There are four tips that I would recommend for use in this type of woodburning. A knife tip, which has a point, two sides, and a knife edge. This tip is shown on the iron in the first photo. This tip can be used in many ways. A pointed, cone tip is used for very fine lines and some shading. A rounded (spherical) tip is used for bold lines and dark shading. Finally a flat tip, which looks like a small trowel, and can be used for many things. You can make fine lines with the pointed end, you can do darken the line by adjusting the tool angle, or you can do shading by using the flat portion. The use of the tips will be discussed in more detail later. Actually, the use of the tips will be discussed constantly!

The wood is the last item I want to talk about here. You can use just about any wood you would like. There are only two characteristics that are important for the pyrographer. First is the color of the wood. It can be either light or dark, and should be selected depending upon the subject. I usually use light colored wood, since it lends itself to most subjects. Woods of other colors, such as cedar, lend an interesting touch to your subject.

Another characteristic of wood is the texture and hardness. The softer the wood, the darker the lines that will be burnt. Harder woods will not burn as easy and leave lighter lines for the same temperature and pressure. I would start with the softer woods, so you don't have to press as hard to create a line or shading.

Basswood is the preferred wood for learning. The surface is uniform and is easy to sand very smooth. Pine, although inexpensive and readily available, is difficult to use due to its strong grain. The grain of pine is alternating hard and soft, which can make pyrography a real challenge. If you decide to use pine, take care that your lines don't become 'dotted' as the burner crosses the grain.

Whatever type of wood you select, it should be smooth - at least while you are learning. Smooth wood is much easier to work with. You can use rougher textures later when you want to create something a little different.

Now that you have your tools and wood selected, it's time to layout your work area!