PZ cut comes in 4 varieties. You can get it in Orange or White, and each color has 'grade A' and 'grade B'. Grade A being the 'better quality', although I've never had a problem with the B. IF you search the boards, Webfoot made a very detailed post a few months back... I believe this is the one:

http://www.atlasquest.com/boards/messages.html?gThreadId=6829

As for the difference between orange vs. white, that seems to be a personal preference. I'd get a sheet of each and see which YOU like better!
Goodluck, and happy carving!

HP

If it is the dark stuff from Dick Blick, it's here:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz404/04/

and, I'd be worried about it drying out and crumbling as well. This stuff isn't intended for long term use. There's even a proviso in the instructions to use it within a year for maximum softness for cutting.

I was just going to ask if it was Easy cut Lino. It is dark gray. I have a little bit and hate it.

Larva Lady of the Zelie Zips

The thing about lino vs some of the other soft block materials is it can take other types of ink readily, and can do the whole press thing as well.

Just a different method from what we boxers tend to do is all.

I have never had a problem with the 'B' grade.

The orange is VERY stiff. Be careful that your carving nib doesn't get stuck, lurch and jab you in the finger (has happened to me) or wreck your stamp. But for the detail, I love it! Especially when I carve people's faces.

The white, IMO, is great, too. I usually use this to carve regular stamps (not people).

A couple of months ago, I bought the sampler pack from Stampeaz. If you place an order, make sure you log the image that Webfoot send you on your invoice. They are great!

SHenyd

I've done it, I bought my first PZ Cut!! I hope it's as great as you say it is. I'm sad about my previous series but will probably have to recarve it. So here's my next question. I bought my carving tools at Wally and they have been great. They are just wooden handles with metal blades of various sizes hanging out. I've noticed though that in the threads, most people use speedball ones. Are these better? Not having a ton of money, the ones at Wally have worked, but I do get surprises from my husband periodically and I was wondering if I should start hinting for these! The B Hunters

If you really want to see your carving improve rapidly, try the Staedler carving pens. They have 3 sizes, but I use mostly the #1. It has a smaller V shape....more like this: v and so it is IMPOSSIBLE to carve a wide line! I can do incredible detail now since Archimedes Screw turned me on to these. They are available at www.stampeaz.com. Here is a link for the tools so you can take a look:

http://www.stampeaz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=28

A lovely gift for any carver -

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"

I have the same wooden handle and find that it works perfectly well. You can buy additional nibs (other sizes and replacements) through stampeaz as well, (like $1 per nib?). Others talk about sharpening, but with these I just replace the nib. Aside from the handle being different, they are basically the same as the Staedler.

Happy Carving!

~HP~

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you really want to see your carving improve rapidly, try the Staedler carving pens. They have 3 sizes, but I use mostly the #1. It has a smaller V shape....more like this: v and so it is IMPOSSIBLE to carve a wide line

This has been the case for me - the combo of the PZKut Orange and Staedler has improved my carving three-fold. I LOVE how easy these are to carve with and the detail I can carve now!!

AGJ

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This has been the case for me - the combo of the PZKut Orange and Staedler has improved my carving three-fold. I LOVE how easy these are to carve with and the detail I can carve now!!

Magnifying Lamps is what REALLY took my carving to the next level!!!I never dreamed I could do what I can now. seeing what you are doing is KEY !!!!!
chadams

Seeing...Put on you glasses.........and good light are key to carving.

LL/ZZ

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Could it be the dark gray stuff from Dick Blick? It's very heavy and dense?

The store did not tell me where they ordered it. I can confirm that it is very heavy and dense.

Thanks,
Tee

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The thing about lino vs some of the other soft block materials is it can take other types of ink readily, and can do the whole press thing as well.

Just a different method from what we boxers tend to do is all.

I understand, but I've carved this into a number of stamps and they stamp well with pigment or dye based ink pads, or markers. I got it because it was so inexpensive and I could get a lot of practice without breaking the bank (so to speak).

If I get complaints, I'll look at something else. Thanks for the info,

Tee

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the dark gray stuff from Dick Blick? It's very heavy and dense

I bought two different types of carving material from Dick Blick. I bought the dark gray stuff in a sheet of about 12x12x¼. It is very heavy and dense and has a rubbery feel and smell to it. It carves ok, but because it's rubbery, it doesn't hold detail very well. The other stuff I bought came in a box of 2 sheets 4x6x⅜ and is a very light cream color and smells like the pink pearl erasers. The box is labeled "Blick EZ cut printing blocks". It is very crumbly. I tried to carve something with it the other day. My very first cut that I made just chunked out a piece, so I rapidly abandoned that!!! I don't know if this stuff is going to be good for anything! Nice box though.

FG

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I am not sure what the letters stand for

Letter "A" is the better quality. I use it all the time and I think its great! I won't use anything else!

Lady Lilac

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Magnifying Lamps is what REALLY took my carving to the next level!!!I never dreamed I could do what I can now. seeing what you are doing is KEY !!!!!

I totally agree. I would never have been able to carve my personal stamps without it.

Lady Lilac

As far as the superglue on the table goes...call the manufacturer, and ask to talk to technical support. If you pick the wrong solvent, and mess up the finish on your table, you'll be even more upset.

Lisascenic

all this help has been fantastic. I am just waiting ofr the PZ cut to come to and then I will ecarve my series. It puts it behind by a week or two, but perhaps it will last longer. Thank you for all your opinions! The B Hunters