woodburning tools - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

sgimbel · 08-01-2008, 11:48 PM

I want to get some woodburning tools for details etc. I know nothing about them. I don't want something that would need replaced over and over again but don't want to drop a fortune either. Can someone recommend some brands or whatever? Thanks

GrayBeard Phil · 08-02-2008, 10:35 AM

Woodburning is sometimes called 'Pyrography' nowadays by people who have taken the artisan form to new levels.

I would suggest you first buy the Fox Chapel book: Pyrography Workbook

Amazon.com has several beginner books on pyrography. Do a search of Amazon for pyrography. Be sure to read the reviews of any book that catches your eye at Amazon.

Woodcraft has two lines of woodburning tools (Woodworking tools, supplies, plans, projects, accessories, articles and more - Woodcraft.com)

- Inexpensive line that is really useless. Trust me, I know from experience - useless. Cost about what only the tips for the other line costs.

- The other line, which consists of a base which is reasonably priced and LOTS and LOTS of tool tips which will eat up all your spare change over time.

good luck

Phil

weathtd · 08-02-2008, 01:35 PM

I'll second what Phil has said. I started with the cheap irons a few years ago, and they limit the textures you can get because you can't control the temperature of the tips. That is very important for burning on different woods. Just as it is with buying a scrollsaw, invest a little extra and your experience will be better and your skill level will increase faster.

greatdane2 · 08-02-2008, 04:56 PM

Buy a couple of good books,as said above. I don't use mine much, am still learning how to use mine. But after 30 years of using the old typethat was like a soldering iron, the new one is such a treat. I took a sledge hammer to my old one.
The biggest choice seems to be in the holders, some use bits that come with the holder/pen and others have a common holder that you just change the tips.
I don't remember the name of mine ( my sister is borrowing it) but it has seperate tips and holder/tip units. The next decision is the heat range.
I think mine ran about $350 with the tips and tip/holders. So buy a couple of books and they will show you what is available and how to use it.

Alan.

08-01-2008, 11:48 PM	#1
sgimbel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 183	woodburning tools I want to get some woodburning tools for details etc. I know nothing about them. I don't want something that would need replaced over and over again but don't want to drop a fortune either. Can someone recommend some brands or whatever? Thanks __________________ Scott in Round Rock, Texas

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08-02-2008, 10:35 AM	#2
GrayBeard Phil Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Near Detroit, Michigan Posts: 1,156	Woodburning is sometimes called 'Pyrography' nowadays by people who have taken the artisan form to new levels. I would suggest you first buy the Fox Chapel book: Pyrography Workbook Amazon.com has several beginner books on pyrography. Do a search of Amazon for pyrography. Be sure to read the reviews of any book that catches your eye at Amazon. Woodcraft has two lines of woodburning tools (Woodworking tools, supplies, plans, projects, accessories, articles and more - Woodcraft.com) - Inexpensive line that is really useless. Trust me, I know from experience - useless. Cost about what only the tips for the other line costs. - The other line, which consists of a base which is reasonably priced and LOTS and LOTS of tool tips which will eat up all your spare change over time. good luck Phil

08-02-2008, 01:35 PM	#3
weathtd Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 19	I'll second what Phil has said. I started with the cheap irons a few years ago, and they limit the textures you can get because you can't control the temperature of the tips. That is very important for burning on different woods. Just as it is with buying a scrollsaw, invest a little extra and your experience will be better and your skill level will increase faster.

08-02-2008, 04:56 PM	#4
greatdane2 Dumb Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Vancouver Island, BC. Canada Posts: 2,225	Buy a couple of good books,as said above. I don't use mine much, am still learning how to use mine. But after 30 years of using the old typethat was like a soldering iron, the new one is such a treat. I took a sledge hammer to my old one. The biggest choice seems to be in the holders, some use bits that come with the holder/pen and others have a common holder that you just change the tips. I don't remember the name of mine ( my sister is borrowing it) but it has seperate tips and holder/tip units. The next decision is the heat range. I think mine ran about $350 with the tips and tip/holders. So buy a couple of books and they will show you what is available and how to use it. Alan.