Woodburner question

1291 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by woody123444, Sep 25, 2020

JOAT

Discussion Starter · Jun 29, 2020

I have a few projects that I want to Woodburn. I already have a tool that I bought long ago as a woodburner. Even from the start it took a long time to burn a line, even with plenty of heating time. I think it started life as a soldering iron, and was labeled a burning tool to make more sales.

I've been looking at woodburning tools, pricing them, and looking for how hot they get. Ran across a few that were pretty low in heat, but you could use them as a soldering iron also. Passed on those. I have found others from 800+ degrees of heat, that seem to be about the minimum for a decent burner. However, I found one that was a little over 1,000 degrees, and found a video of one being used. I think that is what I want, in the video the guy was burning lines about as fast as if he was using a magic marker, and that is what I want.

But decided I'd get some input from someone with more experience before I took the plunge. I have some experience with a burner. Got a lot of experience with freehand sketching. Price is no object here, the one I like costs $20+, has several tips. Anyone think there would be something better to get? If it comes down to it, I could use the one I have not, but want something faster, and will burn finer lines. I am not willing to spend over $30.
Thanks.

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Herb Stoops

· #2 · Jun 30, 2020

Since price is no object, I bought this one from Lee Valley with 1 extra handpiece and some extra tips, it was on sale a few years ago for under $100. for the basic unit. I was going to buy the HF one until I ffound this one in their Christmas Catalog.
I don't know why I bought it, I have only used it a few times but it is bettter than the old soldering iron one I used to use.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/power-tools/31042-the-razertip-wood-burning-systems

Herb

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JOAT

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 30, 2020

Herb Stoops said:
Since price is no object,

When I said price is no object, I meant as long as it was under $30. Thinking I'll go for the $20 one. The more expensive ones all seem to have less heat, and a couple dozen tips, and from looking at them I'm thinking I'd never use more than 3 types, which the $20 model has, plus 1 more I don't think I'd ever find a use for. Thanks anyway.

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Herb Stoops

· #4 · Jun 30, 2020 (Edited)

JOAT said:
When I said price is no object, I meant as long as it was under $30. Thinking I'll go for the $20 one. The more expensive ones all seem to have less heat, and a couple dozen tips, and from looking at them I'm thinking I'd never use more than 3 types, which the $20 model has, plus 1 more I don't think I'd ever find a use for. Thanks anyway.

As far as tips go, I think more is better, once you get into it you can always add tips. I got mine to practice texturing, and found that the different tips can acheive a better random patterns. Good for feathers and leafs etc. What brand is the $20. one? I prefer the pencil type above the soldering iron type.
https://www.harborfreight.com/30-Watt-5-In-1-Hobby-Woodburner-63850.html

https://www.amazon.com/Professional...-Embossing/dp/B07LGMT76W?tag=product-visit-20
Herb

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JOAT

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 30, 2020 (Edited)

Herb Stoops said:
As far as tips go, I think more is better, once you get into it you can always add tips. I got mine to practice texturing, and found that the different tips can acheive a better random patterns. Good for feathers and leafs etc. What brand is the $20. one?

Not for me. For what I would use one for I could get by with just a pointed tip. But likely would also do some lettering, so a rounded tip would be nice. I've been routering since 1981/2, and today I have 3 styles of bits, and use my 1/2" bit 99.9% of the time. For what I do, that is all I need. Be the same with burner bits, I just don't need a variety. I quit detailed painting and such years ago, just not fun, now I rough sketch whatever I am interested in, then make a finished copy. I will admit, some are pretty detailed, but most not. Loads more fun for me.

Don't recall what brand that $20 model is, but it's on Amazon.

Happy Buzzard cane; 1/2" bit used, features hand drawn, with marker.

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marecat3

· #6 · Jun 30, 2020

What type of wood are you using? I wood burn Bass wood so it is never a problem. I have a older one and a couple newer ones but like the older one because it has a handle that works better in my hand. I did not spend much on any of them but am looking at one that will cost about 50.00

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JOAT

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 30, 2020

marecat3 said:
What type of wood are you using? I wood burn Bass wood so it is never a problem. I have a older one and a couple newer ones but like the older one because it has a handle that works better in my hand. I did not spend much on any of them but am looking at one that will cost about 50.00

l
Actually have some very nice, not every day wood, set by for special projects. But my every day wood is plywood, and that is what a burner would be used on; normally. I did my corporate iggle somewhere over 20 years ago, and don't recall what type of wood it is, hung it over the shop door, and that's pretty much it. Lasted nicely. Oh, all the lines are burned in.