Artist’s Pyrography Machine

manual

1
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The points get very hot and can start a fire if mis-used. Do not use the
pyrography machine near highly inflammable materials or liquids and
polishes which produce inflammable vapours. NEVER let the hot point touch
the mains cable as it could quickly burn through the insulation. Keep all
cables clear of the work area. Do not lay the pen down - get into the habit of
storing it in the clip on the power unit. Keep the hot point clear of your skin
and clothing.

Take adequate precautions to avoid breathing fumes and smoke. A small desk
fan is the minimum requirement. Ensure adequate room ventilation. If you
suffer from any respiratory complaint take specialist advice. Fans with carbon
filters are available. Do not breath in fumes from burning plastic or synthetic
materials. Avoid using wood which has been coated with a synthetic polish or
varnish. Burning some fabrics, leather or cork may produce harmful fumes so
take suitable precautions.

Always ensure children and people with learning difficulties are correctly
supervised when the machine is in operation. Machine cables must be kept
clear of the working area at all times and the ventilation slots free from
obstruction.

Do not leave the machine switched on unattended. Protect the unit from damp
and rain. Do not use if wet.

Do not let the pencil terminals touch together, short out against a metal
object, or touch the case of the control unit. The control unit will be damaged
if subjected to prolonged short circuits.

Do not open the case of the control unit without first disconnecting the
machine from the Mains. Live terminals are exposed inside. Do not attempt
to service the control unit without specialist knowledge.

Do not use the control unit to power any other appliance. The pen will not
work from 12 volts or from any other transformer. Do not use the pyrography
machine for any other purpose than pyrography.

Cover illustration objects kindly provided by Bob Neill.

GETTING STARTED
Please read the safety precautions before
first use. Before switching on, make sure
the point is not touching anything and
turn the heat control knob to minimum.
Switch on then slowly advance the heat
control clockwise until the point glows a
dull red. Too high a setting can quickly
burn out a fine point.
Practice strokes on a scrap piece of
smooth white hardwood. The technique
for producing evenly burnt lines is
quickly acquired. The secret is light
and even pressure combined with even
speed of stroke. Notice that any slight
hesitation during the stroke will result in
a “blob” because the depth of burning, or
the width of a line, depends on contact
time rather than pressure.
If you want a thick line, move the point
slowly to give the point time to burn the
wood. If you want a fine line move the
point quickly using very little pressure,
starting and finishing the stroke in the
air to avoid a blob at the beginning or
end of a stroke. Never press hard as this
will bend the point (you can bend it back
using pliers).
See how many different effects and
textures you can obtain by various
different ways of applying the point to
the material. The beauty of pyrography is
in the rich palette of different shades of
brown obtainable, which give a subtlety
to the image not available in other
mediums such as pen and ink which are
limited to one tone.
3
Points
The standard fine loop is best for general
work but the spoon shape point is good
for shading and the edge of the spoon is
very useful for special textured effects or
fine lines.
Setting the heat
The heat control is normally left at one
setting and the depth of burning varied
by using different speeds of stroke.
The best heat control setting will be
determined after a little practice and
depends on the individual’s technique.
Most users keep the point at a dull red
heat. Too much heat makes the point
bend easily and can give fuzzy outlines.
Some users blow on the point to cause
a temporary reduction in temperature
rather than fiddle with the knob.
The setting is the number at the top of
the dial. The numbers on the dial are
only intended as a rough guide to help
you remember your favourite settings.
They are not calibrated in any way and
can vary from machine to machine.
Older models may give a different tip
temperature for a given setting on the
dial. Thicker points need a higher setting
to get a given temperature. The general
rule is you should be able to see the point
glowing red but if it is a bright orange or
yellow, turn it down.
SOURCES OF PATTERNS AND
DESIGNS
It is not necessary to be a talented artist
to do pyrography. Even if you are not
adept at freehand drawing you can copy
designs and line drawings from books
etc. You can trace designs and transfer Veneer
them to the wood using carbon paper
An excellent surface is sycamore veneer
or preferably graphite paper. You can
stuck onto a rigid backing such as MDF.
zoom designs up and down in size using
You can use iron-on glue film or contact
a photocopier. If you place a photocopy
adhesive to mount the veneer. You can
orcarbon
laser printed sheet face down on the
paper or preferably graphite buy veneer
veneer stuckand glue
onto film backing
a rigid from specialist
such
wood youYou
cancan
transfer
zoomthe designupbyand
paper. designs veneer suppliers.
as MDF. You can use iron-on glue film
“ironing”
down inusing a domestic
size using iron. ThisIf
a photocopier. or contact adhesive to mount the
works because
you place the ink (orortoner)
a photocopy laser melts Bought You
veneer. objects
can buy veneer and glue
with heat.sheet
printed Transfer
facethe minimum
down needed
on the wood film from specialist veneer suppliers.
to give you a guide to the pattern. You
you can transfer the design by You can decorate finished items such
cannot get rid
"ironing" of excess
using toner.iron. This
a domestic as cheeseobjects
Bought boards and wooden spoons
works because the ink (or toner) bought from kitchen
You can decorate shops items
finished or fromsuch
MATERIALS
melts with heat. FOR PYROGRAPHY
Transfer the specialist pyrography
as cheese boards suppliers.
and wooden Usually
spoons
minimum needed to give you a guide you willfrom
bought needkitchen
to smooth theorsurface
shops from with
The machine
to the pattern.canYoube used
cannot on get
wood, rid of fine sandpaper
specialist before you
pyrography use it.
suppliers.
leather,
excesscork
toner.and certain plastics and Usually you will need to smooth the
fabrics. It can beFOR
MATERIALS usedPYROGRAPHY
for shaping, Leather
surface with fine sandpaper before you
welding or cutting
The machine canthermoplastics
be used on wood, and use it.
tooling wax models provided thereand
leather, cork and certain plastics is Leather
Leathercan be easily worked and gives
adequate fume extraction.
fabrics. It can be used for shaping, a good contrast. Use light coloured
Leather can be easily worked and
welding or cutting thermoplastics vegetable-tanned tooling
gives a good contrast. Useleather
light if you
Wood
and tooling wax models provided can obtainvegetable-tanned
coloured it. Do not breathtooling
the fumes.
there is adequate fume extraction. leather if you can obtain it. Do not
The best wood to use is a hard white
Wood Cork
breath the fumes.
woodThesuch
best as sycamore,
wood to use ismaple,
a hardholly,
white
hornbeam
wood such or boxwood.
as sycamore, Themaple,
harder the Cork
Corkmats or sheets of self adhesive

surface
holly, is, the betterorthe
hornbeam result. Dark
boxwood. The cork
Corkapplied
mats ortosheets
a firmofsubstrate offer an
self adhesive
cork applied to a firm substrate offer
woods
harder canthebesurface
used butis, they will not
the better the alternative surface and can give very
an alternative surface and can give
give suchDark
result. goodwoods
contrast.
canGood
be used results
but striking results.
very striking results.
arethey
difficult to achieve
will not give such ongood
softwood
contrast.
(pine)
Goodbecause
results it is difficult
are so soft and the resin
to achieve CHANGING THE POINTS
CHANGING THE POINTS
on softwood (pine) because
gums up the point. Wood which darkens it is so
soft and the resin gums up the point.
with age such as fruitwood (eg apple,
Wood which darkens with age such
cherrywood) will gradually lose contrast.
as fruitwood (eg apple, cherrywood)
will gradually lose contrast.
Plywood
Plywood
A good,
A good, economical
economical material
material to topractice
onpractice
is birchon plywood
is birchobtainable
plywood from DIY
To
Tochange
changeaawire
wirepoint
pointproceed
proceedas as
stores. Choose
obtainable a hard,
from DIY white
stores.sheet.
Choose Birch
a
follows
follows :
:
is hard,
ratherwhite
soft however, andisitrather
sheet. Birch is difficult
soft
however, and it is difficult to achieve Switch off and allow to cool for a short
to achieve fine detail. Switch off and allow to cool for a short
fine detail. while. Loosen the terminal screws
taking care not to bend the terminal
Veneer 4
An excellent surface is sycamore support struts. Remove the old point
 The wire must
be clamped "toast" the wood to give a soft edg
while. Loosen the terminal between screws thetaking
burn mark.
burning of large projects such as house
carereplace
and not to bend the new
with the terminal
pointsupport
terminal or
strut nameplate
The
The special
coil develops lettering.a lot Used
points
of heat just
forabove the
described in th
struts. Remove the old
alternatively replace with athe
and point and
short nut,replace surface
heavy it canofbelarge
following
burning used
pages to “toast”
projects have such the
toaswood
be made
with the
loop of wire.new point or alternatively to give
house you. a soft edged burn
nameplate lettering. Used just mark.
not under the
replace with a short
crew head. Tighten the The wire
terminal must Thethe
above special
surface
MAKING points
it candescribed
be usedin
YOUR
to the
OWN POINTS
loop of wire. "toast" the wood to give a soft edged
be clamped following pages have to be made by you.
crews taking great care not to
between bend burn mark.
You can purchase the special wir
The wire the
must be
he terminal support struts. clampedSqueeze
terminal strut
between
The special
alloypoints
MAKING YOUR
of described
nickel OWN and in the
POINTS
chromium call
and the nut, following pages have to be made by
he point into shape with the terminal
pliers strut
if YouNichrome)
can purchase the in special
various wirethicknesses
(an
not under the you.
eeded. and the
You nut,
can not
buy under the
athespare screw head.
pencil alloy of nickel and chromium calledUse only
screw head. Tighten terminal MAKING make YOUR your OWN own points.
POINTS
Tighten
o holdscrews the
a different terminal
taking great point screws
care and taking
bendgreat
not toplug it Nichrome) in various thicknesses
You can
Nichrome wire or you(an
purchase the special wire will damag
care not to bend the terminal
the terminal support struts. Squeeze support andofmake
alloy nickelyour andown points. called
chromium Use only
nto the transformer
struts. Squeeze thewhen
point needed
into shape with machine. You will need wire cutte
the point into shape with pliers if Nichrome
Nichrome) inwire
various or you will damage
thicknesses and the
pliers ifhaving
atherneeded.
than needed.
You You
can buy acan buypencil
to continually
spare a spare fineown
machine.
make your pointed-nose
Youpoints.
will need Usewire onlypliers
cutters,and possi
hangetopencil
hold to
points hold
on athe
a different different
pencil.
point point
and plugand it plug finesmall
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wire or
hammer you pliers and
will and possibly
damage anvil. the aThe anv
it into
into thethe transformer
transformer when
when needed
needed
smallbehammer and anvil.using The anvil an can
machine. You will need wire cutters,
ratherthan
rather than having
having to to continually
continually change finebepointed-noseimprovised axe head
improvised using pliersan and axe head oralarge
possibly
OINTS changeAVAILABLE
points on the pencil.
points on the pencil. large hammer
small hammer
hammer head and anvil. The
fixed in a vice.
head anvil fixed
A set can in a vice
of
be improvised
setfiles using
of needle an axe
files head or
is useful
Currently only standard loops , needle is useful for shaping points.for sha
POINTSAVAILABLE
POINTS AVAILABLE large hammer head fixed in a vice. A
Thepoints.
wire is available
The wire in small reels and in sm
is available
poon Currently
points and only coils
standard areloops
available
, set of needle files is useful for shaping
Currently only standard eachreels
reel wire
can make 200reel points or more.
rom us butpoints
spoon and coils areloops, spoon
available points. The and each
is available can
in small make 200 p
points and coils are available. 26 S.W.G.
reels and (Standard Wire Gauge) is the
from us but or each
more. reel26 canS.W.G.
make 200(Standard
points Wir
finest and 23 S.W.G.
or more. 26 S.W.G. (Standard Wire is the thickest wire
which
Gauge)
Gauge)
iswethenormally
is the 23
finest andsupply.
finest
S.W.G.
and
Note isthat
23 S.W.G
thethe smaller
the
thickest thewhich
thickest
wire S.W.G. wenumber
wire which
normally is - the
we norma
thicker
supply. is the wire.
Note
supply. that the smaller the
Note that the smaller the
S.W.G. number is - the thicker is the
S.W.G. number is - the thicker is t
MAKING LOOP POINTS
wire.
MAKING wire. LOOP POINTS
PP10 PP11 PP30 PP50 To make a standard point, cut off 30mm
To make a standard point (PP10), cut
Fine Medium Spoon coil (1¼”) of 26 S.W.G.LOOP
MAKING wire andPOINTSbend it in
PP10 PP11 PP30 PP50 off 30mm (1¼") of 26 S.W.G. wire and
theitfingers
bend To
in themake into
fingers a aUinto
shape.a U Fix
standard shape.itpoint
into the(PP10)
Fine see Medium
the latest priceSpoon
list availablecoilon
request.
terminals
off the
Fix it into 30mmso it can
terminals be
(1¼") securely
so itof can26 held
be S.W.G. by wire
Most work can be done using the the
securelyscrew
held clamps
by the and
screw tighten
clamps carefully
and
Most
ee thestandard work
latest price can be
loop orlist
done using
available
the spoon
the
point. on
bend
so ascarefully
it in the
not to strain
fingerssupports.into a U shap
standard loop or the spoon point. tighten so asthe notterminal
to strain the
equest. Normallystandard
standard loops
loops are
are used
used forfor Then
terminalFix it into
squeeze
supports. the
theThen terminals
end squeeze
of the loop thewith so it can b
Normally
detail
Most detail
workwork work
canandand
bethethe
donespoon
spoon point
using
point is is
theused endpliers soloop
ofsecurely
the that with
theheld
wire
pliers touches
bysothe thattogether
screw
the atclamps
for shading.
used The edge
for shading. of the
The edge ofspoon
the point wire thetouches
end for about
together 3mm at the(1/8”).
tighten carefully so as not to strain end This
for will
tandard can loop
spoon usedor
bepoint forthe
can be
spoon
fineused
lines, point.
forfur,
finefeathers, concentrate
about 3mm (1/8"). the heat
Thisat willthe end.
Normally grassstandard
etc.feathers,loops are used for terminal
concentrate the heat supports.
at the end. Then squeeze t
lines, fur, grass etc.
Standard
end loopthe
of pointsloop canwith be made from so that
pliers
etail work
The coiland the spoon
develops point
a lot of heat is
for heavy 26, 25 or 24 SWG. Thicker wire is not
sed for shading. The edge of the 5 wire touches together at the end f
poon point can be used for fine 5 about 3mm (1/8"). This will
nes, fur, feathers, grass etc. concentrate the heat at the end.
 tandard loop points can be made It is difficult to burn straight
om 26, 25 or 24 SWG. Thicker wire lines evenly because the point
recommended
not recommended
Standard loop and may
andpoints overload the
maycan be made tends hammered digflat
It istodifficult intoattothe
the soft
burn parts
straight
verload machine.
thefrommachine. of tip
the and
lines filed
grain.
evenly
26, 25 or 24 SWG. Thicker wire It is difficult to burn straight to
If aaknife
point
because made
the point
Standard loop points can be made
is not recommended and may edge
from tends profile,
thickerto diglines into the
wire such softasparts
23
OINTS FOR SOFTWOOD lines evenly because the point
POINTS
from 26, 25 FOR
or 24SOFTWOOD
SWG. Thicker wire canofbe thedrawn
grain.much If a point made
overload
is not recommended
the machine.
and may of S.W.G., is hammered flat at
tends to dig into the soft parts
The resinous
ThePOINTS
and uneven
resinous and uneven
FOR grain
SOFTWOOD grain of of
more
the
from evenly.
thicker This
wire such as 23
grain. If a point made
oftwood
overload
(pine)
the machine.
is difficult to burn the tip
point
S.W.G.,is alsois useful
hammered flat at
softwood
POINTS The FOR (pine)
resinous isand
difficult
SOFTWOOD uneven to burn
grain of from thicker wire such as 23
venly because the (pine)
normal point forthe tip
feathering bird
evenly
The because
softwood
resinous andtheuneven
normal point
is difficult
grain
totends
of
burn S.W.G., is hammered flat at
carvings, shading and
burnwith a the tip
evenly
to dig into(pine)
nds tosoftwood
dig into because
the soft
the soft the normal
parts. Atopoint
parts. A point
is difficult
oint with
evenly
tends
largea area
large to
because
dig
of area into
contact
the of
the
will soft parts.
minimize
contact
normal
A
pointwillthis
can produce interesting
point with a large area of contact will
difficulty. Ainto
spoonthepoint can giveA good textures.
inimize
tendsthis difficulty.
to dig A spoon
soft parts.
minimize this difficulty. A spoon
results.
point
oint (PP30) with agive
largegood
can(PP30) area ofresults.
contact will
point can give
minimize this difficulty. A spoon
good results. points for heavy work
The
he point point
will
The gumwill
point gum
up
will up
with
gum with
burnt
up burnt
with resin
burnt More More heat heat is isgenerated
generated in inthe
thepoint
point if if
point (PP30) can give good results. More heat is generated in the point if an
quickly
sin quickly
The
resin
point and
andquicklypiece
willa gum
pieceand
upofof
acoarse
piece
coarse
with wire
of
burnt wool an
coarse
More
an extra
extra
heat long long
is loop
loopis
loop
generated
is bent
bent back
inback backon
the point ifon
extra long is bent on itself.
or
ire wool aorfine
wirea wire
woolbrush
fine wire will
or a fine
brush
resin quickly and a piece of coarse be
wire useful
brushbe
will for
will be itself.
itself.
an extraThese
These
long loop
can
canisbe be
bent
made
made from
back from
on
23 SWG
23 SWG
useful for cleaning off the deposit. These
wire can be made40mm
(minimum from length)
23 SWGThey wire
cleaning
seful for
wire wooloff
cleaning or the
a offdeposit.
fine the
wiredeposit.
brush will be wire
itself. (minimum
These can be made 40mm fromlength)
23 SWG They
(minimum
are best formed 40mm with length) They
small are best
pliers while
usefulPOINTS
for cleaningFORoff FINE
the WORK
deposit. wire
are (minimum
best formed 40mm with length)
small They
pliers
POINTS FOR FINE WORK formed
red hot with
(to small
make pliers
it easierwhile
to red
bend). hotItwhile
is
POINTS FOR
POINTS FORFINE FINEWORK WORK
Standard loop are best formed with small pliers while
red(to
hotmake it easier to bend). It is aItgood
Standard loop
points may be red hot
a good (to make
idea to it easier
squeeze the to bend).
point really It is
Standardloop loop (to make it easier to bend). is
Standard
points may or ground aa good
filed be idea idea
good toidea
squeeze the point
to squeeze
to squeeze really
the point
the point compact
really really
points may be
points may be filed
or down
filedfiled ground
or ground
to a needle
or ground
point.down Extremely
down down atoneedle
toneedle a needle
to a
point.
fine lines point.
Extremely
can be
point. Extremely 1 2 3
fine lines can belines
Extremely fine
produced on a
can
fineproducedbe
lineshard produced
can on a on
woodbe such 1 2 3
1 2 3
ahard
produced hardas wood
boxwood
on
wood such a such as
with
hardas boxwood
woodthesesuch
boxwood with
points.
withthese
Hammer the end
points.points.
these
as boxwood Hammer
with compact whilst red hot, using pliers. It
flat then cut and
the
Hammerend
these points. flat
the then
end cut might be thought that the current
file or grind to a compact whilst red hot, using pliers. It
Hammer and
flat file
thenorcut
the As
point.
grind
end
andto
the
would be shorted out where the loops
might be thought that the current
point will be a
very point.
file
weak, As
or grind the
to apoint compact
this while would bered
whilst
touch and hot,
whilst
shorted
thisusing
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where It loops
happen
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with
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the current
happen shorted
with a
time a
point
do thiswill be very weak, grind
do thisto a
while
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it wheninchanging
the pen and be newly out where the loops touch and timethis
themay
coating of oxide will form which
to break
mounted in the point. pen andAs be the
careful
points would be shorted
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short aloops
careful not toFORbreak it when changing insulates
well happen the
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willand this may well happen with a
not toPOINTS
break FINE LINES AND
points
oint will be veryitweak,
when changing
do this while points
insulates
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athe
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FEATHERING
POINTS FOR FINE LINES AND newly An alternative point, but
heavy duty in apointshort
point can
ounted inItthe pen and be careful
is difficult to burn straight lines will form which
brighten upinsulates
visibly. the wire and then
ANDto dig coating of oxide will form which
FEATHERING be made by winding the wire around a
POINTS
ot to break it
evenly FOR
when
because FINE theLINES
changing pointpoints
tends Anthe point willheavy
alternative brighten duty uppoint
visibly. can
It is difficult to burn straight lines stout needle held andin a vice, tothe
produce
FEATHERING
into the softLINES
parts of the grain. If a be made by winding the wire around point
insulates the wire then a
OINTS FOR
evenly FINE
because the point tendsAND to dig will Anabrighten
alternative
compact heavy
coil.
heldup
The duty
vice, topoint
coils should
in avisibly. can
be
point made from thicker wire such as stout needle produce
It isthe
EATHERING
into difficult to burn
soft parts straight
of the grain.linesIf a evenly beclosed
madecoil.by with
up winding coilsthe wire be
pliers (while around
hot) to a
23 S.W.G., is hammered flat at the tip aAn compact
alternative Theheavy should
dutypoints pointare can
because
point made the point
from tends
thicker
t is difficult to burn straight lines to
wiredig into
such the
as stout
give needle
maximum held in a
heat.
closed up with pliers (while hot) to vice,
These to produce
soft
23 parts the
S.W.G., of the grain.tends
is hammered Ifflat
a point
at themade
tip be made
a compact by winding
coil. TheThese the
coilspoints wire
shouldare around
be a
venly because point to dig give maximum heat.
to thefrom
soft thicker wire such as 23 S.W.G., is stout needle
6closed up with heldpliersin (while
a vice,hot) to to
produce
give
parts of the grain. If a
6 a compact coil. The coils should be
oint made from thicker wire such as 6
closed up with pliers (while hot) to
3 S.W.G., is hammered flat at the tip
give maximum heat. These points are
 capable
capableof ofquickly
quicklyburning burningthe the AAuseful
usefulpoint
pointforforfast
fastshading
shadingof oflarge
large
lettering
lettering used on housenameplates
used on house nameplates areas
areas is a heavy gauge coiled point,as
is a heavy gauge coiled point, as
and
andsimilar work. They produce aa previously described, which has been
maximum similar heat. work.These They points are capable
produce takes skill todescribed,
previously make butwhich is worth hasthe
been
textured effect (many parallel lines) filed
filedor
orAground smooth. This takes skill
oftextured
quickly burning effect (many the lettering
parallel used lines) effort. smoother
ground surface
smooth. cantakes
This be given
skill
and this isisuseful for producing to make but is worth the effort. A
onfeather
house effects
and
capable this nameplates
of useful
quickly forand similar
producing
burning the work. to any point
to
A make
useful
smoother
but
pointby polishing
is worth
for fast the with to
effort.
shading very
A
of large
They produce
feather
lettering effects
used a
onondecoy
textured
on decoyeffect
house birds.
birds.(many
nameplates The
The fine is a surface
abrasive.
smoother
areas A
surface
heavy can
canbe
polished
gauge be given
point
given
coiled toany
is
point,an
anyas
coils can bebefiled smooth to
toget rid a of point by polishing with very fine
coilssimilar
and
parallel can
lines) filed
work.
and this smooth
They produce
is useful getfor rid of advantageAbecause
point by
previously
abrasive.
polishing
described, itpoint
withpicksisupanless tar
very
which fine
has been
the textured
the textured
textured effecteffect.
effect.
(many Provided
Provided
parallelthat that the
lines)the abrasive.
filed
and ash Apolished
or ground
from polished
thesmooth.
wood. pointThisis takes
an skill
producing feather effectsnot on decoy birds. advantage because ititpicks up
removal
removal
and this of metal
metaldoes
ofuseful
is does
for notweaken
producing weaken advantage
to make but because
is worth picks
the upless
effort. A tar
less tar
The
the coils can be filed smooth to get it, rid and ash from the wood.
thepoint
feather point too
toomuch
effects much
on decoy or
orcut cut through
through
birds. The it, and ash from
smoother the wood.
surface can be given to any
ofpoints
the textured
can effect. Provided that the POINTSFOR FOR DECORATIVE
points
coils can can bebebe filed
filed
filed and
andcut
smooth cuttoasas
getmuch
much
rid of POINTS
point
POINTS FORDECORATIVE
by polishing with very fine
DECORATIVE
removal
as you of
like metal
to does
produce not weaken
special shapesthe PATTERNS
PATTERNS
abrasive. A polished point is an
as you
the texturedlike toeffect.produce Providedspecialthat shapesthe PATTERNS
point
andtoo
and
removal effects.much
effects. or cut
Thinning
Thinning
of metal doesthrough
down
down
not weaken it, points
the
the end
end advantage because it picks up less tar
can
ofofbe
the any
any filed
point point
point and
too will cutconcentrate
will
much asormuch
concentrate asthe
cut through youheat
the like
heat
it, and ash from the wood.
topoints
in produce
in that
that can area
area special
and
beand filed shapes
make
make andthethe and
cut aseffects.
point
point more
muchmore POINTS FOR DECORATIVE
Thinning
efficient.
efficient.
as you like down
ItItwill
will
to thealso end
also
produce takeof
take any
less point
lesscurrent
special current
shapes PATTERNS
will
from
from
and concentrate
the power
the power
effects. the
Thinningunit
unitheatand
and in the
down that
the area
handleendand
handle
the
make
will
will
of anythe
run
run point
cooler.
cooler.
point more
will efficient. Itthe
concentrate willheatalso
take
inBecause the folding or coiling up and
less
Because
that current
areathe and from
folding make the
or power
coiling
the point unit
up more
the handlegives
process
efficient.
process will
It will
gives run
more
more cooler.
also electrical
take less current
electrical
resistance,
from the thicker
power
resistance, thicker wire unitwire and can
canthe be
be used
handle
used
Because the folding or coiling up process Small
for
will these points
run cooler.
for these without
points without overloading overloading Smallbrands
brandscan canbebeshaped
shapedfrom fromwirewire
gives more electrical resistance, thicker Small
and brands can bedecoration.
shaped from wire
the
the machine.
machine.
Because Even
Even wire
the folding wire as thick
as thickup
or coiling as
as22 22 and used for repeat decoration.These
used for repeat These
wire
S.W.G. can
S.W.G. is
process
be
is used
O.K.
O.K.more
gives (itfor
is these
available
(it is electrical
points
available to to without and
are used forby
areformed
formedby
repeat
using decoration.
usingsmall
smallpointed
These
pointed
overloading
special
specialorder).
resistance, the
order).thickermachine.wire can be used are
pliers and must be accurately madepliers
pliersformed
and by
must using
be small
accurately pointed
made so
so
POINTS
for these
POINTS FOR SHADING FOR
points SHADING
without overloading and
that
that
Smallmust
the be
whole
thebrands accurately
wholecan of the
of the made
pattern
pattern from
be shaped so that
touches
touches wire
POINTS
A
the large
machine. FOR
area of
Even wire as thick as 22 the
evenlywhole
evenly
and usedin of the
inuse.
use.
for 23pattern
23 S.W.G.
repeatS.W.G. touches
wire
decoration. evenly
wireisisneeded
needed
These
A large area of
SHADING
contact
S.W.G. with
is
contact with the O.K. the (it is available to in
foruse.
for
are 23 S.W.G.
rigidity.
rigidity.
formed by using wire is needed
small pointed for
wood
special is required
order). rigidity.
POINTS
pliers andFOR mustLETTERING
be accurately made so
A wood
large area of
is required POINTS FOR LETTERING
for efficient These
that thepoints
wholehave been
of the hammered
pattern touchesflat
contact
POINTS
for with
efficient the
FOR SHADING These points have been hammered flat
shading. A spoon POINTS
while
evenly hot
in FOR
and
use. 23LETTERING
then cut
S.W.G. or folded
wire over
is needed
wood is(shaped
shading.
A large required
A spoon
area of while hot and then cut or folded
to
over
point
for efficient
point
contact (shaped
with like
the like SPOONS togive
for
These
give aastraight
rigidity.
points
straight edge at
haveedge
been
the
thetip.
tip.They
athammered Theyflat
awood
miniature SPOONS can be
POINTS made FORslightly angled
LETTERING to
toleft or
a miniature
shading.
teaspoon
is required
A 2mm spoonwide and listed as while
can behotmadeand then
slightlycutangled
or folded over
left or to
teaspoon
for efficient 2mm wide and listed as These
give points have
a straight edgebeen
at thehammered
tip. They can flat
point
PP30 (shaped like alist) miniature SPOONS
PP30in
shading. inour our price
price list)can
A spoon canbe beusedusedor or while hot and then cut or folded over
teaspoon
apoint
standard 2mm pointwide can and be listed
hammered as in our be made slightly angled to left or right
a standard (shaped point likecan be hammered to give a straight edge at the tip. They
price
out list)on
flat can be used or a SPOONS
standard point for use in the same way as calligraphy
aout flat onaahard
miniature hardmetal metalanvil anvilsuch suchas as can be made slightly angled to left or
can
the beheadhammered
the head of
teaspoon of 2mma hammer
a hammer out
wide and flatheldon
held a
in hard
in avice.
listed a metal
vice.
as
anvil
IfPP30 such
Ifnecessary
necessary
in our as the anyhead
any
price list)ofcan
sharp
sharp a hammer
edges
edges be cancanbe
used held
beor
inremoved
a vice.
aremoved If
standardbypoint by necessary
rubbing
rubbing can be any
on sharp
abrasive
on hammered
abrasive edges
can beflat
paper.
paper.
out removed
on a hard by rubbing
metal anvil on abrasive
such as
paper.
the head of a hammer held in a vice.
A Ifuseful
necessary
point any sharp
for fast edges of
shading canlarge
be
77
removed by rubbing on abrasive
areas is a heavy gauge coiled point,
paper.
as previously described, which has
been filed or ground smooth. This
7
7
pens. They can be filed to the exact width
required.
PREPARING THE WOOD SURFACE
Flat wooden surfaces should be planed
or scraped and well sanded. For best
results plane by hand with a razor sharp
smoothing plane and finish by rubbing
with the grain with 400 grit abrasive
paper or cloth. If the surface has been
machine planed, you first need to remove
the ripple marks (made by the planer
blades) with coarser abrasive. Try 240
grit followed by 320 grit, then the 400
grit. Wrap the paper around a small
sanding block to get best results. Our
woodturning supplies catalogue lists
a large range of abrasive paper, cloth
and abrasive nylon matting (Webrax).
Non-flat surfaces such as turned articles
may also need to be sanded, again using
coarse, medium and then fine abrasive
paper. Veneer just needs sanding with
320 and then 400 grit paper.
PROTECTING YOUR WORK
Your finished pyrograph should be
protected from dirt and the bleaching
effect of strong light. You need a coating
which will seal the wood but not darken
it or yellow with age. We recommend
water based acrylic finishes because
they are durable and easy to apply. They
dry in a few minutes to a film which is
barely visible and will not take away the
freshness of the completed work. Avoid
wax or oil finishes which trap dirt and
can darken the wood. Polyurethanes can
go yellow with age. With all finishes
you should experiment on scrap wood
to see the final effect before using it on
8
your masterpiece. Always try to keep
pyrographs out of direct sunlight or the
burnt marks will fade and the wood
will darken. An alternative to sealers is
a protective sheet of acrylic plastic or
glass. You will have to use a frame of
some kind to keep the assembly together
but these are readily obtainable.
OUTDOOR PYROGRAPHY
Technology has not yet devised the
perfect outdoor clear varnish as any
boat owner will tell you. Pyrographs
which have to survive outside should be
protected by the best outdoor varnish you
can buy. Even so they may have to be
re-varnished every couple of years or so.
Pyrographs should be kept out of strong
sunlight or the lighter marks will fade.
Lines that are burnt really black will be
reasonably fast to light but such things as
house nameplates should be positioned
out of the direct sun.
COLOURING PYROGRAPHY
Very pretty effects can be obtained using
dyes or paint in combination with your
pyrography. You can use artists water
colours, coloured felt pens, opaque paint
such as acrylic or wood stain which is
transparent. The pyrographed lines tend to
stop the colour from spreading or running.
Use a proper artists sable brush to apply
the colours and allow them to harden
fully before applying the final finish. If
the colours run along the grain while
you are applying them it is likely that the
wood you are using is too soft or coarse
grained or you did not sand it smooth
enough during the initial preparation.
Coloured felt pens are easy to use but the
colours obtainable are rather harsh and
you cannot dilute them down.
Whatever type of dye or paint you use
you must make sure that it is compatible
with the sealer or varnish you will
eventually apply over the top. The
tendency is for the varnish to dissolve
the colour and spread it into unwanted
areas. (you could try varnishing first and
painting on top). You must experiment
first on scrap material to check on
compatibility.
Water colour paints and water-soluble
wood stains will not be affected by
the majority of varnishes but they will
“raise the grain”. This means that they
will swell the wood fibres and cause a
rough surface. The way to avoid this
is to deliberately raise the grain on the
whole surface first, before you do any
pyrography on it, by wiping with warm
water. Wait for it to dry and then sand
it down again using new sharp abrasive
paper to remove any raised wood fibres.
Spirit (alcohol) based dyes give lovely
colours and tend not to raise the grain.
They can be obtained in concentrated
form (see our woodturning supplies
catalogue) and can be diluted with
methylated spirit to give the required
density of colour. They tend to be
dissolved by Rustins coating but not by
the water based acrylic spray. Ask for
our mail order woodturning supplies
catalogue for a wide range of finishes
and colours.
HOW THE POINTS WORK
The nichrome point heats up when
electric current is passed through it.
9
More heat is produced if the wire is
thinner so thinning the tip is good and
can be done by filing, hammering, or
grinding. Thin down at the end only.
Keep the “legs” thick to retain stiffness.
Bending or hammering the points is
easier when mounted in the pencil and
switched on because the metal is softer
and more workable when red hot.
Wire gauges
S.W.G. Diam Diam Metres/
Inches mm ounce
26 0.018” .457mm 20.4
25 0.020” .508mm 16.5
24 0.022” .559mm 13.6
23 0.024” .609mm 11.4
S.W.G. = British Standard Wire Gauge
IMPORTANT
Fuse wire, paperclips or any wire other
than the special nichrome wire we supply
must never be used or the power unit
will burn out. We will charge for repairs
to units damaged by overload.
Working at lower temperatures.
The pen is supplied with a tip which
may burn too hot for your style of work
even when the knob is turned down to
the minimum heat setting. You should
try a heavier standard loop made from
24 SWG wire which will be much cooler
at minimum setting. Even better would
be a 23 SWG loop bent back on itself as
shown on page 6.
Bad connections. If the legs of the the acrylic spray which can be obtained
points are not clamped securely the gloss or satin. When dry rub the sealer
point may refuse to heat up. Sparks, lightly with webrax abrasive nylon
buzzing noises or one leg appearing to web to achieve a perfect finish.
be hotter than the other are signs that
the terminals need cleaning. Take the USING TWO PENS
pencil terminals fully apart and clean off SIMULTANEOUSLY
any tarry deposit to cure bad contacts.
It is possible to have two pens running
Caustic oven cleaner is ideal for this and
at the same time by joining them with
will not attack the stainless steel. (It will
a coupler as shown. The pens are
attack your fingers and your clothes!)
electrically in series so the same current
Keep oven cleaner away from any other
flows through both pens. As the power is
component. USING TWO PENS techni
shared between two pens only half power
SIMULTANEOUSLY in det
Avoid twisting and bending the flex at is
It delivered
is possibletotoeach
havesotwo
thepens
knob needs for yo
the end of the pencil or the strands of running at the same time bymaximum
to be turned up, possibly to joining "Intro
wire inside the insulation will eventually output.
them Thea pens
with should
coupler have similar
as shown. The Daniel
break. Do not wind the flex around the guageare
pens nibs. If one pen
electrically has a finer
in series so thepoint tips on
handle before storing the pencil. then that
same pen flows
current will glow hotter.
through both attrac
and co
USEFUL TOOLS AND MATERIALS "Step
• Small wire cutters, pointed nose pliers Neill.
and small screwdriver. guide
by ste
• Small hammer and anvil for shaping comp
and flattening points. The anvil can be "Pyro
improvised from a large hammer held Gregor
in a vice. useful
flowe
• A scraper for removing mistakes.
motifs
You might try a stanley knife blade. An
alternative would be fine abrasive
paper. The i
of ma
• A supply of abrasive paper for "pyrog
preparing the wood surface. Useful engin
grades are 240, 320 and 400 grit. intere
there
• A supply of coarse wire wool for pyrog
removing ash and tar build-up on the links t
points. pens. As the power is shared between There
two pens only half power is
• Sealer to seal your work against dirt. provid
delivered to each so the knob needs
You can use a water based acrylic or to be turned up, possibly to
See
cellulose sealer. The most durable is maximum output. The pens should
have similar guage nibs. If one pen
10 has a finer point then that pen will
glow hotter.
MORE INFORMATION “Pyrography” by Bob Neill (published
by GMC). A great introduction to
Books on pyrography.
pyrography. This book introduces 18
“The Complete Pyrography” by Stephen simple step by step projects suitable for
Poole (published by GMC). Colourful, anyone interested in this popular and
comprehensive guide to techniques with enjoyable craft.
12 projects described in detail. The ideal
“advanced manual” for your Peter Child
machine. For more information on pyrography
machines, materials and accessories see
“Step by Step Pyrography” by Bob Neill.
www.craft-supplies.co.uk
(GMC) The ideal beginners guide written
in an easy to follow step by step style.
Lots of projects to complete.
“Pyrography Designs” by Norma
Gregory (GMC). Full of hundreds of
useful designs of birds, mammals,
flowers, herbs, farms and cottages and
motifs such as Celtic knotwork.

Pyrography coasters courtesy of Bob Neill

11
Electrical Information
British Isles
The machine is supplied with a power
cord or cable fitted with an IEC type G
British 13A plug suitable for 220 to 250
volts A.C. mains operation, 50 to 60Hz.
Power consumption is 30 watts.
If you change the plug use a three pin
because the case of the machine MUST
BE EARTHED. The fuse in the plug
should have a 3 amp or preferably 1 amp
rating.
Australia and New Zealand
The machine is supplied with an IEC
Type I (three prong) plug suitable for
230 volts A.C. mains operation, 50Hz.
Supplied with IEC lead, ready to use.
U.S.A
The machine is supplied with an IEC
Type B (three prong) plug suitable for
110 volts A.C. mains operation, 60Hz.
Supplied with IEC, lead ready to use.
Europe
The machine is supplied with an IEC
Type C plug suitable for 230 volts A.C.
Pyrography accessories are available from your stockist.
Proudly manufactured by Robery Sorby, Athol Road, Sheffield S8 0PA, England
Tel: +44 (0) 114 225 0700 Fax: +44 (0) 114 225 0781 Email: sales@robert-sorby.co.uk Web: www.robert-sorby.co.uk
mains operation, 50Hz. Supplied with
IEC lead and ready to use.
Other regions
The machine is available in other regions
some using the plugs outlined above.
Others including South Africa have
opted to affix their own plugs.
Accessories
Description Code
Pen PYROPEN
Spare Points – pack of 10
Pack of 10 Spoon PYROSP10-24
Points (24 SWG)
Pack of 10 Standard PYROSTLOOP10-25
Loops (25 SWG)
Pack of 10 Fine PYROFINELOOP10-26
Loops (26 SWG)
Spare Points – pack of 5
Pack of 5 Coil Points PYROcoil5-23
(23 SWG)
Spare Wire – 1oz reel will make 150 points
26SWG PYRO26G1
25 SWG PYRO25G1
24SWG PYRO24G1
23SWG PYRO23G1
See inside for more information on wire
gauge and making your own points.