Generally speaking, the shank or some other portion of a letter is engraved with a Hat tool ami finished with a lozenge graver whetted at three angles. Block lettering is wholly cut with a Hat tool. Old English is cut with two Hat, tools of different widths, and flnished with an angle graver, as above. This is the reason that the work looks regular and of equal size throughout, and is kept straight by working between parallel lines. To make a Hat tool for lettering, whet each side of the belly or underside of a lozenge graver at an acute angle, the sharper the better, and then rub away the angle thus formed until a Hat is formed of a width suitable lor the letters to be cut; then sharpen as from the back as usual. A very moderate set-off or bevel is required for flat work, as if the bevel is too great it will cause the tool to slip over the boundary lines, and consequently spoil the work. Before attempting engraving on articles of value considerable practice should be had on a plate of German silver or sheet brass.

For drawing outlines, the only instrument used is the steel tracing point or etching needle.