Top products from r/Pyrography

Warning: large list of Amazon links incoming!

Note: these are all pieces that I have bought.

Wood Plaque 3.5x5.5 Assorted 6 Styles in Pack - I love these. I use them to make fridge magnets and they're awesome.

Darice 9179-63 Wooden Assorted Plaque, 7-Inch - x 6 PC - Pretty much the same as the first ones, but they're bigger. I haven't burned any of these yet, just got the order yesterday.

Darice 9179-67 Wooden Plaque Fancy Rectangle, 12-Inch - Haven't burned this one yet either but I got it earlier this week and it looks nice.

Darice 9176-29 Wood Rectangle Plaque

Franklin Brass 64631 Wood Scalloped Double Toggle Switch Wall Plate / Switch Plate / Cover, Unfinished

Kitchen Wooden Spoons Mixing Baking Serving Utensils Craft Puppets 10 inch - Set of 12 ROUNDSQUARE - These are amazing. Put a couple swirl patterns on one and the ladies love it! :) Food-safe too, as long as you don't treat it.

Woodpeckers® Wood Door Knob Hanger, Ready to Finish (Pack of 12) - OK quality, super easy to burn and a good gift for younger kids.

Fuhaieec 10pcs 3.5"-4" Unfinished Natural Wood Slices Circles with Tree Bark Log Discs for DIY Craft Rustic Wedding Ornaments - Really nice looking but extremely hard to burn evenly. Good for coasters.

Brainerd 64673 Wood Square Single Toggle Switch Wall Plate / Switch Plate / Cover, Unfinished

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi there. If you're looking for a craft, woodburning can be a lot of fun!

I'd recommend picking up a basic woodburning tool at your local craft store or online and give it a try. Most come with some instructions/ideas and a variety of different tips to use. A popular one (which I enjoyed using) is the Versa Tool by Walnut Hollow, since it's inexpensive and you can adjust the temperature. They make an even cheaper one-temp model but if you want to practice shading and such the temperature control is really nice for a few extra bucks.

Other than that, you really just need some wood and you're ready to get started! The craft store will likely have wooden plaques and shapes as well, usually pine or basswood which are easy to burn. But if you just want to practice, any wood will do. I get scraps from local carpenters or lumber yards; driftwood can be fun too. Just be careful you aren't burning wood that's been coated or chemically treated, as you'll breathe in some unhealthy fumes. Just regular smoke from burning can be a nuisance but usually more so when burning larger pieces/burning for long periods of time. So although it may not be necessary for a beginner, down the road I would recommend getting a fan if this becomes an issue.

As for stenciling, I personally use graphite paper to trace designs onto the wood (you'll also find this at the craft store). Carbon paper is a similar option but I find it a bit messier/hard to remove if I've made a mistake. All you do is draw or print off the image that you want to burn. Then you lay the graphite paper (black side down) onto the wood, lay your image on top (I recommend taping to keep it in place), and lightly trace over it. Once you are finished and pull up the papers, the graphite will have transferred onto the wood where you traced and now you have your outline to burn over.

I hope that made sense! I find seeing a visual can often help, so some Youtube tutorials may be a good place to start to learn the basics. There are tons of resources online, and quite a few books on how to do different techniques/use different tips if that's more your style. Or just find some old scrap wood and experiment.

Have fun!

I started with the walnut hollow very simple

Then I upgraded to a TRUArt Stage 2 Single Pen Professional Woodburning Detailer 60W Tool with Digital Temperature Control, and it changed my world!! The professional tools with wire tips are more expensive but much more comfortable to work with and capable of so much more!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06Y5DHJMV/ref=pd_aw_sbs_201_of_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RTEJKWFEYEWBXDVEFM9R

I also just recently invested in a razertip with the interchangeable pen, honestly I thought it would be much better than my truArt but I’ve really only found it to be better in terms of detailing, I will say it is more comfortable and the grip is much more like a pencil, based on what it sounds like you’re looking for I think it would be a good fit. Check out https://www.woodcraft.com/store_locations, they sell razertip pens/units in their stores and have locations in the US - you could head to a store and hold/get a feel for the pen.

Thank you! I definitely think you should give it a shot. From what I see so far on this subreddit, I use a different tool than most. https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Versa-Temp-Temperature-Woodburning/dp/B005P1TRAS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466045184&sr=8-3&keywords=wood+burning , but I really like it.

I'd say that I'm somewhat artistically inclined, but in that I like to be creative. I wouldn't say I can freehand well, aside from stick figures. I use carbon paper to help me transfer images.

The tricky part is more in your steady hand and eye for shading than in your artistic ability, I think! I mainly use three tips: one that looks like a pencil, one that's a tinier pencil tip, and one that looks like a leaf (I use that one for the shading and the others for outlining). That's it!

I've been doing this for maybe a year now, and still learning techniques. Give it a shot!

I just did this floor plan on a box lid and yeah straight lines suck.

First, I would suggest drawing everything in pencil with a ruler. I always do this - not sure if others do or not.

Second, there are two ways you can do the lines. Free hand can work if you take your time, but it's always going to give you a little waviness unless you're very good. The other way is to get a steel ruler with a cork backing (something like this). Set that right next to your pencil line and you have a guide for your burner to run along.

Practice!

What burner are you using? I just use the Walnut hollow Versa Tool which isn't too elaborate or expensive, but the rheostat for the temperature can help a lot. I think /u/smolderingdesigns uses the same tool, and she does way better work than me. There are much nicer tools out there, but I wouldn't say they're a requirement to do good work.

I highly recommend This Book as it will answer all of your questions in great detail. It has a whole section showing different textures and techniques you can do with the different tips. It has a section covering some wood recommendations.

I have the razertip too! Personally I find myself using the writing tip for most drawing/lettering, but I also like the small skew and the small chisel. If you are struggling, try turning the temperature down a bit. Also practice the gradual landing and takeoff so you don't get blobs at the end of your lines. For lettering stuff, I like to print the words out in a nice font, use graphite paper to trace onto the wood, and then burn over that. Makes it pretty easy to get great letters.

Basswood is a very common and inexpensive wood to burn on. If you can get your hands on some canary wood, it is really pretty...expensive though. You want to avoid any wood that could release chemicals when burning, so I suspect that cured wood is a bad idea. The book I mentioned recommends Aspen, Beech, Birch, Butternut, Cedar, Cherry, Maple, and a bunch of others. Keep in mind you should always do a little trial run with a new wood, since you may have to adjust the temperature up or down depending on how soft it is.

I just upgraded to a Colwood Detailer (from the same walnut hollow tool you have) and I really love it so far!! It was about $150 on amazon, including shipping, 3 tips, and a pretty cool workbook. Amazon link

Thanks, used miniwax wood finish (gunstock) for the general stain and Dr.PH. Martin's ink while sanding, cleaning and drying well a few times over then a few layers of high gloss tung oil. These are just the brands I had on hand and generally like the products.

my best advice, as a semi-novice myself in wood burning:
i'd start with a cheaper wood burning tool. can find one at wal mart, home depot, craft store... it'll look like a soldering iron. get one with a few interchangeable tips, maybe one with a heat regulator if you're so inclined to spend the extra money. they can get complex and expensive, so depending on your involvement in the hobby it can get expensive, but you'll definitely see a difference in the heat consistency in the more expensive tools. but for a beginner, something like this is perfect to figure it out: http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Creative-Versa-Temp-Temperature/dp/B005P1TRAS

I use a shader tip on my rig. Shading is key when it comes to fur. Get some reference pictures and some practice wood and start light and go darker, because you can always go darker, but it's very difficult to go lighter :) I recommend picking up a book called, "Pyrography Workbook" by Sue Walters, a fantastic resource to have, that I still use to today.

Pyrography Workbook by Sue Walters

Oh, wow, that's beautiful. I've been looking at that one in my local store for a while.

Still on the little pen-type burner.

I'm assuming you're using one of the cheaper green pens with the three tips. There's another, more robust hobby pen from the same company that comes with a circle-shaped tip to it, that's about the size you're asking. The burns won't be crazy fast, but if you do it right they'll come out as nice black polka dots.

This is the pen I'm talking about

If that doesn't work for you, you should look into getting a more expensive setup or a blowtorch that you can heat that circular tip with more quickly.

I would suggest practicing on a piece of scrap wood if you do want to add color. I think it look lovely as is though!

As for the finish, I use this:
Minwax 64444444 Polycrylic Protective Finish Water Based, quart, Semi-Gloss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PRNXNY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sYPDDbDE4ZEJT

With this brush:
Minwax 427320008 Manway Polycyclic 2" Trim-Polyester/Nylon Blend Brush/Roller/Applicator, 2 inch, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBFR8T8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9ZPDDbCF4N6BQ

Are you talking about a VersaTool/Walnut Hollow (or similar) with screw-in brass tips? I was getting the variety packs at Michaels using the 40-50% off coupons they always have, or at Menards for around $6. You can get the mini chisel tip by itself at Amazon for $5 each with free shipping. I never really used the other tips in the sets either.

Edit: you can get them for $2 here (regular, not mini, I think).

I agree with the picture hangers. I usually buy something like this. You can find them very cheap in multi packs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000OL0U28/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1494362584&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=picture+hangers&dpPl=1&dpID=31nJKniOUjL&ref=plSrch

This is the one I picked up at Micheals today with a 40% off a single item coupon. Its a good starter setup I think!

Thanks for taking the time to answer! Is this the pen you're talking about? I was looking at this one. The reviews seem mostly okay, but I wanted to ask around here before jumping in.

Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P1TRAS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is a good beginner kit: http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Deluxe-Woodburning-Kit/dp/B0019X78P2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1369851128&sr=8-7&keywords=walnut+hollow+burner

See my post here about the types of wood to use: http://www.reddit.com/r/Pyrography/comments/1d29gw/new_to_pyrography_what_wood_should_be_used/c9md6bj

I use this, and like it quite a bit. Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool with Versa-Temp Variable Temperature Control & 11 Woodburning Points (Tips) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P1TRAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_vm11BbXHK4WMT

This is the one to get, Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool with Versa-Temp Variable Temperature Control & 11 Woodburning Points (Tips) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P1TRAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kIZSDbJ6TJ852

It depends on what volume of product you're looking for.

If you're looking or a smaller amount, check your local craft store. I know Michaels has live edge cuts in their raw wood aisle. You can also shop around online.

If you're looking to buy in bulk, I'd recommend finding someone who can supply you directly (keep in mind that you will probably need to dry the wood yourself, as you will most likely be getting fresh cuts). A lumber yard, an arborist, even a craigslist ad for someone with a bit of land and a chainsaw.

Well, considering another user just posted that Walnut Hollow Versa Tools are frickin dirt cheap on Amazon right now, I'd get one of those asap. Here's the link. I've used mine for the last 3 1/2 years and it's the only tool you'll ever need if you learn how to use it. This entire piece was done with my Versa Tool

Lightly sketch out the outline of the design you want to burn. Then turn the burner on and just trace the pencil lines. You'll need to just get in there and practice, nothing I tell you will make much sense until you get some hands on experience. Don't wet anything, you use the burner to draw the same way you'd use a pencil.

TruArt Stage 2 Woodburning Detailer

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y5DHJMV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VRTG8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_bggSDbNSYJDR7

One of those, beginner tool (sorry, dunno how to hyperlink).

https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Versa-Temp-Temperature-Woodburning/dp/B005P1TRAS

I have been using this model https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Versa-Temp-Temperature-Woodburning/dp/B005P1TRAS

Mod Podge Hard Coat!

Link to Heat Gun: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P1TRAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_BAHLybZMSVPMZ

I always go for personal stuff. So my Carcassonne set has the roads and monasteries themed after the Super Mario Brothers 3 world maps. The castle pieces didn't play nice with 8bit aesthetics so I kept the wobbly shapes and just filled them in with things we've done together, movies we've seen, dates we've been on, etc so that when a castle is built it's made out of our relationship. Which is WAAAY more symbolic and sweet than I intended it to be originally when I panicked after my Mario Brothers plan went to shit. Bought a little wooden chest with a latch for piece storage and burned the score track onto the top of it.

Catan will probably be similar in nature. I just haven't sourced out the wooden hexes yet or planned out if I'm using actual Catan cards or getting my own printed, etc. She likes Breaking Bad a lot, maybe I'll make an island based around meth production.

One of the things I found helped me with my versatool was using a large binder clip on the edge of my table. If you squeeze the little shiney wing you can take it off of the body, slip it around the cord, then reattach it to the body of the clip so that it acts like a catch for the rheostat.

8 hours!? YOU'RE AN ANIMAL! A MACHINE! If you've got about $10 go pick up a crappy burner from WalMart and try it out. At the very least you'll be able to identify if your versatool is holding you back or if you just have a slow, methodical pace.

[I've found them on Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Japan-Aquash-Waterbrush-Medium/dp/B0017OSBQI.

I use many of these, and don't mix colors. For example, I have separate brushes for yellows, reds, greens, dark browns, light browns, blues, black and greys.

Also, clean them constantly. I work with water based colors because otherwise you have to consider ventilation, fans, and if you make a mistake you risk hurting yourself. I did that once, worked with some dyes that were based in denatured alcohol, and ended up with a splitting headache, fuzzy headed and messed up for a whole day.