Intro to Wood Burning

 by hidethecake
This doesn't go into to much detail, but it will show you whether or not you will enjoy wood burning or if it isn't for you. Its a cheap way to decorate a room. and it is environmentally friendly because it doesn't require shipping and is made from natural materials such as wood.
you can get a wood burning kit at wal-mart, micheals, target or any store like these. or if your lucky you can pick one up for cheap at a flea market (make sure its in good shape becaus eyou don't want sparks flying everywhere). i got a few peices of wood with my kit but i bought most at Micheals. You can get small plaques at wal-mart and target also. (sunkist is also available at wal-mart.). Don't limit yourself to just plaques and the like. you can burn anything thats wood, such as a porch swing, a bench, a box, a carving, or a frame. Start out simple though, you don't want to stress your self out and then get so down on yourself that you don't want to try it any more. It is tough and takes patience and time so don't rush it but it is worth it when you see it everyday and know that you put your soul into it unlike if you just went to the store and bought a painting.
 
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Step 1: Gathering suplies

for a simple wood burning, you will need a wood burner, a tip (preferably a multi-tip for beginners), a peice of wood that you want to engrave/burn, and a safe surface to set the burner down on while cooling. this is often overlooked andresults in fire damage (don't be an idiot and burn down the neighborhood). For this i used a ceramic coffee cup.
jakesllama says: Jun 19, 2009. 8:37 AM
i wood burn my carvings with a sunny day and a magnifling glass inexpensive and it works
Keira_Yagami says: Feb 11, 2009. 11:11 AM
how much would a good wood burner from Wal-mart cost approx?
PyroMaster007 in reply to Keira_YagamiJun 15, 2009. 11:12 AM
fifteen bucks at the most.
wolf555hound says: Feb 28, 2009. 10:29 PM
I also think I have the same exact one, and I'd like to know...... could it be used as a soldering iron?
wolf555hound in reply to wolf555houndFeb 28, 2009. 10:30 PM
Also, my dad made a wood burned picture, it was a detective hold a dagger behind a cloak. Its amazing.
mg0930mg in reply to wolf555houndApr 12, 2009. 6:40 AM
Do you have a picture? That sounds cool.
wolf555hound in reply to mg0930mgApr 12, 2009. 4:26 PM
yes i do! I took 2 pics as soon as I read this.
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mg0930mg in reply to wolf555houndApr 12, 2009. 5:11 PM
That's really cool. Thanks for taking pictures.
wolf555hound in reply to mg0930mgApr 12, 2009. 7:55 PM
no problem, ive been wanting a few pics on my comp any ways.
wolf555hound in reply to wolf555houndFeb 28, 2009. 11:09 PM
OK, I have found out you CAN use this as a soldering iron. Just hold it there for a bit. W00T this is gunna really help me.
mg0930mg in reply to wolf555houndApr 12, 2009. 6:40 AM
This will destroy your wood burner, though...
wolf555hound in reply to mg0930mgApr 12, 2009. 4:24 PM
lol, dont worry, i got a soldering iron like 1 week after posting that comment.
Tazo says: Jan 28, 2009. 9:09 PM
What's the difference between a wood burner and a soldering iron? they look pretty much alike to me
hidethecake (author) in reply to TazoFeb 4, 2009. 5:56 PM
A soldering iron would work i guess, but with a wood burner you can get specialized tips and it was made to burn wood, and a soldering iron just isn't made for that
steed1172 says: Jan 27, 2009. 6:47 PM
I have the same one too!!!......only.. i broke one of the tips inside :( drilled it out and put another tip in...(its pretty much permanent now)
ClemensY290 says: Oct 18, 2008. 11:57 PM
i have the exact same wood burner, although i only have had it for 2 days
ilovetea says: Jul 12, 2008. 7:29 PM
Why not add: Draw out design in pencil first, then trace with tool Just my two cents.
thewoodcarver says: Jun 7, 2008. 7:57 AM
I remember as a kid we would do family projects and wood burning one was one ......maybe add in where you got your plaques ( Michaels maybe online Walnut Hollow ) and that they can get a starter wood burning tool at most $1 store or flea markets with different tips.......Very Nice Work ....patterns can be found in books they sell or like i do for my carving just see something you like and make it ....I burn a bit for some of my carvings so know this is not easy ...Keep up the good work
i make shooting things says: Jun 7, 2008. 3:36 AM
Really good job on the God Bless America and the fishing one.
John Smith says: Jun 6, 2008. 9:20 PM
nice.
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