One of the most typical questions that a beginner pyrographer may ask is, “which tip do I use for this work? Because I don’t have any intention to ruin this project.” You don’t need to worry about that. Certain tips can be helpful for a beginner so that their piece of work will turn out good. Thus, this write-up will answer your questions about wood-burning tips for solid point burners.
Wood Burning Tips for Solid Point Burner
Solid Point Burner is one of the most common wood-burning tools being used by beginners. The sole reason for its popularity is that it’s very cheap.
1. Chisel Tip
Also known as the Universal point, the tip usually comes together in your wood burner kit. It is called the Chisel tip due to its shape of a diagonal edge. All you have to do is take the chiseled edge of the burner and drag it on the wooden surface to make different shapes, such as lines and shading.
However, this is not the easiest tip for engraving curves, dots, and circles on the wood board. As for lettering, you have to turn the wood burner upside down to get the chisel point only.
Best use | Lines, Shading, Lettering |
Not Useful | Dots, Curves, Circles |
2. Calligraphy Point
This is identical to the Chisel tip, with the only contrast being that it has a vertical edge instead of a diagonal one. Both the sides come tapered in an even manner. For drawing the lines, you have to adjust the angle a bit, particularly for drawing long lines.
Dots are drawn the same as in the Universal point method. Geometric shapes which are rounded like circles and curves are even harder to draw with this tip. However, the ones which are squared might be the best.
It works great for shading the wood board, giving different gradients. It also doesn’t go well with lettering.
Best Use | Lines, Shading |
Not Useful | Curves, Circles, Lettering |
3. Flow Point
The flow point resembles a permanent marker due to the shape of its point, which draws thick lines. It smoothly carves curves with all those thick and thin turns. The same goes for dots and circles, be they small, big, or long, depending on how long you hold them.
Suitable for lettering if you are opting for thick ones. It might falter in the shading part.
Best Use | Lines, Dots, Curves, Circles, Lettering |
Not Useful | Shading |
4. Mini Flow Point
It is a lot like the flow point, except it has more of a pointy edge. Mini flow point is one of the best tips for wood burning because it goes very well with almost every technique. However, because of its thin tip, it is not good for shading.
Best Use | Lines, Dots, Curves, Circles, Lettering |
Not Useful | Shading |
5. Shading Tip
This is also known as the Leaf tip as its point is like a leaf. This tip is really good at drawing lines. Just hold it the right way, and you are good to go. After the upturn, you will get some amazing dots.
It goes well with curves, be it the shape or lettering, while with circles, you are advised to practice more to bring that consistency to your work. In the case of block lettering[1], it is made for the outline part instead of the whole lettering part.
The incredible thing about shading tip is its precision in the shading part. It is really good at filling the dark spaces of large areas. It will also result in some fine gradient shading.
Best Use | Dots, Circles, Lettering, Shading |
Not Useful | Lines, Curves |
6. Cone Point
Cone point is closest to a ballpoint pen just because of its shape. It works in almost all the techniques except for shading because you will not be able to get a nice angle to shade the board. After all, the barrel would touch wood. However, it is good for the crosshatch technique[2] instead of the gradient style smooth shading.
Best Use | Lines, Dots, Curves, Circles |
Not Useful | Shading |
7. Tapered Point
The tapered point is just like the cone point, i.e., tapered towards the top but longer and thinner. It is very convenient for lines as well as dots. One can also make holes in their work with the tapered point. Curves are also well made through this.
However, circles and lettering can be perfectly made only after some practice. Shading doesn’t work for the tapered point tip.
Best Use | Lines, Dots, Curves |
Not Useful | Shading |
I hope this article helped you understand what is a solid point tip and how to use. I have more guides lined up like this below, do check them out.
Summary
Wood Burning is not an easy job, but with the help of an adequate tool, you can master it, and a Solid Point Burner is an excellent tool to start your pyrography career. The tips mentioned above will be helpful from the beginning of your work. Try out all of them and choose the best one for yourself!
References
-
Wilkie, B. (2019, August 5). Lettering Textures Part 1 Pyrography Tutorial wood burning techniques. Pyrography Made Easy. https://www.pyrographymadeeasy.com/2019/02/08/lettering-textures-part-1-pyrography-tutorial-wood-burning-techniques/
-
crosshatch technique pyrography – Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7gkakVTMM4