Choosing a wood burner - characteristics and review of popular devices

Wood burning is a very interesting activity that attracts more and more people of different ages to its ranks of fans. Pyrography, as this creative process is called in a modern manner, has been known since the 18th century, and today burning is experiencing a new wave of popularity . Perhaps the popularization of such a fascinating process occurs thanks to the uniquely beautiful works of world-famous masters; moreover, modern burning devices allow you to transfer any creative ideas to a wooden object. As you know, a good tool is half the success, and today we will tell you how to choose a wood burner, taking into account the technical characteristics of the devices and relying on reviews from experienced users.

Characteristics of burners

A burner (pyrograph) is a fairly simple device; using it will not be difficult, but skill and diligence will still be required. Designed for wood burning. Some models also have the function of burning onto fabric, plastic, and cork. The main thing is to choose a high-quality surface and have the entire set of consumables on hand, and of course, follow the safety rules when using the device.

All manual burners operate from the network. There are models with a heating regulator, but even with them you need to be as careful as possible. The cost of the models is completely different; it will depend on the configuration and additional functions. The brand will also affect the cost of the device.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing a device, it is important to know how the types and models differ from each other. There are several criteria for different characteristics. Which one is best to buy will depend on your needs and desires.

Let's look at the characteristics:

1. Along the length of the sting. The longer the tip, the more convenient it is to use, especially when there are small patterns.
2. According to the number of protective plates. It is optimal if there are two protective plates. They better protect the hand from overheating of the handle. But platinum alone will also be able to cope with this task.
3. According to the thickness of the holder. Selected individually. The main task is to make it comfortable to hold the burner in your hand.
4. According to the thickness of the cord. If the cord is too thick, it will add weight to the device. When a child works on it, there will be inconvenience. If an adult uses the device, you can use a thick cable, it will extend the service life.
5. By power and heating temperature. The optimal power is 30 W and a temperature of 480 degrees. If the numbers are lower, things will progress slowly.
6. By the number of nozzles. A large number is necessary for professionals for repeated use; for amateurs, it is not necessary to buy large sets; very often one is enough.
7. According to the material of the nozzles. Nichrome - with temperature control, and brass - most often without temperature control.
8. Type of pen: hard nib and wire nib.

Solid pen

It does not have the ability to adjust the heat of the pen. Its functionality is reminiscent of soldering equipment; it allows you to make straight lines and burn in spots. Heats up slowly and cools down slowly.

Advantages:

• durability;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• not suitable for fine work on complex patterns;
• It takes a long time to heat up and also takes a long time to cool down after use.

Wire feather

It is possible to select the heating temperature. Suitable for professionals, allows you to create real masterpieces. If the wire burns out, it is very easy to replace. You can also use wire of different thicknesses for better results.

Advantages:

• easy pen replacement;
• safety at work;
• allows you to create complex works and patterns.

Flaws:

• high price;
• the pen burns out quickly;
• You can't buy replacement nibs everywhere.

Wood burning: basic techniques, techniques, types

Before you start working, you need to choose wood. For burning, wood of medium or soft varieties such as chestnut or alder is best suited. You can also take birch, maple or linden.

For beginners, it’s better to use plywood - it’s cheap, so you won’t mind spoiling it.

Burning process

First of all, you need to prepare the work surface: sand it with fine sandpaper and make sure it is completely dry. Then, using carbon paper, transfer the selected pattern/design onto the base.

The burner should be held like a pen or pencil while working. If the device is equipped with a t regulator, you need to set the desired one. When the burner pen turns dark red, you can start burning.

Contact pyrography

As soon as a device for hot engraving was invented (pyrograph, in another way), pyrography began to develop as a completely independent technique both in creative arts and in art (in particular, in graphics). It is also becoming one of the most popular types of children's and amateur creativity. And it remains so to this day.

In order to work productively, such a device must be quite powerful (40 W) and smoothly regulate the temperature of the pen (at min it should be slightly on the surface, and at full swing it should become red-hot). Among other things, the handle of the device must have clamping screws that securely hold the nichrome tip (pen).

Tone pyrography

You can also burn wood using a jet of flame. In this case, a special gas cartridge with a gas burner placed on it is used. Real masters burn out all shades of black and brown this way!

Scientists from the Novosibirsk academic campus have also developed a special non-contact burning device - a blow-torch pistol with replaceable nozzles, powered by a compressor. Like a brush, she burns hot air on the wood.

Solar pyrography

Pyrography is also possible using a lens, which is positioned so that the direct rays of the sun are focused on the desired surface. Then the lens is moved so that the “sunbeam” moves, leaving the required lines. The size of the lens itself depends directly on the cloudiness, as well as on the rise of the Sun (its height) above the horizon - a larger lens burns more powerfully. As a rule, craftsmen take a lens with a diameter of 5 cm or more. However, a very large instrument is inconvenient, so they choose the optimal size.

Useful tips and rules:

1. Thin lines are the result of the speed of the pen, thick lines are the result of its slowness.

1. You should not put too much pressure on the pen - it will turn out ugly.
2. When the line is completed, you need to sharply remove the pen from the board.
3. Avoid overheating the pen and burning the wood - burn in different areas, allowing the previous one to cool.
4. Change the pressure and tilt of the pen - the lines will come out different, including in color.
5. After burning, you need to clean the board using fine sandpaper (the finest).
6. The drawing can then be painted with paints (watercolors or oils).
7. At the end, varnish the work.

Tips for Beginners

If you want to get your child interested in the burning process, you need to know the main stages of the work. To get started, you will need the following materials and tools:

• sketch (what you want to burn on plywood);
• planks (you can take any wood: linden, pine, maple, ash, you can use plywood);
• carbon copy;
• burner (for children a stand is required).

Progress

1. The selected board must be cleaned with fine sandpaper, rubbed with a water-chalk solution and allowed to dry.
2. Copy the selected drawing onto the board.
3. Prepare the burner for operation (turn it on and wait for it to heat up).
4. Apply along all the contours of the drawing with equal pressure, so that a dark brown stripe appears.
5. Next, draw all the other details; you can use different attachments and different pressure levels to get a more voluminous and beautiful drawing.
6. The drawing is ready! It can be painted with paints if desired.

The best manufacturers

Among the manufacturers, there are those who produce inexpensive (budget) burners with minimal equipment, but there are also those whose devices will cost several thousand rubles, will have additional functionality, and will have much more equipment. How much a particular model costs may also depend on the store in which it is sold.

• Vyaz is a domestic producer. It produces various models capable of making both complex patterns for professionals and ordinary ones for amateurs.
• MultiArt - Made in China. There is a wooden base, and any design can be applied to it. The materials are safe for children.
• Orbit. It produces burners for children, especially in small sizes. They heat up quickly, are fully equipped and are convenient to work with.
• Pebaro is a German company, most of its products are made for schoolchildren. They have been on the market for a long time and have established themselves as a reliable manufacturer.
• Tenth Kingdom - the company produces creative products, mainly burners, for children from 8 years old. Product of good quality and budget price. The number of items for each set is different. Be sure to look at the package when purchasing.
• STAYER is a large manufacturer of power tools and consumables. German company. Produces branded products of excellent quality. It has an international licensor for all manufactured products. Produces popular models.
• REXANT is a Russian company specializing in the production of electrical equipment, tools, TV and audio equipment. The tools and equipment of this company are made of quality materials.

Preparation of the workplace

A well-lit, thoroughly ventilated place is suitable for work. If possible, this is best done on a balcony or on the street near a private house.

In an enclosed space, it is appropriate to sit near a window into which fresh air will flow.

• The working surface can be a table, but it will need to be protected from possible damage.
• This is easy to do with a piece of rags and a sheet of tin. You can use a regular baking sheet.

It is important to prevent accidental sparks from touching flammable objects: textiles, furniture. If you handle the working device carelessly, damage to property may occur, which is expressed in the form of holes and scorch marks.

Rating of quality burners for children

It’s always nice to receive a gift made with your own hands, so by giving your child such an item you will not only interest him in creativity, but he will also learn tolerance and perseverance. After all, using such a device requires perseverance and accuracy.

It is important to remember that children should not be allowed to use the device independently. Therefore, first of all, you need to think about how to make the work safe.

Burning set “Pattern-10K”

Manufacturer: Tenth Kingdom. Includes 8 boards, stand, one attachment. It has 3 positions: middle (0) - off, position l - low degree of heating, position ll - high degree of heating. Heats up quickly - within 1 minute. Cools down in 5 minutes. Price: from 1,357 rubles. Recommended children's age: 8+.

Burning set “Pattern-10K”

Advantages:

• quality material;
• easy to use;
• 2 heating modes.

Flaws:

• high price;
• no spare feathers.

Burning set HP-0268

Manufacturer: Russian company Red Cat. The set includes replaceable attachments (6 pieces) and a stand. Intended for children over 14 years of age. Average cost: 350 rub.

Burning set HP-0268

Advantages:

• price;
• easy;
• availability of additional attachments.

Flaws:

• long heating;
• not a convenient handle shape.

Burning set “Morning walk”

Manufacturer: Dreamer. Full set, there is a board with a stencil applied and 1 board without a pattern. Average price: 1200 rub.

Burning set “Morning walk”

Advantages:

• set of extended equipment;
• availability of replaceable nozzles;
• easy.

Flaws:

• no heating sensor;
• takes a long time to warm up.

Burning set “Horse and Owl” by MultiArt

The kit includes 6 additional attachments. Made in China. You can order online from the AliExpress online store from China. Recommended for use by children over 6 years of age. Price: from 800 rub.

Burning set “Horse and Owl” by MultiArt

Advantages:

• a budget option;
• additional nozzles.

Flaws:

• takes a long time to warm up;
• burns shallowly (may scratch the board).

Master burning set

Manufacturer: Tenth Kingdom. Designed for children over 6 years old. Average price: 300 rub.

Master burning set

Advantages:

• Ease of use;
• several designs for burning on stencils;
• quality materials.

Flaws:

• no replaceable nozzles;
• not recommended for children under 3 years of age.

BONDIBON with board and Paints BB 1413

The set includes 3 additional nozzles and stencils on burning boards. After burning, the picture can be decorated with the paints included in the kit. Which makes the activity even more interesting. Warranty: 1 year. Price: from 800 rub.

BONDIBON with board and Paints BB 1413

Advantages:

• price;
• equipment.

Flaws:

• takes a long time to heat up;
• The handle is not very comfortable for a child.

The last hero

Manufactured by Tenth Kingdom. The last hero burners allow you to create patterns of any complexity. Heating time is approximately 5 minutes, there are buttons to adjust the temperature. Warranty: 1 year. Price: from 1500 rub.

The last hero

Advantages:

• additional drawing boards;
• quality of material.

Flaws:

• price;
• long heating.

Burning set “Pattern” Transvit

Device for working with wood and fabric. The kit includes an additional needle for guilloche (burning on fabric). Suitable for both professionals and beginning creative people, and children of high school age. The device is made in Russia. Heating time: 3 minutes. The set includes a metal stand. Average price: 1200 rub.

Burning set “Pattern” Transvit

Advantages:

• multifunctionality;
• ease of use;
• The set contains stencils for work.

Flaws:

• a small number of additional attachments;
• The handle and wire periodically heat up.

Transvit burning set Elm

Manufacturer: Elm. Russian production, have established themselves as a reliable and high-quality manufacturer. Can be used in schools and clubs to work under heavy loads. Price: from 1300 rub.

Transvit burning set Elm

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• compact;

Flaws:

• price;
• Few spare nozzles.

A little history

The first objects of art created using the burning technique were made hundreds of years ago, discovered by archaeologists in Peru. It is not surprising, because in this country there are many first-class wood species that are ideal for this craft, which the craftsmen actively used. First, spot treatment with an open flame was used, then hot nails were used, and then metal rods that had undergone mechanical processing and sharpened were used.

The heyday of art was the Middle Ages, when it actively developed in Europe and Russia. A breakthrough in the craft came in the 20th century, when massive burning machines were replaced by a compact pyrographic device, structurally similar to a soldering iron. In 1962, it was modernized by Roy Child, making it more compact and convenient. It is this version that is used by children and adults to this day.

Rating for professionals

For adults using the device at home, it is necessary to choose models with the lowest degree of smoke. The rating includes both new products and time-tested burners.

Burning set 0260 Pebaro

The products are German-made, the company has established itself on the Russian market as reliable. The kit includes 20 replaceable nozzles. Price: from 2000 rub.

Burning set 0260 Pebaro

Advantages:

• 2 year warranty;
• heats up quickly;
• burns through plywood well;
• good quality materials.

Flaws:

• price;
• when heated too much, the pen bends;
• plastic stand.

Burning set 45225 STAYER

STAYER is a German company that has positively proven itself in the market. Heating time: 4 minutes. Price: from 700 rub.

Burning set 45225 STAYER

Advantages:

• price;
• good quality;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• long heating;
• Doesn't always burn through wood well.

Burning machine with temperature control function ZD-8905 REXANT

The device is designed for working on wood, plastic, cork, and leather. Temperature range: 450-750 degrees. Heats up within 25 seconds. Has heating adjustment. Price: from 2,200 rub.

Burning machine with temperature control function ZD-8905 REXANT

Advantages:

• quality materials;
• ease of use;
• multifunctionality.

Flaws:

• price;
• few additional stings;
• buzzes when working.

Burning station 45228 STAYER

Products of German quality and reliability. The company has a positive reputation in the Russian market. 12 month warranty. Burner type: manual. Heating temperature: up to 750 degrees. Average price: 2300 rub.

Burning station 45228 STAYER

Advantages:

• quality materials;
• burns wood well;
• switch on the body.

Flaws:

• price;
• few replaceable attachments;
• At high temperatures the handle gets hot.

Burning machine with Pebaro attachments (0280)

Made in Germany. It is used not only for wood burning, but also for soldering products. Heating temperature: from 50 to 500 degrees. Average price: 9,500 rub.

Burning machine with Pebaro attachments (0280)

Advantages:

• multifunctionality;
• temperature regime;
• quality materials.

Flaws:

• price;
• dimensions.

Items for decoration using pyrography: paintings, boxes, furniture, etc.

Artistic woodworking has always existed. At least since a very, very long time. Including using fire, heating. And now burning on wooden (including) surfaces is a completely independent decoration technique.

By burning you can decorate a wide variety of objects and decorative elements:

Wood burning (and more) is incredibly exciting! And sketches for this activity can always be found online. There are samples there for both experienced pyrographers and beginner pyrographers.

Selection tips (recommendations)

To avoid mistakes when choosing, follow the following recommendations.

What to pay attention to

• high-quality material of the device;
• It’s better to take sets with additional accessories (protective caps, stand);
• if you take it for a child or for a non-professional, then the design of the device should be understandable;
• It is better for children to take sets with diagrams included in the set;
• you can take sets for burning not only wood, but also fabric and plastic (universal models);
• Check the operation of the device before purchasing.

It is impossible to say for sure which company is better to buy a burner; for some, the quality of the material is important, for others - the price or popularity of the models. Therefore, everyone chooses their “best burner” based on their goals and objectives.

What is a burning device?

From the point of view of radio electronics, the circuit of an electrical device for drawing on a wooden surface is quite primitive. The basis is a step-down transformer that generates a voltage of 6–12 V. The burning device also consists of an ergonomic handle with a pin and an electrical cord. Depending on the design, the transformer is located in the handle or a separate block. In the latter case, this is a professional drawing apparatus. For children under 10–12 years old, such a device may be difficult to master.

There are models of wood burners with replaceable nozzles and tips. They differ in operating features and other nuances, which will be discussed below. Depending on the wood, the burning tool will behave differently. For experimental work, experts in the field of pyrography recommend using a piece of ordinary sanded plywood. For a child learning to burn, this is an ideal preparation. If you plan to create patterns or three-dimensional paintings, light boards made of birch and linden are suitable. But it is better not to use pine blanks.