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Wire tips can be made in many shapes and sizes
Spoon point for shading
The spoon points are shaped like a tiny teaspoon. The bowl of the spoon can be used for soft shading effects and the edge of the spoon is useful for texturing. They are difficult to make without special equipment but one comes with the machine and they can be obtained from Turners Retreat.
Points for feathering and line work
These points are made by hammering a loop flat and cutting and filing it to make a small blade shape. They are excellent for producing fine clear lines. They can also be used flat on the wood for some shading effects. Not on sale currently - you have to make these yourself.
Powerpoint
There is plenty of power in reserve. Using a heavy duty lettering/shading point at maximum output the burning rate can be too much for comfort! However when used sensibly the pen can quickly produce large lettering and patterns for signs. The point shown was made from 23 gauge wire formed into a tiny coil to concentrate the heat. This one burns a line 3mm wide at 6mm per second. Wider coils can quickly be made and thicker wire could be used. The coils produce a striped texture. If the coil is filed smooth then the stripes can be got rid of.
The heat is strong enough to "toast" the wood when held a short distance from the surface. This give a soft shading effect and can shade large areas quickly and uniformly. A thin shim of metal can be used as a mask to shield the heat and give a hard edge to an area of soft shading. They can be obtained from Turners Retreat.
Working with leather
The pen works extremely well on light coloured (preferably vegetable tanned) leather but the smell is terrible - get a fan with carbon filter!
You can also burn onto cork, gourds and thick paper.
Peter Child machines are available from Turners Retreat. Please see notes below if you live outside the UK
For customers outside the U.K.
Suitable units are available for other countries as follows : - -Euro 240 volt machine fitted with Schuko plug.
U.S.A. (and Canada) machine specially made with 110 volt input and U.S. style power cord and plug.
Select from the drop-down list on the Turners Retreat page to choose the correct machine for your electricity supply.
Machines are,in fact, available for most countries complete with the appropriate power cord and plug and with a transformer suited to the electrical supply. The Turners Retreat website lists UK, European, American, Canadian, Australian and Japanese versions and may expand the list as time goes on.
Robert Sorby is the manufacturer now and machines are available from some Robert Sorby retail outlets. See the Robert-Sorby.co.uk website for a list of dealers in your country.
