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Woodworking Math

Wood burning (pyrography)

Wood burning, or pyrography, draws on wood with a heated pen or wire tip. It makes smoke, and the hot tip can burn skin, so the burner makers’ manuals all open with safety. This page gives the rules they agree on, and what the US EPA and CPSC say about treated wood.

Burning safely

From Weller’s, Robert Sorby’s and Plaid’s instructions for their burners. Where all three agree it says so; where two state a rule, both are named. Your burner’s own manual is the authority for your burner.

  • Work in a well-ventilated room, with a fan if needed, so you aren’t breathing the smoke.

    3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

  • Put the hot pen in its stand or holder whenever it isn’t in your hand.

    3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

  • Don’t burn wood that has been lacquered, varnished or otherwise coated.

    Two sources: Weller (Apex Tool Group) and Robert Sorby , sources [1, 2]

  • Unplug the pen, or switch it off, before changing tips.

    Two sources: Weller (Apex Tool Group) and Plaid , sources [1, 3]

  • Supervise children using a burner.

    Two sources: Weller (Apex Tool Group) and Robert Sorby , sources [1, 2]

  • Don’t burn pressure-treated (CCA or other preservative-treated) wood: its smoke and ash carry toxic chemicals.

    Two sources: US Environmental Protection Agency and US Consumer Product Safety Commission , sources [4, 5]

Sources

  1. Weller (Apex Tool Group), WSB25WB woodburning pen operating instructions: safety information, read 2026-11-07
  2. Robert Sorby, Pyrography machine manual: safety, points and wood, read 2026-11-07
  3. Plaid, What safety guidelines should I follow with heat and wood burning tools?, read 2026-11-07
  4. US Environmental Protection Agency, Chromated Arsenicals (CCA): don’t burn CCA or other preservative-treated wood at home, read 2026-11-07
  5. US Consumer Product Safety Commission, CCA-treated wood: guidance for consumers, including not burning it, read 2026-11-07

Which wood

Burn bare wood: nothing lacquered, varnished or pressure-treated, as the rules above say. Some species’ dust is listed as a sensitizer, and burning makes smoke; the toxic woods page lists them, from the authorities only. Color and hardness for every species are on the wood species pages.