(Part 2) 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!

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 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.

I know this is an older post and sorry if this is a dumb question - but when you say pencil crayons do you mean like colored pencils? Like these?

http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Colored-Pencils-Assorted-68-4024/dp/B00004YSXF/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450193898&sr=8-2&keywords=pencil+crayons

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

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

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).

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.

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

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.

Mod Podge Hard Coat!

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.