I like the effect of wire-burning embellishment on certain pieces as a subtle accent (especially tool handles), and some of the newer turners may be interested in giving this a try.
I made my own burning wires using these Wooden Balls from Michael's as handles (drilled to accept wire), and this stainless wire also from Michael's. Enough handle material to make five burners, and enough wire to make more, for ~$11 total. I made two for me, and two as a gift for my neighbor, who also turns. One is about five inches long for small turnings, and the other about 8 inches long for larger. After drilling the handles with my smallest bit (1/16), I slipped both onto the wire, bent about 1/4in of the wire ends back on themselves, epoxied, and pulled handles onto the wire ends so the folded ends just fit inside the end of the handle.
To use, after making a slight groove in the workpiece where you want to add the burned line (so the wire doesn't wander on the workpiece), hold the wire-burner by the handles so the wire is stretched out taut, and hold the wire against the workpiece (higher RPM works better). I hold mine against the top side of the workpiece. Never wrap the wire around the workpiece. A little smoke from the workpiece will tell you when your done. The wire is very hot afterward, so be careful where you set it, and allow to cool before storing.
I made my own burning wires using these Wooden Balls from Michael's as handles (drilled to accept wire), and this stainless wire also from Michael's. Enough handle material to make five burners, and enough wire to make more, for ~$11 total. I made two for me, and two as a gift for my neighbor, who also turns. One is about five inches long for small turnings, and the other about 8 inches long for larger. After drilling the handles with my smallest bit (1/16), I slipped both onto the wire, bent about 1/4in of the wire ends back on themselves, epoxied, and pulled handles onto the wire ends so the folded ends just fit inside the end of the handle.
To use, after making a slight groove in the workpiece where you want to add the burned line (so the wire doesn't wander on the workpiece), hold the wire-burner by the handles so the wire is stretched out taut, and hold the wire against the workpiece (higher RPM works better). I hold mine against the top side of the workpiece. Never wrap the wire around the workpiece. A little smoke from the workpiece will tell you when your done. The wire is very hot afterward, so be careful where you set it, and allow to cool before storing.
Comment