John,There is a tool for print making used with out a press called a Baren popular with Japanese wood block print makers,Eugene a sand bag is a must because of the plate size. J.J.
i did some prints many years ago and would stick bigger plates to a piece of 3/4" plywood (used pitch way back then, might go with hot glue now) with a 2" wide wood cleat screwed to the back for clamping in my engraving vise. i'd move the cleat around to work on different areas of the plate.
Hey JJ. I would definitely recommend that you file the edges to a curved chamfer and then polish the chamfer by burnishing. Do all this prep work before engraving. Leaving a sharp edge like you have in the photo will cut into the dampened paper and will shorten the life of your compression blankets. I used to print acid etched plates for a few years.
Doc,I took your advise I know I should have filed all four edges but must have been in a rush to get off some prints,what weight paper do like for the best detail? J.J.
Just by a chance I also took intaglio printing class at local arts academy. What a fun it was. 5 evenings learning about different techniques (etching, aquatint, drypoint). Except engraving, that I did as a homework. Here are the very first results and test.
A good source for fine printmaking & etching tools is E.C.Lyons Bronx N.Y. www.eclyons.com,mezzotint rockers,roulettes,dry points,scrapers,burnishers. J.J.