Pyrography Tools Pens and Accessories - Tools for Woodburning
Pyrography Woodburning supplies and tools from the Pyrography Specialists!
Pyrography is the art of drawing with heat (or fire drawing) and woodburning is just as the name implies, it is pyrography done on wood. To more accurately describe the tools used to do pyrography, the proper name for the tools used to do pyrography are pyrography tools. So, a pyrography tool isn't just for woodburning!
Pyrography tools can be used to do burning on wood, leather, canvas, gourds and other natural materials. Pyrography tools are very versatile and are used by pyrographers, woodcarvers, woodworkers and other crafters. They are available as single-temperature, solid tip burners as well as variable temperature burners but the bottom line is that they are all designed to do pyrography on a variety of materials.
Are you totally confused as to what to buy?
I understand and feel your pain. Many years ago I was in the same boat and had no clue what to buy. Unfortunately I didn't have the wealth of information that you have here on my website.
I relied on the advise of a vendor at a show and was talked into buying a lot more than I needed and definitely not the best burner or tips for my needs.
It's my goal to prevent the same thing from happening to you by arming you with all the information you need to buy the right tools for your needs.
I will help narrow down your search and answer most of your question with my three valuable tools!
The tools are my original pyrography tools review and comparison and my Razertip and Nibsburner tutorials. With these tools you will be armed with enough information to make an informed decision.
- My online pyrography woodburning tools review and comparison. This chart was originally compiled and developed by me several years ago for my online Yahoo Pyrography group, PyrographicArt, as a means of helping members review all the pyrography tool options. In 2009 I decided to add it to my website and expand the chart to include even more information. I researched all the pyrography tools manufactured in North American to update information and added new burner information. It is one of the most comprehensive reviews you will find anywhere and was originally researched and developed by me.
- The other important tools to help you narrow down your search are my Pyrography 101 Tutorial Series, especially the Nibsburner Tutorial and Razertip Tutorial. Each of these addresses many aspects of the burners and their options, the pens, care and maintenance and so much more. It also has LOTS of questions and answers that have been asked by other confused customers just like you. To help make it easier for you to make a decision these tutorials will help you narrow down your choices even more.
I hope you find all this very valuable information useful but should you have specific questions as you narrow down your search, don't hesitate to contact me. I understand just how confusing it can be choosing the right burning tools.
Please click on the links below to go to each pyrography wood burning department
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Razertip burners, starter kits, cords & accessories SHIPPED FROM THE USA |
Regular & specialty fixed-tip pens SHIPPED FROM THE USA |
Nibsburner burners, starter kits, cords & accessories |
Regular, general purpose & specialty |
Sawdust Connection...The Pyrography Woodburning Specialists! As a professional Pyrographer and instructor I have the expertise in pyrography tools that most dealers do not have! I offer the best selection and quality of pyrography tools such as Nibsburner and Razertip all at affordable prices. I am your complete source for wood burning tools and supplies. I carry the finest pyrography tools on the market from the leaders in the industry. The bottom line is that I use what I sell and I only deal with companies that have provide the best products and the best customer service. Please read about my business philosophy below.
I offer the BEST PRICES around on all wood burning tools and pens....check me out!
I AM A U.S.A. BASED BUSINESS - ALL ORDERS ARE SHIPPED DIRECT FROM ME EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL ORDERS.
As a professional pyrographer and instructor I have had the opportunity to use every brand of burner made in Northern America and have sold several different brands over the years. Most have come and gone because of poor quality and/or customer service, both of which are very important to me and to my customers. Of all the brands, I have found that Nibsburner and Razertip have both the best quality and customer service which in my opinion are critical when considering a major purchase such as a pyrography tool. Both companies stand behind their products and give you, the customer, the best and the fastest customer service should you have a problem. No worries about feeling like they are doing you a favor and no worries about being without your burner for weeks or even worse months. I feel confident that you will have no regrets buying either brand and you will get years of enjoyment using any one of their burners.
I carry pyrography tools for every budget and suitable for the beginner to the professional. I want you to be happy with the pyrography tools you buy from me and I want to be sure that the company who makes the tools will stand behind their product and provide good follow-up service should you ever need it.
As a professional pyrographer I have the expertise to help you select the right wood burning tools for your needs. If you don't know what burner or pens to get contact me and I will help you select the right pyrography tools for your specific needs and budget and as always, there is no charge to help you choose the right tools. My goal is to help you get set up with just what you need rather than trying to sell you lots of extras.
I know how overwhelming it can be to find the perfect burner and deciding what pens you need to get started. I want to help you make that decision based on your needs within your budget. My goal is to provide you with all the information you need here to make a decision. If you still have questions, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your needs and make some recommendations. I want to make buying wood burning tools fun, not stressful!
About the Pyrography Tools I sell
Razertip offers the finest tools, the best customer service and still the best warranty on the market...an unconditional warranty on the wood burning power unit and all fixed-tip pens. If they fail for any reason during the warranty period it's covered. Razertip has been the leader in the industry with their state-of-the-art Pen with foam grips which are now vented for even more comfort. Their ni-chrome tips are all highly polished for smooth burning, create less build up of carbon and are easier to clean. Razertip products have been best sellers for over 25 years and have the widest variety of tips available.
Nibsburner started in 1983 by a frustrated wood carver named Nibs who sat in his studio wishing pyrography tools would effectively control the burn temperatures. Nibs decided to build his own pyrography tool. A retired electrician, he combined his knowledge of electricity and love of carving to produce an effective pyrography tool. Nibs perfected the wood burning unit in 1984 and named it after himself, The Nibsburner. Over the years his wood burning systems became popular among pyrographic artists as well as carvers. Alice Bongirno joined Nibs in the fall of 1988 and in the next 16 years working with him she gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of wood burning and manufacturing. Now Alice has perfected the wood burning tools and pens and like myself, is a very hands-on owner. I have been impressed with her enthusiasm, interest in satisfying the customer and working with me to make my favorite pens as well as packing the wood burning systems just the way I like them. So, it's a small family-owned business just like we are and Nibsburner offers a 2 year warranty on all burners and 90 days on all pens and tips (with normal use). All of Nibsburner's pen tips come with highly polished tips and hopefully Alice will be offering foam grips in the near future. Every wood burning system comes complete with pen(s) with tips, cord(s), and pen holders. I have all of my pyrography systems packed with my favorite pens but you can switch them to the pen of your choice at no extra charge. Nibsburner is still a family-owned business and made in the U.S.A.
Single Temperature Woodburning Tools
I no longer stock the Dremel (made by Wall Lenk) or the Wall Lenk single temperature burners in stock but you can order them directly from me through my Amazon link to Wall Lenk. Wall Lenk is the only manufacturer of single temperature burners in the USA. These are the same single temperature woodburning tools I use and have sold for over 9 years and the only ones still made in the USA.
The Pyrography Pens I Sell
I only sell fixed-tip pens for a variety of reasons which you can read about on my Razertip tutorial and Nibsburner tutorial. I used to stock hundreds of pen options and discovered over the last 10 years that some would sit on the shelf for years and never sell.
So, here's the deal....If I don't sell it and you want it, let me know. I'll get it for you at my same discounted prices.
Interchanging Pyrography Handpieces and Burners
Many brands of pyrography pens have different connectors so if you are trying to interchange one brand of pen on a different brand pyrography tool be sure you have the right cord. I have photos of each brand of pyrography pen I sell so you can see the connection at the end. Make sure it will work on the burner you have before ordering. If it doesn't match check out one of the adaptor cords I carry. If you are unsure please contact me.
What tips do I really need to get started?
That is the $64,000 question!
The answer to that question is if you are buying a variable temperature detail burner such as Nibsburner or Razertip you really only need 3 pens to do just about anything. Every pyrographer has their favorites and here is what I personally use and recommend:
- Shader - I prefer a bent spear shader such as the Razertip HD5MP or HD5MSP, Nibsburner #5BSM or #5BSSM, all designed to my specifications by Nibsburner and Razertip. I use this tip style for 95% of my work because it is so versatile. This is by far the best all around tip because it can do just about anything and it will get into tight spots that round or square shade's can't. The spear shader is one of the most versatile pens and there isn't much you can't do with it. I do my smooth shading (gradient shading), fur, hair, feathers and just about everything with just this pen. While some people prefer spoon or round shaders, the spear can do so much more and it does offer so much versatility most people find they do most of their work with just this one pen.
- Writer - I prefer a very find writer and have found the most versatile are: Razertip F99.008 ball stylus or the F9P that I designed or the new Nibsburner #4M Micro Writer. All of these tips are small, just like fine tipped pens and can do curved lines, cursive and block printing, hatching and cross hatching, etc. All very versatile choices.
- Round-heeled knife - My preference here is and always has been a round-heeled knife because again it is more versatile than a flat skew. It will do curved as well as straight lines which you cannot do with a flat skew. My favorites are: Razertip: #14D that was made to my specifications. It has a blunt heel, is a bit more versatile or the HD14SM both are round-heeled knives and because of their size are the most versatile size to do almost anything. Nibsburner now makes my versions of these pens, KN14B & KN14BM. The 14B has a blunt heel making it a bit more maneuverable than any of the other sizes.
My philosophy is and always will be that more is not necessarily better. Buy the tools that are the most versatile so you don't have to buy more. I'm never one to push a lot of pens on people and I prefer that people start off with the necessities and build on that as they learn and grow. People think I'm crazy for discouraging customers from buying more tools but I honestly prefer people to buy the most versatile tools that can do more than to buy more "single use type" tools. Some people, like myself use just those 3 pens and don't have any need to expand except if you decide to perhaps burn on miniatures and need smaller versions of certain tips.
Please check out my Razertip tutorial and Nibsburner tutorial for more detailed information, FAQ's, etc.
Want to know how pyrography pens are made and why they cost as much as they do???? Well, check out the Nibsburner page where I talk about my meeting with Alice Bongirno of Nibsburner and my education on the making of wood burning tips, Pen and wood burning equipment. What an eye opener! Perhaps you'll have a better appreciation of the time and effort involved in making every tip and pen. They are NOT mass produced! Every one is made by hand so each one might differ slightly.
Pyrography Starter Kits
Just starting out - try my pyrography starter kits to go along with your new pyrography tool! I have put together packages that are perfect for those who are just getting started. They are complete with everything but the burner. The kits include: instructional book, wood, transfer paper, something to clean your tips and some offer a variety of the most popular pens. Everything you need to get started and all at a great "packaged" price. I also have kits that offer the most popular pens used by gourd artists.
Just choose your burner and the kit of your choice!
The kits you see on my website are only available from me. I have been offering starter kits for many years to help newcomers fine everything they need to get started. My kits offer the most popular and versatile pens and supplies needed for someone just starting out based on my experience as a pyrographer and from my experience teaching and working with pyrographers for many years. It is my goal to provide you with kits that will give you the most for your money. My bottom line is more is not necessarily better. I am not in business to sell you products you don't need.
ATTENTION BURNMASTER CUSTOMERS!
I no longer sell Burnmaster pyrography tools, however I do sell wood burning pens that will work on them if used cautiously. Because Burnmaster operates on a 3 volt system I do not recommend using Razertip or Optima pens. Their tips are thinner than many brands and they are made to work on a 2 volt systems. Using them could result in the pens burning out. You can use the Nibsburner pens on the Burnmaster but be sure to use the lowest temperature necessary to accomplish the job to avoid burning out the tips.
Just as an added note, woodburning pens work best when used on the same brand of pyrography tool because they were made to work with that burner.
Shipping Information for wood burning tools outside the USA
I no longer ship outside the USA and Nibsburner does not ship outside the USA. If you wish to order a pyrography tool and you live outside the USA, I recommend looking at the Razertip pyrography systems and tools. We can arrange to have your order drop shipped directly from the manufacturer.
About my business and pricing philosophy
I started my own business back in 1993 and have been an artist for longer than I can remember. I have been a pyrographer, gourd artist and teacher for many years. I work on wood, gourds and many other materials so I fully understand the needs of pyrographers and gourd artists. I have used just about every brand of pyrography tool made in North America and I have sold several brands of wood burning tools over the years and have discontinued selling some brands for lack of customer service or performance issues. My philosophy is simple, I only sell the tools that I personally use and can stand behind. The company must provide the same outstanding customer service that I provide the end user, the customer.
As a professional pyrographer I can offer my customers the expertise not available from many dealers who may be carvers or woodworkers but only use a burner to enhance their carvings. They have no expertise in the needs of pyrographers (drawing designs on gourds and wood). They may sell a variety of carving tools and equipment and only sell pyrography tools as a side line.
I have been selling pyrography tools since 2000 and the companies I represent have made pens based on my specifications so that I can provide pyrographers the best and most versatile wood burning pens on the market. The key being versatile so you don't have to spend a fortune on a lot of tools you don't need.
I have always offered my customers discounted prices on all wood burning tools and accessories and will continue to do so. My father, who was in the retail business for over 50 years told me that offering customers a discount as well as the best customer service was his way of showing customers that he cared about them and their needs, not just making money. He was offering discounted prices long before Wal-Mart was even in existence. When I started my own business back in 1993 I decided to follow in his footsteps, not as a means of competing with other dealers, but as a means of helping people save money while affording them the opportunity to buy the best quality products.
How many dealers offer you the opportunity to try the pyrography tools in your own home and if it isn't what you expected you can return it? Not many, but that's exactly what I do! Please check out my no-hassle guarantee. And what's even better, we're here in the good ole USA!
I don't sell on Amazon or EBay and I don't negotiate prices to try to price match other dealers. I might not have the cheapest prices you find but I have some of the BEST PRICES around on every pyrography tool, pens and accessories and always give you the best advice and service. I also won't sell you tools you don't need like many dealers do. It's my philosophy to only sell you what you need and nothing more. I've even been know to talk people out of buying tools they don't need!
If you are looking for good service and even better prices from a professional pyrographer who has the expertise to help you make the right choices for your needs you have come to the right place! If you're looking for a bargain and don't need any help please feel free to shop EBay, Amazon or other dealers.
My goal is to keep my customers happy, burning and coming back because of my service and competitive prices!
The Wattage Controversy
Learn About How Woodburning Units Actually Work!
Virtually all of the modern pyrography units are constructed in the same manner. A transformer provides the power and is controlled by a device not unlike a light dimmer that passes the power to a pen cord where a burning pen and tip are attached. 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 pen and tip.
There has been a lot of misleading information concerning wattage on pyrography units. Many manufacturers make high wattage claims that are false. We have tested many of these units and have found that they all consume less than 45 watts of power, including the units claiming to deliver 130 watts max.
Simply put, wattage is power; and generally speaking, more is better than less. The logical question to ask is how much wattage does one need. To answer this, we conducted an experiment in our shop using a wattmeter, a Detailer with 18 gauge cord, and a "K" tip (small point). Several feather barbs were burned on a piece of basswood with the Detailer's control knob set to 3. We were able to burn a nice, crisp "toast" colored barb. The wattmeter registered 10 watts! Next, we set the Detailer to full power. The "K" tip glowed a bright orange, the basswood burned a burnt black, and the feather barbs looked horrible. The wattmeter registered 27 watts. With respect to woodburning, we feel that wattage rating is severely overrated. You should chose a pyrography tool that has the features that you require, and a price tag that fits your budget....Colwood Electronics Inc.
Why do different manufacturers boast about their watts and amps?
Watts are not amps. Some manufacturers state that their tools vary between 20 and 130 watts. It has been proven beyond any doubt that there are no burners that exceed 45 watts. Some brands claims of 130 watts of output are false; they are under 40 watts. Also, the statement that "the higher the watts, the quicker you can draw" is not completely accurate. As a general statement, with all things being equal, it is true. However, you need to take into account the ability to supply current (amps) to the tip. High current flow is critical to tip heat recovery. Our Razertip 2 volt transformers are rated at 10 amps. It is the amperage, not the voltage that gives fast tip recovery. Detail Master and Nibs operate at around 3 volts (compared to our Razertip's 2 volts). In theory, the extra voltage helps with faster tip heat recovery, and it gives them a 50% increase in wattage over us, but it has the unfortunate by-product of heating up the cord and the pen body faster as well. Then there is the tip wire itself. Our Razertip pens use an alloy that doesn't require nearly as much power to heat it as the Detail Master wire does (Razertip's more energy efficient), so our Razertip standard tips running on 2 volts will recover their heat as quickly as the heavier Detail Master and Nibs tips operating at 3 volts. As a thumbnail guide, watts can be roughly calculated as amps x volts. Using this quick method of estimating watts, our Razertip burner comes in at 20 watts (2 volts x 10 amps). The Detail Master/Nibs burners would come in at 30 watts (10 amps x 3 volts - assuming a 10 amp transformer rating; I don't believe their transformers are actually rated this high). Razertip could achieve 20 watts by using 120 volts and 1/6 amps, or 20 volts at 1 amp, but our Razertip burner wouldn't work well because everything would get hot. The lower the voltage, the better - but if the voltage gets too low, contact becomes an issue. It's easier to keep consistent contact at higher voltages. We could also easily change to a 3 volt transformer (like Detail Master and Nibs), but our pen bodies and cords would heat up too quickly, and I doubt that CSA would pass a 3 volt burner because of a risk to the operator burning himself on a hot pen body. I believe that we have a better product because of the lower voltage and overall design .....Cam Merkel, President Razertip Industries
Personally, I'm not an electronics expert, electrician or engineer, but here's my own input on this issue. If you have ever tried a craft type solid point burner most of them are between 25 and 30 watts...or so they say! But, having use some that claim to be 18, 25 and 30 watts I can say that I have found the ones made in the USA that state they are 30 watts do burn hotter and they do come with a dual heat shield to protect your hands. They can burn wood almost black so as Colwood and Razertip have implied above, wattage is not the issue and you shouldn't get fixated on wattage claims. They will all accomplish about the same job but I have found that burners with a 3 volt system do tend to do a better job on hard woods. So what you really need to look at are the company's reputation, features of the wood burning systems, the pens, the price, customer service, warranty, etc. Make your choice based on all of those items and most important....what you can afford, Do not make your decision based on WATTAGE claims!!!
Happy Burning ©
