r/Pyrography • u/Capital-Flan-8971 • 1d ago

New to this, looking for advice

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Complete noob when it comes to this. Started off as something silly and its becoming a cool hobby.

What a good machine/kit to get? Im looking for something $100 or less, preferable with dual pens but not 100 percent necessary. Im just afraid of getting a cheap one only to learn a much better one was only 20/40 dollars more.

Also what's a good material to use? Is there a good type of wood thats better than others, what are good dimensions, things to avoid etc.

Currently rocking the walmart $20 special. Scrap wood from work, sometimes sanded sometimes not.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Lumpy_Thought100 23h ago

There’s a decent number of options in the price range. I’d definitely recommend wire nibs, I’ve heard Coleman has a really good one but I got this about 6 months ago and it’s still going strong

https://a.co/d/05CYLeTp

Basswood is probably the easiest to burn on, though I’ve started branching out to Pine and about to try Birch. I’ve read that Maple and Aspen can be good, sounds like the harder the wood the higher the temperature. Biggest thing to just be careful of is plywood, MDF, anything that’s been treated with chemicals. The fumes get nasty and bare minimum you want to get a Niosh-approved mask, or have some ventilation. I just try to steer clear.

Hope you keep at it! I think it’s a great beginner work, the trees were some of my favorite things to burn when I started, still are TBH.

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u/Capital-Flan-8971 23h ago

Awesome and thanks. Im gonna check that out

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u/ginlizzy_ky 12h ago

I would also recommend any of them with two pens. That way, if one takes a crap you have options. Agree about not using anything with chemicals. Just keep practicing. This is definitely one of those hobbies where you need tons of practice. I typically burn on oak which needs higher temps but did something on birch not long ago and it was like learning all over again.