E C Lyons Mezzotint Rocker Various Sizes Etching Intaglio Printmaking Copper Zinc Plate

This tool is used to prepare metal plates for mezzotints. By repeatedly working the tool over the surface of the plate in a rocking motion, the printmaker can create a smooth carpet of burrs, which will hold ink and show up as a dark area when the plate is printed. This rough surface can then be smoothed with a scraper or burnisher, which will lighten the print in those areas.

EC Lyons rockers are known worldwide as the finest mezzotint rockers available. Lyons rockers have stained birch handles and a high carbon tool steel tool surface. The density of teeth for a rocker is measured in LPI or 'tooth count,' a measure of the number of lines per inch on the cutting face of the tool.

Please be sure to take care when using this tool near the edge of your plates, as unless you have bevelled the edge of the plate; the tool may slip off or be damaged by the sharp edge.