Sect. 27. The manner how to hold your Graver, with other particulars.

YOu may see also that the uppermost part of this figure describes to you the form of two Gravers, with their handles fitted for the whetting. They that use this Art, do before they make use of them, commonly cut away that part of the knob or bowl that is at the end of their handles, which is upon the same line with the edge of their Graver; to the end it may not obstruct or hinder them in their graving, as the figure II. shews you.

For if you should work upon a large plate▪ you will find that part of your handle (if it be not cut away) will rest so upon the copper, that it will hin∣der the smooth and even carriage of your hand in making your strokes or hatches; also it will cause your Graver to run into the copper in such sort, that you shall not be able to manage it at your plea∣sure.

The third figure describes to you the way of holding your Graver; which is in this manner. You must place the knob or ball of the handle of your Graver in the hollow of your hand, and ha∣ving extended your forefinger towards the point of your Graver, laying it opposite to the edge that should cut the copper, place your other fingers on the side of your handle, and your thumb on the o∣ther side of the Graver, in such sort that you may guide your Graver flat and parallel with the plate; as you may see in the IIII. figure.

Be carefull that your fingers do not interpose Page  46 between the plate and the Graver, for they will be troublesome, and hinder you in carrying your Gra∣ver level with the plate, so that you cannot make your strokes with that freedome and neatnesse, as otherwise you may. This I think fit to give you notice of in this place, because the skill of hold∣ing your Graver is that which you must first per∣fectly learn, and be able to practise without pain or difficulty; or else you will not gain so great a readinesse and command of your hand, as is re∣quired in an accurate and skilfull Graver.