Best Woods for Pyrography

[bobbar]

Hi all,

I am a big newbie. Have bought a basic wood lcd pen to try out with normal brass tips and solder iron ones. Does it matter what type of wood I will use it? are there different tips for different types of wood or those are general?

Thank you in advance.

[woodburner807]

Yes, wood makes a big difference and one of the best out there is Italian Poplar. Basswood is fine also. Pine can be tricky because of the wood burner cutting across the grain rings. Regular lumber store Poplar is very nice and many burn on Birch plywood. Obviously no dark woods. Try the ones you have and see what you like.

Congratulations on the new burner and post some of your "practice" pieces.

[bobbar]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Regarding dark woods, you mean because you can't use the pen on them? I'm using plywood. Better to ask, is there a chance that the tips won't burn through a type of wood? or it's less likely, having the fact that the pen gets to 450C or 842F.

I will post something but very frivolous crafts, as I'm quite unskilled with drawings/pyrography.

Much appreciated for the reach out and patience with me

[jjmg]

If you want to try something different heavy water color paper burns nicely and is a good alternative to wood and cheaper to practice with. Lora Irish has information about it on her web page.

[woodburner807]

I primarily stay away from dark wood because it doesn't show up the wood-burning. However, I have done some based on a customer's insistence.

You can burn on vegetable-tanned leather, nuts, gords as well as paper...however I'd start with wood. A lot easier for someone starting out to develop the skills, Bobbar. Start with the basics...jmo.

[bobbar]

Hi woodburner807, thanks again for your reply.

Now it makes sense with the dark wood, didn't think of that.

Okay, so basically any type of wood, in the beginning, should do the job. I was afraid that there might be hardwoods, which won't get burnt or work with the burning pen.

Will try and post during weekend or next week, a very basic thing which I'm trying on plywood.

Much appreciated

[woodburner807]

Actually maple is a very nice hardwood to burn. Just needs a higher temperature. Softer wood requires less heat. Give it a try and you will discover the properties, bobar. Pine can be a "killer" to work with, although for some it is their wood of choice. Birch plywood is also nice but be careful because the laminations are glued. Probably toxic.

[woodburner807]

Never heard of "brasswood" and I've done decades of pyrography. Did you mean basswood? Italian poplar is considered a preferred wood for pyrography and basswood not so much. FYI

[DiLeon]

Woods for wood burning. Each one has its own pros and cons. A professional wood burner's top choice is Maple, and it is said you need to know your art to use this wood. Poplar is another well-used wood as woodburner said, Jetulong, Beech, Willow, Aspen, and Cherry. And one you hear a lot of is Walnut. Yes I pyro dark wood for additional shading, yes you can burn dark wood but you will have to understand the whole ball game for the reason why to do it. For beginners Basswood and softer woods,

By the way
Brasswood is an expensive winery/bar. Great wines, lunch is about one hundred and seventy dollars per person....so sort need be rich. Daydreamers wine for sitting in a vinery and pretending you are in Tuscany.

[Glenn Jennings]

i find that Basswood works nicely. Look forward to seeing some of your work.

[Jasperdamzzy]

Hi all,

I am a big newbie. Have bought a basic wood lcd pen to try out with normal brass tips and solder iron ones. Does it matter what type of wood I will use it? are there different tips for different types of wood or those are general?

Thank you in advance.

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[woodburner807]

Spam/business ad.

[Claude]

Got it - thanks, Bill!