of an adequate size to accommodate an image and the paper the image will be printed on. Etching plates are usually made of copper, aluminum, steel or zinc. These kinds of metal, provided they are not very thick, can be cut using a band saw or a pneumatic shear. If neither a band saw nor a pneumatic shear is available, a draw knife should be used. Cutting etching plates is easy and allows for versatility in the printing process.

Things You'll Need

  • Draw knife
  • 2 C-clamps
  • Soft cloth
  • Straight edge
  • Permanent marker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the plate to be cut and mark the dimensions on the metal with a straight edge and permanent marker.

    • 2

      Place the plate face up on a table edge and cover the part not being cut away with a soft cloth to protect the metal's surface.

    • 3

      Clamp the plate to the table with two C-Clamps. If none are available, hold the plate very steady.

    • 4

      Cut the drawn line very carefully with the draw knife. The object is to start slow and increase pressure as you create a gouge in the metal. Continue to score the metal until you cut through to the approximate center of the plate.

    • 5

      Release the clamps and turn the plate to the edge of the table. Slowly bend the cut pieces up and down until they break.

    • 6

      File the edges and clean the surface of the plate.

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