Q&A for How to Woodburn

It probably will just burn the paint and char the wood in un-uniform fashion. Try it, if you want, but it may not turn out well.

It really depends on the on what your drawing. If you're shading, use the rounded tip. If you're outlining, use the fine one.

Yes, you can. However, the finish can gum up your burner and the fumes from the finish can be toxic. It is best if you remove as much of the finish as possible before burning. Also keep in mind that burning on plywood or any type of man made product can also produce toxins from the glues as you burn. You can draw the fumes away from your face with the personal fan.

Linseed oil makes for a nice finish coat. It is clear and will bring out the effects of the burned image.

Try using sandpaper to get rid of the extra lines. Sandpaper works for "erasing" wood burning lines, so it will most likely work with the transfer tip lines too.

This may work on bamboo, but the ridges in the wood may make it a little difficult to draw.

Try printing it out first with a laser ink printer, then use the transfer (flat tool) with the picture face down on wood to transfer the picture to the wood.

It is called "pyrogravure" - literally "graving with fire," but it is also known as the "burning wood" technique.

Just hold it as you would a pencil. Make sure not to touch any metal parts while they're hot. I found that my wood burning tool was hotter the nearer you got to the metal, towards the tip, so I started to use one with a rubber grip to reduce discomfort.

This is the order of wood-burning operations that work: Sand wood, wipe with damp cloth and allow to dry. Wood-burn. Gently blow off any excess ash. Dry-wipe the entire surface/make sure there is no debris or hair. Stain. Wait 12-24 hours. Add the poly.

I'd suggest looking up a checker board online, adjusting the board to the size you need in Microsoft Paint, and then printing it to a sheet of paper. From there, you can transfer the pattern to the disc of wood in whichever method you desire to use. All you need to do next is burn the checkerboard! Be careful not to press down too hard on the wood, and be sure to take your time, as burning on a disc will be slightly more difficult due to the circular grain. Remember, smooth lines, and when in doubt, lighter is better. You can always make it darker, but you can't always make it lighter.