Here is the first bunch of tissue boxes. The second bunch is getting finished right now....

Herb

Edited December 22, 20169 yr by Dadio

Shockingly pretty. Care to detail your electrical set up?

I like those herb.  Prefer the burning on the lighter wood than the dark.

5 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Shockingly pretty. Care to detail your electrical set up?

Under the thread on Christmas Items  I tried to show what the procedure looks like, Gene, at first it is not very impressive.  Of course this was my first attempt, might get better if I do more. I am kind of wary of high voltage anyway,12,000.v.is intimidating.

It uses an electrolyte of soda and water and a couple of coats. This changes the color of the wood and makes it look nasty in my estimation. The electricity doesn't travel well unless the work is saturated. Also it travels at different rates in different woods. The rate of travel determine the amount of burning, so the slower,the deeper and wider the burn. The probes are spaced apart and the moment the 2 paths connect, that is the end of those paths.

The paths can be controlled somewhat by moving the probes.

Once you have achieved the amount of figuring you want , then after it drys you can sand it back to the color of the original wood. Depending how much you sand is how much of the fine detail is left. Most of the fine like fir needle figuring is gone, just the bare branch or root look is left.

The real deal breaker for some is the smell. Your shop will smell like burnt socks for several days afterwards. Mine is back to normal now ,it has been a week since I burned.

hope this helps,any comments good or bad are welcome.

Herb

Those look really awesome!

Thanks, Herb. Missed that post. Is that unit the commercial one, as opposed to home built?

Well 'Sparky', I really like the looks of all of them but you're a more fearless man than I. This is something I'd never attempt...guess that's why they are so unique and spectacular to look at because few are willing to tie their key to the kite string. 

 

Glad you're OK...a few people are going to end up with some awesome looking gifts as a result of your fearlessness. Thanks for again sharing your creativity Herb.

man,,, those are something...

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Thanks, Herb. Missed that post. Is that unit the commercial one, as opposed to home built?

Oh yeah,Gene ,I would never try to make one from a microwave power unit. My electical abilities are limited to 110v. an a little 240v.wiring, I can't even do 12v. stuff in a computer without blowing the mother board.

 

The reason I can't take a picture of the process in action is that both my hands are clamped tight to the probes in Heavy rubber gloves while standing on a rubber mat. The unit comes with a lot of safety warnings including a will and death certificate. Just kidding, it does have a return warrenty with full money back no questions asked if not satisfied, so what Have I to loose.

Herb

Now that you've used it and lived to tell about it, it's next on my list.

Some great work as usual. You come with some of the most interesting concepts.

2 hours ago, Dadio said:

. The unit comes with a lot of safety warnings including a will and death certificate. Just kidding, it does have a return warrenty with full money back no questions asked if not satisfied, so what Have I to loose.

Herb

You mean, BESIDES YOUR LIFE??? 

John

Very cool Herb,

Cal

Those are gorgeous. 

 

Thanks for the additional description of the process.

I have received feedback from 2 of the wood burned and 2 of the engraved boxes, that was very favorable.

2 hours ago, Dadio said:

I have received feedback from 2 of the wood burned and 2 of the engraved boxes, that was very favorable.

My feedback is extremely favorable and I didn't even get one... What's not to like? Especially when the maker is subject to electrocution. 

56 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

My feedback is extremely favorable and I didn't even get one... What's not to like?

ditto....

I never soak my board with electrolyte. I just grind a small

grove on the board where I want the main arc to go and then

i take a squeeze bottle and squirt some electrolyte in the 

grove. I try to keep the electrolyte only where I want the

arc to go. I sometimes brush the electrolyte on.