Pyrography: Tools of the trade

[Warlock]

So I've recently re-kindled my love of pyrography after seeing some gourds pyrographed by Firecrest, and I was wondering if anyone else out there practiced it and could give me some advice?

What sort of tool should I get? The only affordable ones I can see online for purchase are the ones with the pen directly wired to the plug, with the dial on the pen.

Now I really don't know what I should be doing...which one do I buy?

 

[eel28]

Funny you should start this thread, as i spotted this in Lidl on Thursday, and thought it could be worth a go. Must state that I have never tried anything like this before, but seeing the tool in Lidl for not very much has got my interest up.

 

[Womble_Lancs]

This link might work better.

I must say though, that I had one of those and found that it wasn't really very good because it didn't get hot enough for some woods, and also it was more difficult to control because you have to hold it quite far away from the tip.

I have one of these and find it's excellent. You can adjust the temperature up to 1100 degrees and it's very easy to hold. I think Firecrest said that she has the same one too.

 

[jungle_re]

I use a Draven machine which is excellent - id recommend a visit to the festival of the tree where you can chat to many pyrographers and have a close look at what they use and how (its a top day out also and not far away)

 

[Warlock]

That sounds like a great day out to be honest! I think the Peter Childs
is too expensive for me now. But the Lidl one doesn't seem great either.

Do I need some with a temperature dial on the transformer? I've seen some on ebay which are somewhere in between, with a dial on the pen but no transformer?

 

[SiWhite]

A good chum of mine recently released a book on the subject.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Woodburning-Style-Simon-Easton/dp/156523443X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281358849&sr=8-1

I keep meaning to tap him up for a signed copy!

 

[CMC70]

I've been using one of the cheap pyro pens for decorating my hiking sticks. I'm also looking to upgrade to something better.

 

[Warlock]

I've been using one of the cheap pyro pens for decorating my hiking sticks. I'm also looking to upgrade to something better.

Which cheap pen is it and how does it fair? I'm just a beginner so I'm not too fussed how it looks for now.

 

[aswbcuk]

I have been using one of the Peter Child units off and on for a few years and find them excellent. They are very versatile given you can create your own tips. However they are a bit on the pricey side. Great service from them.

I found these on the net; http://dalescraft.com/shop/product/pyromaster2kit/ or http://www.homecrafts.co.uk/products-Pyromaster_D253.htm

There are a few pyromasters on ebay at the moment.

 

[Warlock]

How do the pyromaasters perform? If anyone is curious, this is what I've made before