Woodburning Basics

Tips from Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts

When you are burning the project, do not hurry; take your time. Especially if you are a beginner at using the burning tool, remember that the iron is very hot, and fingers burn better and quicker than wood. It sounds so simple, but we all need a little reminding.

Pull the burner rather than push, as if drawing a line from top to bottom.

Practice on a scrap piece of the same wood used for the project to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the wood and the process, noting grain, how slow or fast to go, and how hard to press to get different shades. The slower the speed and the greater the pressure, the darker the wood burns.

Vary the angle of the tip, using the side of the wedge tip for shading, the tip for detail and the sharp edge for fine lines. Do not force the burner; let it do the work. Remember, relax and take your time.

If you are a beginner, practice on scrap before you burn your project. Wood is a little forgiving, but having a burned line where it isn't supposed to be can be hard to cover up or sand away.