Wood burning on tree fungus

[pyrography]

My brother is a wood carver and burner and now wants to also work with tree fungus (here is a link to a pic if you want to see what fungus I'm talking about Michigan tree fungus image by GradyJ on Photobucket ) His wife was wondering if there was any danger from the fumes (anything toxic) of the fungus when burning.

[Howard]

Re: Wood burning on tree fungus

I have been burning Hemlock fungus and birch fungus and have noticed that the smoke does affect my sinuses. Probably wearing a mask would be prudent.
Do you have a good supply of funguses?

[TreeWizard]

Re: Wood burning on tree fungus

Ever since I was a kid I've done drawings on shelf fungus like you've described. You don't have to burn it, when you harvest it and it is still soft, draw whateber you want on the white side and as it drys it will turn brown and look like it has been burned.

[Dicky]

Re: Wood burning on tree fungus

I have carved it also. I used very sharp tools and VERY SHALLOW relief, Didn't like the idea of breathing in any fungal particles.