Pyrography is one of the techniques for applying images to solid surfaces made from organic materials using an object heated to high temperatures. The basis for the painting is mainly wood. The tool for burning is a loop of nichrome wire, fixed in a special holder. Do-it-yourself wood burner can be made in different ways and even provide programmed control of the device.
However, such a scheme is quite complex, and for its implementation, equipment inaccessible to the masses will be required. However, you can make a fairly simple do-it-yourself burner literally from improvised materials and a power supply. It has a step-down transformer and a simple electrical circuit for controlling currents on the primary circuit.
The principle of operation of the pyrograph
Two questions immediately arise: how to make a wood burner and how does it all work? In order to understand this, it is necessary to understand the physical principles used in the device. In general, the device operates as follows: a nichrome wire heating element is heated by alternating current to high temperatures. In contact with a smooth wooden surface, its carbonization occurs.
The degree of impact on the material can be adjusted by varying the contact time, its force and current parameters. The first two indicators are determined by eye by the color change of the plate. The current is regulated by a variable resistor mounted on the device body. Experienced masters of pyrography pick up the current once at the beginning of work on the image, and then only control the holder.
Materials and components for a homemade burner
The classical scheme of a wood burner for industrial production is difficult to implement in artisanal conditions. It was modernized by craftsmen, as a result, current control was transferred from the secondary output to the input of the primary winding. So the adjustable soldering iron is arranged. For a sufficiently coarse heating element, which, in essence, is a piece of nichrome wire, the shape of the output voltage does not matter much.
Much more important is the possibility of more or less precise adjustment and voltage stability. It is easier to achieve the required indicators by varying the primary circuit indicators. Of particular importance is the cross section of the wire in the secondary winding - it must be sufficient to withstand the current load on the heating element. The values are calculated according to the formula, where the resistance is equal to the ratio of voltage to current strength (Ohm's law).
Making a pyrograph holder
It is based on a handle made of durable dielectric material. This can be a finished soldering iron handle made of wood or heat-resistant polymer. The voltage to the tool is supplied through an electric two-wire cable with double insulation, type PVA. The conductor cross section must be at least 1 square. mm, which is enough to ensure the safe operation of the master of pyrography.
A do-it-yourself burner is done in such a way as to exclude the possibility of electric shock to a person. An important detail is the holder for the nichrome heater, which is nothing more than a piece of an incandescent spiral for an open type electric stove. It is fixed on a PCB board or other material resistant to high temperatures.
The best fastenings for an incandescent element are wiring terminals with fixing screws. They are removed from the plastic case and attached to the insulator. On the one hand, a power wire inserted through the handle is inserted into them, and on the other hand, a nichrome heating element. After assembly, the plate is carefully inserted into the cavity of the handle and fixed there.
Assembly and adjustment of the pyrograph
A homemade wood burner consists of a power supply and a holder with a heating element. Its connection is made to the secondary winding of a step-down transformer. For this, standard screw-type electrical wiring clamps installed on the board are used. The primary circuit of the transformer is controlled by a simple electrical circuit of three resistances, such a number of capacities and two triodes.
Do-it-yourself wood burner is mounted in a plastic or metal case. To assemble the control circuit, a printed circuit board can be used or a so-called mounted installation is made. After assembly, the device is connected and configured. It comes down to checking the limits of voltage regulation at the output of the secondary winding, they must be nested in the range from 3 to 8 V.
Intended use of the device
A self-made wood burner is used to create paintings and other images. The procedure for working with it is as follows: the photo is transferred from paper to the prepared surface using a conventional carbon copy. Then, with the help of a well-heated device, lines, strokes and dots are applied, which will create a complete image.
Conclusion
A wood burner, assembled from available materials with your own hands, will be an excellent tool for the creative development of a person. This activity is equally exciting for both an adult and a child. The artist’s mastery increases during the appearance and consolidation of the skill of working with the device.