Pyrography question

[LiliB]

Hi everyone

There isn't a specialist section for this area, so here goes.

I am just about to get a pyrography set, and am wondering what sort of wood people use. I know that Basswood and Beech ply are used extensively overseas, however, they aren't easy to get in Oz.

Does anyone out there have experience of local timbers that suit this kind of craft? I gather light wood is ideal for contrast and clear delineation. I'd love to see some pictures of work done on Australian timbers to get some ideas for obtaining the right range of timbers to work with.

As a newbie to anything, I think it's important to maximise my chances of success by having the right tools and materials.

Appreciate any experience that people have to share.

LiliB
:U:U:U

[issatree]

Hi LilliB,
Why not ask Irene Brooke, who is the other half of Carrolls Woodcraft Supply, www.cws.au.com Ph. 0352 513874.
Irene does a fair amount of Pyrography, & they also sell there own Machines.
I have watched Irene, work on Linen, Ply & Pine.
Regards,
issatree.

[AUSSIE]

Hi LilliB,
Why not ask Irene Brooke, who is the other half of Carrolls Woodcraft Supply, www.cws.au.com Ph. 0352 513874.
Irene does a fair amount of Pyrography, & they also sell there own Machines.
I have watched Irene, work on Linen, Ply & Pine.
Regards,
issatree.
I second this:2tsup:

[Jim Carroll]

Plywood is one of the favourites to be used with woodburning.

Any of the pale timbers also work well, Camphor Laurel, Maple, Poplar or hoop pine jsut to name a few.

[Drillit]

Hi LiliB,
I do a little bit of pyro-ing and I have found that hoop pine, which is light and slightly creamy to be the best. You should be able to buy a 3 ply sheet locally from your Mitre 10 (6x3) if you cant get offcuts. But if you can get onto any local cabinetmakers/carpenters they might be able to give you some offcut pieces. I have found that hoop pine doesnt create a grain problem for your pen and its light colour allows you to work in the way you want, including using watercolour pencils to add colour. You should also visit Sue Walters website which has a lot of free info with regular reports. Hope this helps. Drillit.

[pal]

This was burnt onto Huon pine . Paulownia also burns well.

[TTIT]

My dear ol' Mum used to do all the pyro' on Dad's turnings and her preference was white beech which was a bit harder to find but she was also happy to use Jacaranda which should be easier to come by :shrug: