Not an expensive hobby

This basic equipment consists of :

- a transformer, by which the mains voltage can be transformed into a harmless low voltage, which is used to warm up the stylus. The temperature of the stylus can be adapted by changing the low voltage. This can be done gradually (3, 6, 9, or 12 Volt) or continuously between 0 and 12 Volt. The best results are obtained with a transformer which can be adjusted continuously.
 

- a stylus holder that is handy and able to protect you from the heat, which is indispensable to work comfortably for a longer time.
 

- a basic set of pyrographic styluses by which various patterns can be burnt into wood. Pyrography styluses exist in different forms and sizes.

In the beginning only a few basic styluses are sufficient to experiment with. If necessary later on additional ones can be acquired. Hereafter some examples of the result that can be obtained with the most important styluses :

Before taking the first steps in pyrography one has to try out the styluses and their possibilities: dots, letters, flat and curved lines, larger surfaces, carvings, aso� By changing the temperature coloured patterns can be tested, going from light brown to nearly black.

The next step consists in copying the basic drawing onto wood. Sometimes one wrongfully thinks that knowing how to draw or having got an artistic education is indispensable for pyrography. Someone who has a talent for drawing can indeed benefit of his creativity. But someone who does not know how to draw at all, can easily, copy the pattern of a drawing onto wood by tracing or using a raster.

And then one needs the courage : starting off with easy drawings and patterns, experiment, be critical towards the obtained result and start over and over again.

Slight fading can be obtained by moving a triangular stylus or a flat stylus at a low temperature, with a sliding movement, over the wood.

Grass patterns are obtained by stinging the styluses into the massive wood or by scraping and then by scorching the upper part of the wood whereas the curved parts remain untouched.

Relief can be obtained by pressing a lukewarm flat stylus for some time on the places where one wants to obtain a submerged effect.

In pyrography there is only one rule : only experience can teach you !

Information and prices related to pyrography devices can be found on the ARTOBI website (Sint-Katelijne-Waver near Mechelen, Belgium). In the online shop, go to the "Kunst-pyrogravure" department, where you will find the base equiment to start with. Click on the figure below to access this website.