What are some other considerations in purchasing tools?

It is important to choose a burner that fits the way you burn. If you burn hot or put a lot of pressure on the tip, you will need a heavier duty style of burning pen that can handle this kind of use. However, if you work on small pieces, you would want to use finer, more delicate tips that will allow the degree of detail required. When purchasing a burning unit, consider:

 

· Power – The power should be sufficient to accomplish the extremes of cutting, detailing, or texturing that your style of carving and burning requires. Most woodburning units have a transformer that provides the power and is controlled by a device similar to a light dimmer. The transformer's purpose is to step down the voltage to a usable level that is regulated by the controller that passes the power through the cord to the hand-held burner and tip.

· Continuity of heat to the tip - Every time you stroke with the pen, heat is drawn from its tip to the surface of the carving. The unit you choose should produce a consistent and continual source of heat to ensure even burn marks.

· Recovery of heat to the tip – This should be as close to instantaneous as possible. Especially when texture burning, otherwise you will have to continually pause or re-stroke to achieve the desired burn. An adjustable heat setting is helpful to match the heat needed to your stroke cadence.

· Comfort – The burning pen should remain cool in the grip area, even after extended use. The size of hand piece should be comfortable and easy to hold. 

· Know what you need – Look for tools and tips that allow you to best achieve your desired burn, whether texturizing, detailing fur, feather, or scales, or highlighting carving cuts.

· If you don’t know, then ask - Talk with artists and hobbyists who use woodburning tools, and ask for advice from salespeople. If at all possible, test out a burning tip or pen before purchase.