Starting out a hobby can be a bit daunting as you’re trying to figure out what to buy and the total amount you’re spending keeps climbing steadily higher. Don’t be overwhelmed; it may seem complicated at first but it just takes a little time and you’ll be away!
Having a clear idea of what you’ll need to start doing pyrography will definitely help, as will understanding what to spend more money on in order to get more use of it.
Where Do I Start?
To get yourself underway you’ll need a tool and some tips, some wood to burn, something to learn from (like a book or DVD) and a few bits and pieces to make the process smoother.
Your First Tools
Every pyrographer has their tools. You don’t need anything flashy or expensive to start you off if you’re not yet willing to sink money into your newfound hobby, but you will need something to get you going.
Try a wire-nib or solid-point burner; both can be easily used by beginners and are great for learning.
Wire-nib burners have interchange nibs and adjustable temperatures, whereas solid-point burners have a set nib and temperature.
Some Wood You Can Burn
What wood you burn may be dependant on what you have at hand or what you can easily obtain, but whatever you choose to burn must be untreated. Some chemicals used to treat wood can be toxic when burnt and you could make yourself sick.
All wood is either hardwood or softwood. Softwood burns faster and doesn’t need as high temperatures to burn as hardwood.
You can buy pyrography blanks online, which are pieces of wood or plywood specifically produced for pyrography. They come in all shapes and sizes so you can get whatever you need for your project.
Something To Learn From
There are a huge amount of resources available to aspiring pyrographers, from books and DVDs to instructional YouTube videos and websites. If you look around in the area where you live, it’s possible you’ll find that someone runs a pyrography workshop or tutorial course.
No matter how you learn best, whether from reading, hearing, or doing, you can get the resources you need to start you off.
Those Few Other Bits And Pieces
Depending on what type of burner you’re using, there are a few extras you’ll need. But regardless of what tool you choose, safety equipment is a necessity.
The smoke from woodburning can be unsafe to inhale even if you’re using untreated wood, so get yourself either a fan to blow it away as you go or a face-mask you can wear to protect yourself.
If you’re using a burner with interchangeable nibs, you’ll want a tip-puller – basically a handy pair of tongs that will help you easily remove the nibs on your pen.
Some stencils for your designs and some cleaning gear, like tip cleaning pads, are also recommended to get you started. They’re inexpensive and will make it easier for you.
Now You Know What You Need…
…it’s an easy step to get yourself going. There are lots of places online that sell all the pyrography tools, and there are also complete pyrography starter kits available that will set you off with a book/DVD set and some tools.
Where you go after that is entirely up to you.
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