You may be asking yourself, "Self! How do I get started with this woodburning thing?" I asked myself that very question when I wanted to start. In this guide I will show you how you can get started with minimal tools and supplies. It doesn't have to cost much in order to enjoy this wonderful craft. In fact, I would advise against obtaining very expensive tools until you decide if you like woodburning. This way you won't have a large cash outlay just for trying.

If you have already decided to go ahead and do it, then buy the best tools you can afford. It is always better to use good tools that will last a long time. It is also an incentive to keep working at it, since you don't want to waste the money you spent.

Although these lessons are for the starting woodburning tool with solid tips, most of the information applies to all forms of pyrography!

So, let's get started and remember: Have Fun!!

Tools and Supplies

The first step is to obtain the tools and supplies that you will need in order to start to do woodburning. Here they are:

Tools:
1. woodburning iron - 15 - 25watts, tips
2. tips - 3 styles: point, round, flat with point; they thread onto the iron
3. pliers - to remove and replace hot tips
4. medium or fine-tip ball point pen or NO.2 or 3 pencil
5. white eraser - moderately hard (not red or green!)

Supplies:
1. wood plank or oval; walnut (dark) or basswood (light is preferrable while learning)
2. fine grade sandpaper; 100 and 200 grit
3. wood sealer; I find this is optional
4. wood finish; acrylic (polyeurathane) satin finish is nice
5. brushes for sealing finishing wood

Optional:
1. transfer paper; graphite or white, depending upon selected wood
2. tape; masking
3. oil colored pencils or oil pastels; the 'oil' is a must
4. pattern of your choice; may be made or purchased

These tools and supplies may be purchased from your local discount or art supply store. I would start by looking in the discount stores.

The most expensive item will be the woodburning iron, which should cost no more than $30 for a starter iron. You could pay as much as $200 for a very good burner set with controlled heating. I started with an inexpensive one, and it still works today!

A word about patterns. Patterns are not a necessary part of woodburning, but they sure make life a lot easier. Even Michealangelo used a pattern when he painted the Cistine Chapel in Rome (Artists call it a 'cartoon'). If you like drawing and are good at it, you can make your own patterns. Just remember to keep the subject simple; something that can be rendered with lines and some shading.

If you cannot draw, you can make a pattern by tracing over some picture that you have found and would like to put on a woodburning. Just remember to keep your subject simple, especially while you are learning. Another option is to purchase patterns of various types. The store where you purchase your iron may also have an assortment of patterns.

Finally, you can download a selection from the Internet. There are many sites that display line drawings that are in the public domain. If you use a copyright material, please ask the owner first.

Unless stated otherwise, the patterns I place on this site are my own design and can be used freely by the participants in this learning experience. Other patterns that I make available can only be used while learning, and the work cannot be sold for profit. This is to ensure everyone's copyrights are respected.