When I do burn lines I use the tip of the parting tool laid on its side to make the groove for the wire.  I use the lower edge and it slices into the wood rather then tearing into it.  I found that if I use the skew the groove would be too thin and too deep if I tried to make them wider.

 

 

When I have a lot of lines to do on multiple items I like to make a witness stick for marking where the lines go.  I mark off how many lines I need and then put a small notch at each mark for the pencil tip to lay in.  Makes for quick and easy marking.

 

 

Guitar strings make the best wire as they last the longest.  I also use mig welding wire which does a fine job and lasts much longer than a common steel wire or copper wire.  The way I hold the wire is a bit unconventional.  I employ a cheese slicer frame and made larger frames out on turkey lifting forks.  I can use both hands on them for more control and don't have to reach over the turning like is done if both ends of the wire need to be held.  I can also squeeze the frame together making the wire looser and contacting more of the piece.  I drilled and tapped the ends of the forks so the wire can be replaced when needed.  This has been working very well for me so I am sharing with you.  I was talking with Stick about it recently and he suggested using a fret saw and the wire could be clamped in the same as a pinless scroll saw blades are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 17, 20196 yr by HandyDan

Really great tips, Dan! Thank You!!

 

Glad to hear "Stick" is still alive and kicking!

2 minutes ago, lew said:

Really great tips, Dan! Thank You!!

Yes thanks, will be an upgrade to make for myself this winter.

 

3 minutes ago, lew said:

Glad to hear "Stick" is still alive and kicking

Indeed and would be nice to see back sometime.

Most wonderful tip! Thanks a million Dan!

Dan,

Ever try using windshield cut out wire?

2 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Ever try using windshield cut out wire?

Larry stay out of my toolbox. 

 

How I am supposed to take a windshield out if you use my tool for turning stuff???  

Great idea Dan. I was thinking that any 1/4 rod would also work.

Tell Stick hello for us.

Great ideas Dan, thanks for sharing those with us.

12 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Dan,

Ever try using windshield cut out wire?

 

Never came across any to try.  I would think it is tough stuff and would be worth a try.  Maybe someone else has some laying around and can try it and let us know. 

12 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Larry stay out of my toolbox.

I've got a very long reach Gunny! 

Like your tip. I drilled a couple of dowels, pinched a split sinker over the wires end. Worked for awhile. Will be trying yours.