What wood should I use?

Welcome to the "Which Wood would work?" "Blog",

 

So, this may be the biggest part of Pyrography/Wood burning. Choosing the right wood to burn. If you choose the wrong one you may not get the desired effect or even put yourself at risk of health problems. So, Lets drive straight in.

 

Woods that work for me:

Sycamore:

My Personal Favourite. Due to how easy to prep and it's light colour, the burn is brought out more. A perfect wood to use all confident levels. Weather your a beginner or a professional

Split Birch:

Due to the split (Mould in the wood grain) create an amazing background naturally. Due to being a hardwood, it means the pressure required is less. The grain of this wood, is perfect even for the finer works.

Cherry:

A hardwood that has a steady grain. So is perfect for wood burnings. Due to it's natural colour, it's makes it a perfect wood for making things to sell. E.g)Wall art, coaster, plater, ect

Woods that don't work for me:

Pine:

Due to being a softwood, when burning you will burn deep and cause you to fight the grain. Which is very coarse and makes burning and filing hard. Due to creating indents and dips. It's also a very sappy wood, which is just another reason to avoid using it.

Cedar:

I find it's not bad for burning, but due to my work being finer details. It's hard to get smooth filing lines and building finer detail. But also, due to it contain natural oils and resins, the fume that come off when burning could be harmful. So, be causes with Cedar wood and the fumes.

Woods that should NEVER be used:

MDF/Plywood/ Particle Board:

Due to he fact that they have been by gluing layers/pieces of wood together. When you burn into the wood, it WILL release toxic fumes. That can lead to long term health problems. But only will it effect you, but it will over time started to brake your burner as well.

Pressure treated wood

Similar to the Plywood/MDF, due to the chemicals used to preserve the wood. When you burn into it, the fume WILL be toxic and course long term health problems.

Driftwood

Tho it may look pretty and you would be recycling the wood. Due to the salt and potential chemicals that could be released in the fume while burning. I would advise you don't use Drift wood for your burns. As this could lead to long term health conditions and the detrition of your equipment. 

 

Long story short, Best place to get your wood is from a wood dealer/ sawmill. If your not sure about a piece of wood, better to ask if it's had any treatment or chemicals put on it.  Better to ask and know then to take a risk that could lead to a potential health problem.

 

I wish you all the best in your wood selecting journey. If you have any questions, I am always open to talking through anything. Just pop me a DM/ message.

 

Thanks.