Which woodburning tool ?

[Bill Sherman]

I've have the "go ahead" to buy a woodburning tool for signing bowls and other projects. I'm looking at two different models. The Colwood "Detailer" from Highland Woodworking http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/colwood-detailer-woodburner.aspx

and this one from Woodcraft http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2000800/1879/Detail-Master-Dagger-III.aspx

Any one have any experience with either of these units or any others I might look at?

Bill

[Bernie Weishapl]

I am also interested in this post. I have thinking either one of these or a branding style. Thanks for bringing this up and Merry Christmas.

[Dave Lehnert]

I have been doing some research for some time now. They all get great reviews. Comes down to what you like and the place you like to do trade with.

I had the chance to use the Optima that a friend had. It worked very well. I liked the fact you could hook two pins up at the same time. Other brands also have a like model.

http://www.thewoodcraftshop.com/store/p/1555-OPTIMA-DUAL-BURNER-WITH-HD-CORDS.html

They also sell the Colwood.

http://www.thewoodcraftshop.com/store/c/461-Woodburning-Tools-etc-.html

[Bob Bergstrom]

I have one I purchased from Woodcraft. It is rated at 35 watts. It is ok for sign names on the bottom of bowls, but lacks the burning power to decorate or burn larger areas. It also lacks the power to connect larger pens. Some pens won't work on lower wattage. I would get the greatest wattage I could afford. You can always dial it down, but it is no fun waiting for the tip to get hot again so you can slowly decorate a bowl.

[Gordon Seto]

http://www.woodcarverssupply.com/BURNMASTER-HAWK-1-PORT/productinfo/499001/
is a good alternative. They have 1-port and 2-port units. 130 watts and will accept hand pieces of different style connectors. This brand is common among wood carvers.
For signing, usually the thermostatic setting on 3 to 5 (depending on the brand of pens) out of 12 is more than adequate.

[Marvin Hasenak]

I have the Colwood Cub with the removable tips. http://www.woodburning.com/toolshop/detail.asp?iPro=82&iType=24

I am far from an expert but I have been pleased with this one. My research lead me to the removable tips being the choice for what I wanted to do. o far so good.

[Richard Madison]

I have a RazerTip single pen model. Seems to do well, but I am no judge. They claim it used by many of the "pros". They also have a dual pen model, and dozens of different tip styles available.

[Tom Steyer]

If you want to do some decoration and "art", you will need more than the minimal size units. I have the Optima Dual and have been pleased with it. Very nice pens - good quality system.

[Gordon Seto]

Andi Wolfe did a demo for our Club several years ago. At that time, her works involved a lot of wood burning. According to her, she recommended fixed tip hand pieces. She said the fixed tips lasted a lot longer than the removable tips. The cost of sending them to the Company for rebuilt was very reasonable. So she saved several and sent them together to save on shipping. It would be cheaper to have them rebuilt than replacing the tips. Obviously she used more often than signing.

[Bill Sherman]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at the Burnmaster kit from Woodcarvers Supply. It seems to be the most wattage for the money.

Bill