woodburning tools and techniques

I want to get started doing some woodburning, but when I look at all the brands available,razor tip, nibsburner, colwood, leisuretime etc etc...don't know...want a good quality and a fair price....also would like info on what tips one should start with. *I heard most burners only have about 4 favorite tips..since they sell hundreds that is encouraging. *My *trys have been in all directions, carved some fish, bird, chip carving, I like to try everything....but I've always needed help from the pros to get started....any out there with good advice??? : *

[Bette]

I am not a 'true' wood burner, and don't use my burner as much as someone burning pictures and such. * *But I did take a mini class before I bought mine. *Had to borrow one for the class, and it was different than the instructors. *I ended up using the intsructors as well. *As you can imagine I went home and ordered one.....just like the instructors.
You can email CDDOW@aol.com and ask her some questions. *I am sure she will steer you in the right direction. *I have had mine for 7 or 8 years and really like it. *It is ready to go whenever I need to use it.
Bette
http://home.centurytel.net/BetteFranke

: thanks Bette for your response, but you forgot to tell me the names of the woodburners you talked about....thanks again

[Bette]

Sorry about not naming names. *
The woodburner that I bought is the Optima 1 by SMC. *I forget the name of the one I borrowed. *I know it didn't get as hot on the tip as the Optima, and the part that I held in my hand got too warm. *When I bought it they didn't make the HD (heavy duty) hand pieces, but I have been replacing with those as they tend to be cooler in the hand.
I am sure others have their favorites too.
Bette

Thnx Bette, do you prefer fixed tips over the inter-changeable? and what and how many tips can one start with? I don't really want to have to go buy a dozen as most of the time just a few will do anything one wants, problem with not being experienced, which few....tnx again for your help

[Bette]

https://secure1.prohosting.com/~a0002860/op1.htm

This is where I purchaed my burner. *Pat has been very helpful to me.
https://secure1.prohosting.com/~a0002860/op1pens.htm

This is a good listing of tips, and I see they have some new ones! *Also I see info on replaceable tips as well.

In my search, I also found these additional sites with the optima on them.
http://turtlefeathers.com/

http://nt.bnt.com/mhconline/shopfram...4047%26backCat

Hope this helps.
Bette

[Captain_Bandaid]

there was a lot of discussion on this topic a few months ago, it might still be available if you search backwards through the topics. Generally, fixed tips run cooler since the electrical connection is soldered rather than just pushed into a socket.