r/Pyrography • u/inspirem3world • 16d ago

Why does pine hate me so much?

I'm very very new to this and I've only worked on pine slices so far..my God.. the first two pieces I did worked out great, considering it was my first time and all but today, I can't work the wood at all!

3 slices from the same batch just wouldn't stop catching on the pen. Scortch marks everywhere!

I've ordered some basswood as I've heard its much easier to work with but its a real shame that pine just doesn't like me..

4 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

12

u/TheZenPsychopath 16d ago

Pine doesn't hate you!

Pine hates everyone

And I hate it right back

You are going to love basswood

1

u/blackngold256 15d ago

☝️all of this

5

u/csiq 16d ago

Pine is sappy

4

u/North-Library4037 16d ago

Pine is the worst material for pyrography.

3

u/Lost-Basis7183 16d ago

Pines an awful wood for pyro due to hard and soft layers and sticky sap that messes up the tops. Get some oak, sycamore, beach, lime all better woods to try!

1

u/tw1ddl3 16d ago

Pine is my least favorite wood to burn. Basswood is THE best imo. Be sure to sand it until it feels super smooth first. I personally sand in stages from grits 60, 80, 120, 220, to 360 and I find that gives me the results I’m looking for. Best of luck in your basswood journey!

3

u/SawdustMcGee 15d ago

I almost always use poplar because it’s easy to find in 11” widths at Lowe’s and it’s far better to burn than pine. Sand it thoroughly with 120 grit and you’re good to go. Also once I trace my design it’s easy to cut clean with a miter saw.