Playing with flames is not a great idea, but there is nothing wrong with making art with them. Pyrography, is the ”art of drawing with fire”. Anyone familiar with wood-burning can agree that the craft requires quality tools and attention to detail. While there is a wide range of options in the market today, not all of them perform as good as they claim to be.
Selecting the best wood burning tool that provides the type of quality and comfort you need can be difficult. This is where we come in. In this guide, we will look at the best wood burning tools available in the market today. We have considered these to be among the top wood burning tools based on different features such as weight, temperature range, tip number, power, and more. With these features, selecting the best polygraphy tool should be easy.
More features: UL-approved, tweezer included, adjustable tool stand
The Walnut Hollow Creative is a top-rated Woodburner that allows you to create unique and accurate designs and lettering in no time. With a total of four different pen tips for shading, writing, and drawing, you will have all you need to perform different pyrography techniques.
The device also has a temperature range of 600-100 Fahrenheit, meaning it can comfortably work on different wood types. Another impressive thing is that the package comes with tweezers that make it easy to replace the pen tips without burning your skin.
As it comes with tweezers that allow you to replace tips easily, it has a precise heat control and features an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to work for long hours without feeling tired.
Then, the adjustable tool stand that securely holds your wand and gives you a place to hold when the tool is hot. Also included are a few carbon papers that allow you to transfer your patterns and designs onto the piece of wood.
What we liked: Overall, the Walnut Hollow Creative is a high-quality and easy- to use wood-burning tool equipped with multiple impressive features like a comfortable handle and ten heat settings.
What could be better: The tabs featured on the wire-tips could be a bit bigger to ensure they are clearly seen.
More features: 3-year satisfaction guarantee, digital voltage control, two handpieces, carrying case, and tweezers included
TRUArt is a company known for producing high-quality pyrography kits and accessories, and Stage 2 is no different. If you are a professional Woodburner, this model will be a great option.
What makes this wood-burning machine stand out is its power. Witt delivers a whooping 60W making it ideal for any type of task. Moreover, you can easily adjust the temperate to how you prefer.
The pyrography tool is compact and lightweight, so you can use it for a long time without your hand and wrist feeling fatigued. You don’t need to worry about burning your skin while drawing to the heat resistant wrap.
With a total of 40 tips, you can use this handpiece to work on different types of wood and create a wide range of patterns and designs. The tips also heat up within no time, which will speed up your project. However, the tips still cool down super-fast, and you won’t have to waste time waiting for them to cool.
What we liked: The TRUArt Stage 2 is best suited for professional pyrographers that are looking for comfort, versatility, and excellent control while working.
What could be better: TRUArt could have made the cord a bit longer.
More features: adjustable temperature, comes with a holder and 12 stencils (numbers, letters, basic symbol set), 1-year warranty
The TOPWOOZU Wood Burning Kit is the ultimate wood-burning device that offers both quality and comfort. It has everything you need in a wood-burning kit, including stencils, wood-burning tips, a pen holder, solder tips, a hot knife, and a wood-burning pyrography pen.
The TOPWOOZU Wood Burning Kit is our best pick for drawing because it comes with a holder and 12 different stencils that include letters, numbers, and a basic symbol set. What’s more, the pyrography pen’s temperature is adjustable. The wood-burning kit is also incredibly easy to use, thus suitable for both beginners and professionals. It has a lightweight and ergonomic construction that allows you to hold it at different angles without getting fatigued.
Just like the Stuart stage 2 model, the TOPWOOZU Wood Burning Kit is suitable for different types of wood projects. The wood burner tools in the kit combine soldering iron, wood-burning, leather cutting, and hot knife cutting into one. The multi-function capability offers unparalleled convenience as you would be able to finish a whole project with the kit. As if that’s enough, you get a one-year warranty.
More features: small handles, heat level adjustment, two pens included
Tekchic is a reliable Wood Burning Kit designed to give your fantastic control in each step of the pyrography process to ensure you express your vision fully. The 60W wood burning tool provides precise and consistent power, no matter the type of wood involved.
All the 20 tips included in the package take around 30 seconds to heat up, so you can spend more time crafting and less time waiting. It’s worth noting that the kit shows the level of heat in volts instead of degrees.
Although getting accustomed to different temperature settings might take a while once you get used to reading the digital control, you will appreciate its accuracy and reliability. This pyrography tool’s precision makes it ideal for burning several mediums such as wood, gourds, paper, and even leather.
Furthermore, the pyrography detailers feature small and ergonomic handles that allow you to draw for a long time without your hands and wrist experiencing fatigue. The compact and lightweight design of the pen offers maximum comfort allowing you to make those fine designs with ease and precision.
What we liked: Tekchic is a top-rated wood-burning tool ideal for serious wood-burning professionals. It offers digital voltage control and can be used on a wide range of mediums.
What could be better: The Tekchic should have included a detailed instruction indicating how each burner should be used and how it looks.
More features: has a two-hour free video tutorial, lifetime limited warranty, UL-certified, pen stand included.
Chandler is an American company that manufactures high-quality products and ensures all the products go through a thorough quality control standard for reliable performance and durability.
Trust the Chandler Tool Wood Burning Kit to tackle any project with ease since it is a pleasantly sturdy tool and comes with all the necessary add-ons for the task ahead. Let’s start with the heating mechanism that offers consistent and fast heat of up to 122 degrees F.
As such, this handpiece is not only ideal for working on wood but can also be used on hard & soft plastic, cork, foam, natural fabrics, leather, paper, and synthetic fibers. The eight tips included in the package are long-lasting and offer you maximum heat transfer.
This model is a bit different from other devices on this list as it is specifically designed to handle challenging and heavy wood-burning practices.
In addition, the rubberized wrap provides a comfortable grip, which keeps you comfortable while working. We also like the nicely balanced handle that prevents fatigue after using the machine for a long period. With this pyrography tool, you can wok at work at different angles to achieve the best results.
What we liked: The Chandler Tool Wood Burning Kit is UL-certified making it a quality and safe option, comes with a long cord for convenience, and keeps the temperature level consistent at all times.
What could be better: The tips could be a bit stronger to prevent them from bending when tightened using a plier.
More features: digital temperature adjustment, two pens, and stands included
If you are looking for a pro-quality wood-burning tool, consider picking this one from Tekchic. It is equipped with high-end features, and its simple design makes it ideal for beginners and professional crafters.
The tool delivers a whooping 50-watt of power that allows it to heat up within a few minutes and cool down just as fast. Meaning, you will spend more time on your project and less time waiting.
Another amazing feature about this machine is that it features a dual-voltage controller that makes it easy to change its temperature. As a result, you can use it on a wide variety of materials such as wood, bamboo, paper, and even leather.
Apart from that, the package also included two pens for convenience during the crafting process. However, you need to wait for one pen to cool down before installing the other one since you can’t use them both at once.
With up to 21 tips of different designs and purposes, you will have all you need for shading, lettering, curving, and creating detailed impressions. In other words, you can use this wood-burning machine to create any pattern or design you like.
What we liked: The Tekchic Wood Burning tools is an excellent option for both advanced craftsmen and beginners. Despite the high-quality features, this model comes at a reasonable price.
What could be better: The nibs could be a bit thicker for better stability.
More features: voltage transformer, overheat protection, 45-day money-back guarantee, 48.45-in power cord length.
If you are on a budget or simply don’t want to spend too much money on a wood-burning tool, consider picking the TOPELEK pyrography kit. One of the best things about this model is that it has a temperature range of 832 to 1383 Fahrenheit.
With the variable temperature control, you can use the machine on different materials such as gourd, leather, and wood. Besides that, the 0.8mm wire nib in this unit helps it to heat up within a few seconds.
And the good news is it cools off just as fast. The burner pen features a switch that allows you to cool down the machine with a single press. Delivering 40 watts of power, you can use it to make patterns and designs with utmost ease and precision.
You might also appreciate the voltage converter that protects your investment from supplying the right amount of voltages.
What we liked: The TOPELEK Wood Burning Tool ensures precision when creating different shapes and lines and allows users to switch from hot to cold temperatures quickly.
What could be better: The pen cord could have been more flexible
More features: rubber handle, zipper case included, 3-5 minutes heating time, 1-year limited warranty
With over 90% positive customer reviews, the IVSUN Wood Burning Kit is among the best pyrography kits in the market today. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this device will help you handle multiple projects.
Safety is considered in this machine; so, it features a heat-resistant rubber handle that provides a comfortable grip as you work on your project. Working on wood-burning tasks can cause burns, but with the heat-resistant handle, you will be safe.
A total of 59 tips included in the package allow you to perform different tasks such as formwork cutting, embossing, welding, and more.
Also included in the kit are 12 color pencils for adding color to your work. In terms of power, this machine delivers 60W, which is quite impressive for its price.
The pen only takes around fifteen seconds to heat, so you will get to work right away. It is also easy to use and has a user-friendly design making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.
What we liked: The IVSUN Wood Burning Kit is one of the largest kits on this list. It comes with multiple tips, easy to change nibs, and can be used on different materials.
What could be better: The tips could have been a bit thicker for precision.
More features: carrying case included, 15-sec pen heating, metal pen holder included
Showcase your creativity in style with the PETUOL Wood Burning Kit. The pyrography machines come with a wide variety of accessories allowing you to work on any material and enhance your creativity.
All the 57 tips included in the package are sturdy enough to perform different jobs. Whether it’s carving or drawing, this wood-burning machine will do an excellent job. However, what caught our attention is the 60 watts of power ceramic technology that heats the device within 15 seconds.
You can also adjust the temperature from 392-752 degrees Fahrenheit, making it possible to create patterns and shapes with ease and precision. The ergonomic handle allows you to work from different angles without experiencing fatigue. Storage is simple, thanks to the zippered carrying case included in the package.
What we liked: The PETUOL Wood Burning Kit comes with the right set of tools for beginners and experts. The ergonomic and lightweight handle makes the tool easy to use.
What could be better: PETUOL could have included instructions in the package to make installing the tips a bit easier.
More features: 60-day satisfaction guarantee, voltage transformer, overheat protection, lifetime technical support
If you are looking for a wood-burning device that offers both quality and comfort, you won’t go wrong with this one included in the Viiart Upgraded Wood Burning Kit. The package comes with up to 20 tips that allow you to create neat pieces of artwork.
You can use the tool on a wide variety of materials such as wood, leather, and paper. Apart from that, the copper head featured in this machine can be used for different tasks such as painting, silking, rending, and calligraphy. As you can see, this is a multi-purpose tool.
The pen uses a high-quality ceramic technology that only takes around fifteen seconds to heat. As such, you will get to work right away. It is also easy to use and has a user-friendly design making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.
You can easily control your project’s heat level from a temperature range of 32 degrees F to 1112 degrees F. However, avoid using the pyrography tool for a long while at a high temperature.
What we liked: All things considered, the Viiart Upgraded Wood Burning Kit is an excellent investment since it heats up quickly, is pretty lightweight, and comes with multiple and high-quality tips.
What could be better: The user’s manual needs to include more details for more comfortable usage.
More features: aluminum case included foam holders, stand included.
Designed specifically for leather and wood, the TRUArt Stage 1 is among the best wood-burning tools for beginners. Despite its simple design, this machine can still create professional-looking designs and patterns.
The kit includes a wood-burning pen, 30W craft style, a number pencil, a steel letter, and a carrying case for safe storage. The package also consists of 35 tips making it possible to create different shapes and marks on both wood and leather.
Although the tips are susceptible to damage, this should not worry you since they all come with a manufacturer’s replacement guarantee. This pyrography machine has two temperature settings—30W for wood and 15W for leather due to its design.
Beginners can comfortably use this tool for a long time without experiencing fatigue thanks to the ergonomic rubber handle and lightweight construction of the wood-burning tool.
What we liked: The TRUArt Stage 1 is a reasonably-priced wood-burning tool that will help you get started in the wood-burning craft. It is easy to use, lightweight, and ideal for use on both leather and wood.
What could be better: The maximum temperature is not as hot as some advanced crafters may expect.
If you plan to venture into or perfect the art of wood-burning, you will need a quality and reliable wood burning tool, also known as a pyrography pen. Whether you practice wood burning as a profession or a hobby, you will need to use the best pyrography tool for the best results.
This section of the article gives you more insight into what you need to look out for in a quality tool and what to avoid. Let’s take a look.
Wire-Nib
Professionals mostly use these wood burners due to their artistic versatility. Since they offer an excellent temperature control range, you can use the tools for a wide range of tasks. In addition, most of them are equipped with a small handle that facilitates precision and intricate movement.
Also, the wire included has dual elements meaning it will only take a few minutes to cool down. If you are a beginner, these tools might be a bit challenging when working with them.
Craft-Style
One of the best things about the craft-style wood burners is the large grip that gives you a better grip as you draw. They also have a wider tip made from brass or copper that can be preset to the required temperature.
Some models feature a heat shield that protects your hand from heat while you work. That said, due to their wide design, craft-style burners are not ideal for intricate work. Another downside is that unlike wire-nib burners, these ones tend to retain heat for a longer time and can even take up to 15 minutes to cool down.
After you buy a pyrography tool, all you need to do is follow the instructions we have listed below, and you will be good to go.
Some wood-burning tools come with multiple pen tips. So, you need to select a tip for your project and insert it into the soldering tool. Then, tie the pen tip into the head of the soldering tool, lock it in place. Be careful when tightening it because too much pressure can break the tip.
Next, you need to connect your tool to a power outlet that suits your device. Then, wait for some time to allow the wood-burning tool to heat up to the right temperature. It’s worth noting that the waiting time depends on the type of your tool. While some may heat up within three minutes, others may even take up to ten minutes.
After your tool is all heated up, you can now show your magic. That’s right; here is where you showcase your artistic skills on the piece of wood and feel the joy of burning and creating your design.
You can exchange your initial pen tip for a different one to achieve different patterns. However, you need to turn off the pyrography tool and allow it to cool off for a few minutes. Then, unhook the tips and install the preferred ones.
Once your design is burnt, you might still feel like it needs some final touch ups. If you are a color enthusiast, you can decide to add some color to your design and give it a beautiful finishing touch.
If you are into the wood burning art, you have probably heard that only pens pose a threat to the user during wood-burning. While there is some truth, there are other things that cause threats in pyrography.
We have mentioned the necessary safety tips below.
Be careful when handling wood-burning pens. They can cause burns when connected to the power source. So, it’s recommended to allow them to cool off for a few minutes before touching them.
Avoid using woods that generate smoke. It is important to use the right piece of wood for your project because woods with a high toxicity level can produce smoke, which can affect your lungs. The smoke produced during wood-burning increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
The wood dust generated during sanding can also be very dangerous. This is why it is recommended to wear a woodworking mast to prevent particles from entering your body through the nose or mouth.
Begin with gentle strokes and increase the speed as you continue to achieve the best results. If the wood is grainy, you can apply more heat to ensure all parts are properly burnt.
Use appropriate gloves while wood-burning to protect your hand and fingers.
Use a non-flammable covering to protect the tabletop area from accidental contact.
Now that you know some of the best options and more information about wood burning tools, we want you to tell you the features you need to look out for to get the most out of your purchase. Whether you are a professional burner or a beginner, these are the features you need to consider.
The amount of time your wood-burning tool takes to heat up is significant. While some devices may take heat up within thirty seconds, others can even take up to ten minutes. It’s best to select a pyrography tool like the PETUOL Wood Burning Kit, which heats up within 30 seconds.
Whether you are burning wood as a hobby or working on a project, chances are you will spend a lot of time working on the wood. That’s why it is important to use a wood-burning tool with a comfortable grip.
The small handle in Tekchic 60W Wood Burning Kit will not only help you make precise patterns easily but will also prevent your hands from cramping.
The tip of your wood-burning tool is what actually determines the type of results you get. So, it is crucial to use the right tip for your project. Tips come in different styles and types, such as interchangeable, polished, non-polished, and fixed.
If you are a beginner, consider fixed tips since they provide a uniform drawing style and tend to heat up quickly. For those with more experience in pyrography, polished and interchangeable tips will do since they can make different effects.
Some tools allow you to adjust the temperature while others have a fixed temperature. All wood-burning projects are not the same. As such, a device with a variable temperature makes it easy to work on different wood types.
Temperature control is important for anyone using a pyrography tool. A machine like TRUArt Stage 2 offers temperature variation, making it ideal for those who want to try out several patterns and styles.
The accuracy of the woodworking tool will greatly affect the outcome of your project. To get detailed brush strokes, you need to use a device that comes into close contact with the piece of wood you are working on.
The ideal wood-burning tool would include several tips to give you the precision and flexibility you need while working on finer lines.
A guarantee gives you the confidence to buy a product since the company will repair or replace it in case of a defect within a particular time period. So, in case the wood-burning tool you ordered arrives with a missing part, the manufacturer will give you a new product.
That’s why it is important to invest in a pyrography tool that comes with a warranty. A good example is the TOPELEK Wood Burning Tools that comes with a 45-day money back limited warranty or the Chandler Tool Wood Burning Kit, which offers a lifetime limited warranty.
Pyrography tools vary greatly when it comes to price from $20 to above $200. If you are a professional wood burner, a high-quality model that ranges from $ 150-$300 will be a great investment. Such a device will provide enough power and extra and tips to make precise markings.
On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the art of wood-burning, we recommend going for a more affordable choice like the TOPELEK Wood Burning Tool. While such a tool might not be the most accurate, it is a great starting point without spending too much money.
The weight of the device will greatly determine how comfortable you will be while burning wood. Some tools are heavier than others, and the weight can increase after installing the tips. Although these small tools may look light, your hand wrist might feel fatigued after working for long.
Another critical factor is the time the pen and tips take to cool down. Going for a product that takes less time to cool off is an excellent idea since you are less likely to hurt yourself or make a mistake on your project.
The Tekchic 60W Wood Burning Kit is a good example of a wood-burning tool that cools down within a few minutes. So, if you have kids at home, this might be a perfect choice.
Who doesn’t like free accessories? While you can still purchase the tool you need individually, getting multiple tools in one package will be a bonus. Some options, such as the PETUOL Wood Burning Kit, come with various tools that you can use for several purposes and multiple materials.
That said, it’s important to choose a package within your budget and once that includes the items you need.
The power level of a wood-burning machine will also determine its accuracy and performance. In general, a high-powered machine will allow you to work faster and with ease. However, it can leave some marks on the project if you hold it for too long.
On the other hand, low-powered pyrography pens create finer details but are slower than high-powered ones. In the end, if you are to achieve the best results, you will need to have at least one of each.
Flow tip
This one is ideal for gliding across the piece of wood smoothly. It has a circular shape, which is commonly used for drawing polka dots.
Universal tip
If you want to draw thick, medium, or thin lines, then a universal tip will be ideal for you. You can hold it from several angles for faster results.
Calligraphy tip
Like the flow tip, you can use this one to draw both thick and fine lines.
However, other types of woods can also offer great results, such as mahogany, balsa wood, cherrywood, Hickory wood, and oak wood.
If no sponge is included, look for a clean cloth, moisten it, and use it to wipe the pen tip clean. In case the tip has too much carbon buildup, you can pass it over fine sandpaper before wiping it.
Universal tip – If you want to draw thick, medium, or thin lines, then a universal tip will be ideal for you. You can hold it from several angles for faster results.
Calligraphy tip – Like the flow tip, you can use this one to draw both thick and fine lines.
While all the tools we have reviewed will deliver excellent performance, three are the cherry on the cake.
The Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburner is our first pick because it comes with tweezers that allow you to replace tips easily, have precise heat control, and feature an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to work for long hours without feeling tired.
Our second pick is the TRUArt Stage 2, which comes with a maximum of 40 tips for versatility. It is a professional pyrography tool since it features a lightweight construction and digital voltage control for precise results.
Our budget pick is the Chandler Tool Wood Burning Kit. This is one of the best wood-burning tools due to its reliability, price range, and comfort. Lastly, its sturdy construction can handle even the most challenging pyrography projects.
