Woodcutting is an artistic technique that involves removing material from wood using specific tools to create patterns and images. The most common tools used for woodcutting are engraving knives, burins and gouges, and there are several engraving techniques, including dry engraving, water engraving and drypoint engraving. Dry engraving uses dry cutting tools to remove the material from the wood, while water engraving uses water to lubricate the tools and facilitate the removal of the material. Drypoint engraving uses a heated tip to burn the wood and create designs. The most common woods used for engraving are beech, birch, basswood and walnut. Each of these woods has unique characteristics that make it more or less suitable for different styles of printmaking. Woodcutting can be used to create images of all kinds, from natural landscapes to animal portraits to illustrations for books. Woodcuts have also been used to create decorative designs on furniture and wooden objects. There are many professional artists who practice woodcutting and there are also many clubs and groups for amateurs. Classes are also available for those who wish to learn this technique.