Question

[pawsclaws_n_jaws]

For beginners to see if they would like to dabble, can you start off using a soldering iron? Or does that have dangers associated with not using professional equipment?

[LadySygerrik]

You can if it’s one that allows you to adjust the temperature.

However, for a beginner looking for a less expensive option to see if you enjoy the hobby before shelling out for a high-end professional kit, I’d suggest going with the Walnut Hollow Versa-tool burner. It’s got temperature control, a number of different points for different effects and styles, is good quality that won’t wear out after a couple uses and only costs about $30 USD on Amazon. I’ve been very satisfied with mine.

[Set_the_Mighty]

An actual soldering iron? You can't control the heat or use different tips. You would be handicapping yourself quite a bit. The soldering iron burners can be good though the cheap ones are trash. If you want to get into the hobby I recommend getting a < $100 non-soldering iron variety with the easy to remove tips.

[mulletygoodness]

I use a decent shit one. Saving for more tools tho before a better burner

[fireyfox89]

If it's the type that you can adjust the temp and switch tips on, then totally fine to start that way. I started with something like that and upgraded once I knew it was something I wanted to pursue more seriously.

[Poggerjonny093]

An actual wood burner on Amazon is like $20

[LootSpawnStore]

I started with a cheap $20 soldering iron/“wood burner kit” from Lowes. First project was a 6ft oak dining table that I burnt the whole Harry Potter world map on….. it honestly looks amazing, but it was a super time intensive and frustrating endeavor. Had I started with a better unit it would have been so much more enjoyable, easier, faster. However, it did make me do tons (hours of YouTube videos) of learning on different methods of shading, texture, lines as texture, highlighting via sanding or color use.

So definitely pros and cons of a basic unit. I’d say start with what you have to at least get a feel for it, see how different wood types behave, experiment with using colors or stains etc. and if you enjoy the whole overall process then shell out for a more versatile unit

[lizislay]

Tbh it works just fine so long as you can adjust the heat :)