I TESTED $30 Fractal Burner VS $1,000 UNIT
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2024
- This video is made for educational purposes only. Do not try this at home.
In this video I am comparing a microwave transformer fractal wood burner I made myself to a fractal wood burner from Lichtenburgwoodburning.com. I show the differences in the 2 units and different methods I use for cleaning and finishing pieces like this.
Links!
The Lightening Box: lichtenbergwoodburning.com/pr...
Lichtenburg Wood Burning also has a Facebook page with a lot of information on fractal wood burning: / lichtenbergwoodburning
Tools I use: www.amazon.com/shop/bruceburn...
Fractal Wood Burning Safety Video: • Fractal Wood Burning: ...
My Website (you can buy the pieces I made in this video) : burnswoodshop.com/
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Prepping wood for the burn
02:24 The fractal burners
03:58 Burning with DIY burner
05:45 Cleaning with water
07:15 Burning with "Lightening Box"
09:50 Cleaning the pieces
12:11 Wood bleach
13:43 Pouring epoxy
15:58 Cleaning epoxy
16:44 Prepping for finish
17:11 Rubio mono coat finish
17:56 Shellac polyurethane finish
21:28 Ceramic coating
21:58 Installing handles
22:27 All finished up! Which piece do you like better?
Love your videos not an accomplished woodworker and I learn from those willing to share knowledge. Thank you.
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
For table top epoxy , you can also get 1 ounce pumps for gallon jugs that they use for snowcone syrup as well. I use them when I make epoxy tumblers
That would probably make things a little easier, thanks for the tip!
Could you please do a video of how to make the burner you use ? It looks powerful and safe. Safety is always paramount. Keep on making the great videos.
Absolutely right, safety is key! I may just have to make a video on how I made my burner, thanks for watching and for the feedback! 😁
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 Be careful with how to videos, liability is a real problem in this field, and you cannot control others or prevent their making shortcuts or mistakes.
The attention to detail in this video is outstanding. Every step is explained thoroughly, making it easy for beginners like me to follow along. Kudos to the creator
the $30 dollar burner I use both too i just dont have the fancy $1000 unit i use a neon sign transformer it gets to around 900- 1000 volts it does the exact same way as the fancy $1000 unit. im sorry but their is no way that thing is worth $1000 bucks but i guess they need to make a living too. hahahaha nice work my friend keep making the vids and i will keep watching them but again nice job. stay safe Much Love Everyone!!
I agree, the only real benefit in my opinion is the fact that you can’t get around the dead man switch on the pre built unit. It’s takes a lot of the human error out of the equation. But thank you very much for your kind words, I will keep em coming!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 i think if you cant build it with it being such a dangerous machine then you may not be needing to operate the burner. i can see a company selling parts but to be making these things available to the general public isnt a good idea and that could hurt us all that are in this small group of people who do this.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620you can buy a simple foot switch for a sewing machine, and use that as a deadman switch. And INSULATE, INSULATE, INSULATE! I REPLACED A NEON SIGN TRANSFORMER ON A SIGN at my sister's store, and she has cats there in the store. So I built a plexiglass and wooden box around the transformer that made 3" airspace around any live wires and the connections. That way the cats couldn't knock it over or get anywhere near the wiring, because the original transformer was built into the base of this sign, and I had to do a complete bypass. The rubber mats on the ground is a great idea and garden hose around the wire leads is better than some folks have that I've seen! The best is to have no exposed 'hot' metal at all, except for the contact points. And if you have animals, lock them away when you are burning, and always be sure you have the unit shut off, zero power, when you aren't running it! And kids? I don't have any, but think fail safe! Layers of power shut off! Be safe!
Hi Josh. Some neon sign transformers can go as high as 15,000 Volts! So be very careful! Be sure you read the label correctly!
Those higher voltages aren't necessary for fractal burning, either!
Awesome video mate, very informative.
also, pro tip, buy the scrub brush heads for a drill. It makes cleaning out after the burn way easier and faster imo.
I’ll have to check that out thanks!
Not sure how anyone could hate on this work. Beautiful job 🎉
Buddy you are doing good job keep it up.
❤
Thank you!
Incredible as always
Thank you very much!
Very interesting and cool method of woodworking 👍
Thank you!!
Beautiful!
Thank you!!
High Output is critical. I bought a premade which is super low output and really, its just frustrating to use. Im so glad I found this video. Ive been looking for a highoutput unit for a while now. Im going to give lichtenberg Wood Burning Machine and Safety a try.
Ya it’s definitely a nice unit. I didn’t even know you could buy something like this for years until I found them. It’s definitely a solid unit!
You can also use a 15,000v neon sign transformer. You can wire in any safety switches you want. It won't kill you instantly or blow a hole in your hand if something accidentally happens like a microwave transformer. It's also much cheaper than the lichtenberg units.
They both look great
Thank you!!
Do full video on how you do the shellac please sir!
Coming soon! Thanks for watching!
I made one a few months ago and I love using it I burn all types of wood I have tried all different grain and wood types
Really like the continuity if you like of that home made burner better. Finish is bit too glossy for my liking for that kind of piece would prefer bit more satin. Good job with both pieces anyways. Keep up the work.
Different strokes for different folks, I appreciate the feedback! And thank you!
Both board are great 👍
Did you try shellac and rubio (it works with standard linseed oil so should also be ok)?
I’m not sure if the Rubio would adhere to the shellac. But that you!
Thank*
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 Rubio would certainly not approve, at least until they launch a shellac based product range 🤣
I would like a shellac video! I've been trying it out and making a lot of mistakes... getting to a more professional finish now, but I'd love to learn even more as I'm sure I've only cracked the surface of this topic :)
There’s definitely a lot to learn with shellac and I’d be happy to make a dedicated video showing the little bit of knowledge I have on it! Thanks for the feedback!
Have you ever tried using a acrylic coating in the top. I think it would keep it protected and it would shine very nice. Just a thought. Also I like the homemade burner there seems to be more space In Between the branches . The lightening one make s me think of Chinese painting art . Just another thought.
Kevin was texting me earlier this year to do some videos for him. He’s a nice guy. I’ve just been super busy. I like my burns deeper. That warping happens to me a lot too. Seems like the maple for gets way dirtier than the walnut
Ya Kevin is a good dude. But I feel you, I haven’t had any time to work on any projects, I’ve been working on my new shop for months. And ya the maple definitely gets dirtier, the wood bleach helps a lot! Thanks for watching! 🤘
Phenomenal!! Love the content. Hey, have you ever had any issue with wood bleach affecting the finish? The reason I ask is I fractal burned a bunch of walnut pieces (same board), for wine bottle holders, and 2 of the 6 ended up having an almost cloudy or blotchy look to them days after the finish was applied and buffed off. Odie's Oil was used.
I have not had that issue. I always make sure to clean the piece really well after the wood bleach. I would imagine if it wasn’t fully cleaned and there was still some wood bleach in there it would probably affect the finish.
Btw I love odies oil, it’s becoming one of my favorite finishes!
And thanks for watching!!
Who cares what people think brother. You do you and forget the haters. Trolls only want to be mentioned in the video and you seem to give them a lot of credit. If someone says you slam your wood too much, I wouldn't give them a second of your time. Cute tattoos brother. Thanks for the info. Glad to see your redundant on safety
my favorite finish is CA Glue. Its a bit of a hassle to apply depending on the shape of the project but nothing looks as good imo. I like that liquid, looks like you can poke your finger in it finish. Ive never had any luck with resin finishing a piece. I also use home made shelac.
I didn’t even know you could do a ca glue finish. Sounds very time consuming 😂
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 use CA medium to build up a little thickness, sand so its all dull, then do a few coats of CA Thin. Sand through your grits = best dang finish youll ever use. Its also bullet proof and food safe.
Same as the rest, would love to see a build video on your burner. Put all the disclaimers on it you want.
Thank you for the feedback! I am definitely getting a lot of comments like this so I’m starting to think a build video for my fractal burner is going to have to be made!
Yeah, it's really important to drive home the "DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME" factor with this. I don't think people realize how easily you can die doing this. It's one of the leading causes of death in the maker community.
Death from doing this is extremely painful too. You cook alive until you die... Not worth the burnt wood and cutting boards.
Absolutely, I agree!!
Any chance on a video of how to build your burning unit?
I definitely may do that in the future if enough people are interested!
Any chance you have a parts list? I’d like to follow along as I watch your video
@@briansnyder9496 , Microwave transformer and 4 foot wires , I stand back and let it work , I never touch anything but the electric cord to unplug it , that's my on and off switch
Dam bro that looks amazing nice to see the difference between them. If you have one them kits spare id be happy to put it to use. Ps Did u see John maleckis latest video he bought an Amazon kit for this would be interested to here your thoughts on the kit he bought?? 👍🏴 Ps u gotta show us how its done.
I actually didn’t tint see that videos yet and I’m a pretty big fan of his channel, I’ll have to go check it out! Thanks for watching my video!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 yea he does slate fractal burning but his opinion. Think it was his latest video on his main channel.
One thing I've noticed with my burns, Try not to let it flame too much, this causes big charring that takes away from the delicate fractal pattern.. also I find if you keep the path between the probes just wet enough, it really comes to life!! I use a squirt bottle as well
I appreciate the tip, I definitely agree it looks better. And thats a good point about how wet to make it, it’s really a delicate dance the whole time just trying to keep the wood wet enough without over saturation! Thanks for watching!
I started watching to learn how to do fractal wood burning. Is that three parts water to one part baking soda?
Don’t try it. Seriously, fractal wood burning can kill you in an instant if you even touch the metal, the water, the wood, anything with the current running through it. Even accidentally. The table if it’s not insulated properly. Woodturner has 34 deaths listed on their website and a ton of warnings. Experienced electricians have died from this. The warnings he has about never trying fractal wood burning should be heeded.
Can you make a video of how you made your fractil box? I like your set up better as it looks far safer.
I definitely may do that in the future if there’s enough demand for it. Thanks for watching!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 i definitely wouldn't make a video teaching people how to make a fractal burner using a microwave transformer... don't get me wrong, you're burner is awesome. But fu*king with microwave transformers without proper knowledge (and even sometimes with proper knowledge) can ruin a person's day (or life) really quickly. I don't know if nowadays you can buy microwave transformers out of a box that are built for fractal wood burning or if you actually have to still dissect a microwave to get that transformer, and in no way am I judging you, but if it's the latter i probably wouldn't make a video on how to do that. I enjoyed your video though and I really like how you included all the safety precautions you take. I'm guessing you probably have some background and knowledge with working with electricity and electrical components, just remember a lot of people don't. Your pieces are turned out freaking amazing!
The expensive machine seems to do more branching, but you would know that better than I. It also burns deeper. We would really like to hear your opinion. Is the expensive unit worth it? The voltage is lower, and the current is higher, by the advertising. The finished pieces are both excellent, and your professional attitude shows in your work. I would like to hear your pros and cons. Thanks!
I have a question completely unrelated to woodburning for you. How do you have your vice mounted? Mine are mounted under my bench with carriage bolts through the top, and they are still working their way loose.
I believe mine mounts through the stud on the side of my bench. I bought mine on Amazon, it’s been working really nice. If yours is working it’s way loose maybe just try locknuts and tread sealer.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 my bench is pine, and I think the fibers are actually getting crushed in the wood as all the weight is being carried by two carriage bolts from the under mounting. If I do it again, I’m going to have to replace at least a portion of my workbench in hardwood.
I had a question… I used a non toxic epoxy pigment called sigwong for some cheese boards… the epoxy itself is food grade… is this food safe or should I drop a clear coat over it to make it food safe ? This has been killing me all week with no clear answers. Please help and thank you.
Epoxy is food safe, once fully cured- which can take a couple months depending on the manufacturer.
It’s very important to note that you can not cut on any film finish- no cutting board with epoxy/ polyurethane finish. But once fully cured it’s perfectly safe to serve food on.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 does the epoxy coloring change the safety? Also thank you so much. Instant sub
11:56 if you wanted to leave all the burn marks black, could you just send it and leave the ash in all the burns, and then use epoxy directly over top since it will penetrate?
I have don’t that before, I find it to look cleaner if I just remove all the ash and fill with black epoxy to make it look like ash.
I came here to check if you were alive. stay safe!
Thanks for checking in. Ya I’m still here
Did u try cleaning it with power washer?
I think that would force even more water into the wood grain and cause worse warping of the wood. All you really need to get it clean is low pressure water and a brass brush.
PS would love to see your video on finish
Noted! I’ll have to see what the overall demand is for the video but I would love to make it!
When you exceed the limit in artistic appearances, you simplify the work and create exaggerated excesses for the eye. I think this turned into this. I think it would be much better for your art to return to the old style as soon as possible. I think excessive bifurcation definitely destroys the simplicity of your art...✌✌
I think the differences are most likely not from the "boxes". More likely difference in the structure between the boards, and the probe/clamp placements and sizes. Do this comparison 10 or so times making 20 pieces then compare. If you can think of a safe way to use the same set of probes on both boxes it would eliminate that variable. But board to board differences are still and issue which will require a bigger test size.
As a safety question, Could you please do a quick test? WIth a decent DVM, if you would test resistance from each output lead to the earth ground on the 110 side. Please post those four numbers. Two for your DIY, two from the lightning box. Thank You.
I definitely think it has more to do with the burners. I have burned hundreds of pieces with my diy burner and quite a few with this lightening but and the results are pretty consistent. But that would definitely make a more definitive answer if I made a full video doing the tests you suggested so maybe!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620
Hundreds of pieces is not the same as a study with all the variables under control.
With probe contact, wood structure and applied power, you've got at least 3 variables there, each with sub-variables (like the power setting on the lightning box).
More tightly controlled would be to use A vs. B boards cut from the same very consistent board (which is top dollar lumber), and really, A vs. B may not be enough. One massive study might involve tens of boards with only one variable change. And you should really try if you can think of a way to use the same set of probes. Last, to judge the results "hey guys which do you like" is not very quantitative. You were getting somewhere with your observation about the "fineness", and deepness, and speed. Those can be measured.
Win-win either way, you do turn out some nice work.
Good Luck.
Even cutting cheese with a spoon will leave a mark in any surface you put on top of that piece of wood
It may only be used in small sized works.🤞🤞
If you think your shellac more, you won't need to sand between coats. FYI.
I’ll usually do 2-3 thick coats of shellac before I sand.
Please be careful with the microwave transformer. I do burns as well and I use a 15,000v neon sign transformer. It won't kill you immediately or blow a hole in your hand if something did accidentally happen. Also try KOH as the electrolyte instead of baking soda. Same ratio. It helps a bit with the discoloration. Don't use the black sponge though, use a normal brush if you try KOH.
Always very careful! What is KOH?
you can really control the burn and really get a lot more detailed burns if you use a Variac voltage regulator. their like $60 bucks online not expensive at all check theem out i think i may have spelled it wrong stay safe
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 koh is potassium hydroxide, a caustic base( vs an acid). It can cause burns to the skin and eyes, and there are other electrically conducting solutions available. Washing soda is very cheap, and can be used with a battery charger to remove rust. A neon signal transformer is current limited to 30 milliamps, thus preventing your heart from going into fibrillation if you get shocked. Don't test this data. Many situations can alter the results of being shocked. Stay safe, and if you are not familiar with high voltage, don't try this at home, or anywhere else, it's simply not worth it.
Been a while since the last video, that’s all I’m sayin
Tell everybody not to catch stuff on the board
I was so upset by how much you slammed the wood around… you’re going to break something!
One thing you should never do is use the water during the burn. Water is a good conductor and if you are spraying it while burning, electricity will find its way thru the water to you.
That’s a good point I didn’t make clear in the video. I turn the machine off every time I spray water. That is very important!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620Thank you for clarifying, really appreciate it
Yes it will be careful
That is some beautiful work
Im guessing the transformer i have is small becuase my burns are not newrly as good
What are you using?