Pyrography Paper

[Rob Wilson]

What experience has anyone had using the special pyrography paper - the paper that lets one print the pattern on it, and then just use it to burn from, rather than having to trace a pattern on the wood?

Opinions appreciated.

[Mottles]

Hi Rob, welcome to WCI and to the Pyrography & Woodburning forum. I have heard of the paper you refer to, but haven't actually tried any. Sounds like a nice convience, but just my opinion I like to see the wood or gourd while I'm burning. I realize once the design is burned and the paper removed you can continue work as usual.
If I have to transfer a design onto my wood or gourd I use graphite paper. If you buy some pyrography paper please let us know how it works for you and if you would recommend it.
Kathy

[Rob Wilson]

I have the paper and have copied some patterns to it. Will try them out (as a novice) and will keep you posted. Patterns transfer beautifully - I scanned then copied to the paper and printed using a LaserJet printer. One can use an inkjet printer as well.

For me, this is so much easier than tracing the pattern. Burning may be another question.

I have put your message into my Carving email box so I won't forget - hopefully. I hit my three score and ten this spring so have to make sure I make notes to myself.

Cheers, and thanks for your reply.

[Pyrographer]

I'd be a little concerned about burning on anything other than bare wood. It sounds like a nice gimmick and perhaps easier but I'm really unsure about the safety of it and I'd rather take the time to put a pattern on myself or if necessary trace it with graphite. It might take longer but I know it's safe and afterall, anything worth doing is worth doing right.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Sounds like a good way to get a pattern on wood for carving however? Where do you get that stuff, wouldn't mind trying it.

[DiamondWillow]

My wife has used the pyro paper and it works good as far as the burning is concerned. It does not start on fire or anything, however, it is a little hard to see the gourd or wood under it. You also have to watch where you start burning so you don't burn off your pattern and it falls to the floor. She says it works better if you put some type of adhesive to the paper first instead of using tape. She got the paper from the Woodcraft Shop at Bettendorf, Iowa when she took a gourd class there.

Gene

[Mottles]

Hi Gene, thanks for weighing in on this discussion what heat setting does your wife use on the pyro paper?
My only concern is like Nedra mentioned about not being able to see the gourd or wood while transfering the design. If your woodburner's heat is to high you can scorch the gourd and wood. I tape also it free's your hands to steady the gourd or wood and less chance of overlapping the design.
Kathy

[Pyrographer]

I agree that this paper might be a nice idea for carving but not for burning, although I never liked chip carving through a pattern either. I certainly don't like the idea of burning paper of any kind and who knows what's in this paper. Is it treated and if so with what? I would certainly recommend getting an MSDS sheet on it to be sure. I really don't think it is easier burning a design through paper rather than putting the design on and burning directly on the wood or gourd. In my opinion it's just another gimmick and one that really isn't of much benefit and in fact sounds to me to be more hassle than it's worth.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Guess I misunderstood this paper...thought you were able to transfer onto the wood....no?

[Mottles]

Found this info on one of my gourding sites http://www.turtlefeathers.com/text/o...phy-paper.html
Scroll down about halfway and you see the advert.
Another one http://www.primitiveoriginals.com/pyrpap.html
It doesn't answer toxic questions that I could tell anyway. But I bet an email to them with questions would be answered.
I think I'll stick with my graphite paper for now anyway.
Kathy