Pyrogrraphy machine

[Haggy]

I would like to sign and date some of my turned work.
 Do any members have experience  of pyrography? If so could they
suggest a good pyrography burner to purchase? The Davan machine has
 been suggested to me but before I purchase I thought I would ask.
   Many thanks.    Haggy

[bodrighywood]

Go for one with a wire tip not a solid tip. Davan are  good but the Peter Childs one is pretty good too. Davan are made by a man in N Wales and not sure how you get hold of him. If you want to go for pyro work seriously the Razertip are the ones used by a lot of the pros.

Pete

[Les Symonds]

I use both a Davan and a Razertip, and if I had to choose between them I would just swing in favour of the Razertip, so far as the main unit is concerned, and absolutely definitely in favour of the Razertip so far as the pen-construction is concerned.
Les

[Haggy]

Thank you Les and Pete for your feed back.  The pen on the Devan burner doesn't look the same quality as the Razor Tip, but I guess that is reflected in the price.  I've since been looking at the Peter Child burner, which has quality look to it and is built in this country.   Still not sure which way to go as yet, but it could be the latter. 
     Thanks for your help.        Haggy

[Les Symonds]

...The pen on the Devan burner doesn't look the same quality as the Razor Tip,

Indeed, Haggy....one of our Davan pens failed recently.....when we took it apart we found that it was a flimsy piece of square section timber with two wires taped to it....yet it cost nearly £20. I reckon that we could have made a repalcement pen, with parts from somebody like Radio-shack, for under £2
Les

[Haggy]

Wow! I wasn't expecting this Les.
Thank you for helping with my decision.
I will go with the Peter Child burner and see how we go.
     Many thanks
            Haggy

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Hi Haggy,
             I have had a Peter Child pyrograph for a while now, pound for pound I don't think you will find a better machine, easy wire changes and a relatively good build. The follow up service from Peter Child is second to none.

[Haggy]

Thanks for the back up BHT, I've just put in an order for a PC pyrography
Burner.
I feel more confident I have made the right choice after the feedback.
Haggy

[Eric Harvey]

I have a burnystar machine,the variable heat version,I had it 8yrs now and its never let me down,its a wire tip machine,so you can buy the wire so you can replace or make custom tips for it,cheers,

Eric.

[Roderick Evans]

Hi Haggy

Just to boost your confidence even more, I've used the Peter Child unit for about 10 years..........same unit,same pen, only renewed the wire.
I've used it to pyrograph patterns/designs, texturing, for creating a bark effect on natural edge items when the bark has flown off etc.I use it all the time for writing my name under my bowls etc. Have a look on my website.  www.roderickevanswoodturning.co.uk 

Regards
Rod   

[Haggy]

Thanks Eric and Rod for your replies.
 I looked at your website Rod - if you recommend it- that is more than good enough for me (I really liked your apple jewelry box, a clever idea).
The pyrography machine hasn't arrived yet, I am really looking forward to playing with it.
   Regards    Haggy

[Haggy]

Rod- I hope I haven't caused offense,  it was your pear jewelry  box I liked - you haven't made an apple one!   
Sorry.      Haggy