Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit - Complete Starter Bundle

In this review of the Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit the bottom line is simple: it is a thoughtfully assembled starter bundle for anyone serious about relief printing, especially beginners and hobbyists who want a complete, ready-to-use set. The kit delivers the single biggest benefit of convenience by combining carving blocks, a mounted block, a comfortable lino handle with multiple cutters, a soft rubber brayer, inks in primary colors plus black and an extender, and a bench hook that doubles as an inking plate. The included tools and materials let users learn cutting, inking and printing without hunting for individual parts.

Key Features

• Complete bundle: Contains a 4 x 5 in mounted linoleum block and a 4 x 6 in Speedy-Carve block so users can carve and print immediately without extra purchases.
• Variety of inks: Includes black (75cc) plus red, blue and yellow (37cc each) water-soluble, AP Non-Toxic inks and an extender for transparent color effects.
• Premium cutters: The hand-ground tempered steel lino cutters and a selection of cutting tools provide the range of edges needed for fine detail and broader removal.
• Comfort grip handle: The lino handle has a hand-adjustable metal chuck and a twist-off end that stores cutters for convenience between sessions.
• Practical accessories: A 4 in soft rubber pop-in brayer and dual purpose bench hook/inking plate simplify inking and registration for cleaner, repeatable prints.

Who It's For

The Speedball Deluxe kit is ideal for beginners, classroom settings and hobbyists who want a single kit to teach and practice relief printing techniques; it is also useful for intermediate users who appreciate the convenience of a matched set. The kit's combination of a mounted linoleum block and a Speedy-Carve block makes it flexible for both quick practice prints and more finished editions.

More advanced printmakers who require professional-grade carving tools, larger blocks or a wider palette of permanent inks may find this bundle too basic for high-volume studio work. Also, those who need every specific blade style should verify cutters included match their personal preference, as some customers reported missing cutting blades in packages.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Everything needed to start carving and printing is included, which saves time sourcing parts separately.
• Water-soluble, AP Non-Toxic inks are easy to clean and suitable for classrooms or home use.
• Comfortable lino handle and hand-ground cutters make carving more precise and controlled.
• Bench hook that doubles as an inking plate and a soft brayer improve print consistency.

Cons

• Some purchasers report missing cutters or blades in individual kits, so check contents on arrival.
• Advanced printmakers may outgrow the included tool selection or ink sizes for larger projects.

Specifications

Brand	Speedball
Mounted block size	4 x 5 in
Speedy-Carve block size	4 x 6 in
Ink set	Black 75cc; red, blue, yellow 37cc each; 37cc extender
Brayer	4 in soft rubber pop-in brayer
Cutters and handle	Lino handle with #1, #2, #3, #5 cutters and #6 knife
Extras	Dual purpose bench hook/inking plate

Our Verdict

The Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit is a strong value for beginners and craft classrooms because it combines quality carved tools, a comfortable handle, versatile water-soluble inks and practical accessories in one package. It is especially good for learning technique and producing attractive limited edition prints, though advanced users may prefer to supplement blades and ink quantities for heavier studio use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this kit include inks safe for classroom use?
The included inks are water-soluble and AP Non-Toxic, making them suitable for classrooms and home studios with basic precautions.

Are replacement cutters available with the kit?
The kit contains multiple cutters and a #6 knife, but some buyers report missing blades in individual packages, so check contents and purchase replacements separately if a specific blade is required.

Can the bench hook be used for inking?
Yes, the dual purpose bench hook also serves as an inking plate to help roll out ink evenly with the included brayer.