Wood Burning Pens
Pyrography, also known as wood burning, is an art form that dates back centuries. Traditionally, artists would use a hot poker to create designs on wood. However, modern pyrographers have access to a wide variety of wood burning tools, which allow for greater precision and control.
Regardless of the price, all wood burning pens share one key feature: a heated tip that can be used to burn designs into wood.
By careful manipulation of the tip, artists can create a wide variety of effects, from simple lines to detailed shading.
In recent years, pyrography has experienced a resurgence in popularity, as more people appreciate the unique beauty of hand-burned wood. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a complete novice, a wood burning pen can help you create stunning works of art.
What is a Wood Burning Pen?
A wood burning pen is a tool that consists of a pen that plugs into a wood burning control unit along with a fixed wire nib. The pen is used to apply heat to the wood, which burns the material and creates a design.
The pens are available in different sizes and shapes, depending on the type of wood burning project you are working on. The control unit regulates the temperature of the pen, so you can adjust it depending on the type of wood you are using and the intensity of the heat you need.
The wire nib is made of a material that conducts heat well, so it helps to evenly distribute the heat across the surface of the wood. This helps to prevent damaging the wood or burning yourself.
While the pen and its plug are pretty uniform, the wire nib or wood burning tip can come in tons of different sizes, and forms.
What Makes up a Wood Burning Tool?
A wood burning tool typically consists of four main components: the control unit, a variable temperature setting, a cord connecting the unit to the pen, and one or more separate pens.
The control unit is used to adjust the temperature of the pen, as well as turn the power on and off.
The variable temperature setting allows the user to choose how hot the tip of the pen will get, depending on the material being burned.
The cord connecting the unit to the pen ensures that the pen can be moved freely while still being connected to the power source.
The different pens allow for different thicknesses and types of lines to be burned into the wood. By varying the pressure and speed at which the pen is moved, different effects can be achieved.
With these four main components, a wood burning tool can be used to create a variety of designs on wood surfaces.
What Wood Burning Tools are the Best for Your Project
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right wood burning tool. The type of materials you'll be burning, the size and shape of the area you'll be working on, and the level of detail you want to achieve will all play a role in choosing the right tool.
Kits are an easy way to get started and usually include everything you need to get started, including a carrying case, multiple tips, and accessories to create the perfect tool.
If you're looking for more flexibility, try a kit that offers functions for two separate pens. And for more precise work, look for a tool that offers an advanced temp control function. By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to find the perfect wood burning tool for your project.
When it comes to pyrography tools, a wood burning pen or two pens are an excellent choice. A good machine matters and is worth the extra cost. The more options you have, the more you can do. In some instances, you just don't need to.
For beginners, money is usually a deciding factor when purchasing burners. Getting the tool that is the hottest is not the best answer. A tool that is relevant to your needs makes more sense.
If you plan on doing fish scales and reptile scales, you'll need a more powerful burner to heat the larger surface area on the wire nib. If you're burning leather you may choose a burner that has lower end settings.
Burning a little on the cool side is always better than scorching a piece. A mid range burner is always a great option.
Which Wood Burning Tools Work with One Another?
This is a great question. Companies like Colwood and Razertip have unique cords that fit their pens perfectly. To use another companies pens, you will need an adapter that plugs into the cord to use that pen.
They are fairly small and will open up your world to hundreds more tools and help you in your search for the perfect tool.
Wood burning can be fun for all skill levels and ages. The quality of your craft art will increase with time.
How do I get a design on Wood to Burn?
First, you'll need to sand the wood with a flat block. This will take out ridges and give you a good surface to work on.
You can draw a design on the wood and burn it. If drawing is your specialty, other ideas are using stencils, or carbon paper.
With carbon paper sheets, you can transfer an intricate design to the wood and start burning. Simply use a gum eraser for areas that you might have messed up.
Why Can't I use a Soldering Iron?
Soldering irons will burn wood. The limits of a soldering iron come in when you are looking at the tips and heat control.
It's just like other things, the right tools for the job always works better.
What Tips are Available?
You are not limited to just two tips on your pens. The tips vary greatly and there are hundreds to choose from. A normal kit includes several tips.
Each company produces several tips so it is easy to find what you are looking for. Choose from shading tools, writing, balls, fish scales, reptile scales, chisels, points, circles, micros, feather formers, and skews to just name a few.
