V Tools carve deep lines with pointed ends where the tool has been dug into and pushed out of the lino.

U Tools carve lines that are uniform in width and have rounded ends. You can clearly see the marks made by each different tool by its line width.

U tools are good for clearing as they create more even, flatter areas with less troughs and peaks that can pick up ink.

On traditional grey lino you can create edges by flicking the tool upwards to snap off the piece of lino.

V Tools can create lines that vary in width with tapered ends.

Create circles by rotating the lino as the tool stays still.

You can also use the V tool to create sharp edges by snapping off pieces of lino. These shapes have a more pointed end because a V Tool was used.

Neat corners and arrow shapes can be made by using two cuts of the V Tool.

You can use the snap off technique to cut up to a line before neatening the edge.

The Pfeil 12/1 is a tiny V tool that can be used to carve delicate lines. The cross hatching can be used for creating tone or texture.

The Japanese Hangito tool looks a little like a scalpel. It is more commonly used in Japanese Woodblock Printing but can be used in lino cutting to achieve sharp edges. Hold the tool at an angle and cut one side and then the other to create a V tool-like gouge mark.

This mark was made by holding a U Tool straight whilst the lino is wobbled from side to side.

Like the Hangito Tool, the chisel in the set of Japanese Tools is more commonly used for Japanese Woodblock Printing. You can, however, experiment with this tool on your lino - try pushing the tool straight down firmly to create sharp edges and skimming off the surface.

Random, delicate marks in the same direction can create texture or pattern. The V Tools will give you tiny lines.

The same technique can be used with a U Tool to give small dots.

Using a slightly larger U tool and making your marks closer together can create interesting patterns from the raised lino left behind.

Similarly to creating circles by rotating the lino, larger open circles can be made using the same twisting lino technique.

Because of their even line width, U tools can be useful when leaving delicate positive lino lines raised.

Use the U Tool to carve up to a positive carved line.

V Tools can be used in the same way, when using snap off up to a carved line. Different depths of V Tool will give different shaped Vs.

The even line widths achieved by using U Tools are perfect for carving concentric lines and even shapes with control.

Hold your V Tool straight and wiggle the lino from side to side to create a jagged line.

The Pfeil 12/1 V Tool is perfect for very fine, controlled lines.

The edge of this rectangle was carved with a Japanese small U Tool. The background was then cleared using the Japanese large U Tool.