Burning lines for basket illusion

[Rob Gabel]

I have done a few bowls and vases and have used the wire method for burning the lines between beads. Did my first plate/platter this weekend and tried to burn the lines with the Formica sample method. It kind off worked, but the burn thickness varies quite a bit. Wondering if there is a better method / material for doing this?

 

[Curt Fuller]

Formica is the best option I've found when you're working on a somewhat flat surface. I've had the best results when I sand off the top surface of the formica leaving only the resin composite material. I try to keep a sharp edge on the formica and resharpen it on a sanding block after every few rings to keep the burns as consistent as possible. Also, try turning at a higher speed and don't press too hard. If you're already doing all that, I guess just keep practicing until you get the results you're looking for. But it will never be quite as clean as using a wire, especially a 9 gauge guitar string.

 

[Maggie Shapiro]

I have done a few basket illusions and also struggle with getting clean, even burn lines between the beads. David Croxton suggested the same thing to me as Curt (above) - using formica samples and sanding them to make sure they are thin enough to avoid burning the sides of the beads. Also, he frequently brushes off the fraying formica so that it doesn't add thickness to the burn.

I've tried using playing cards to burn but they didn't work at all (for me). Because I really want that nice even burn I've been thinking of using india ink markers with a very fine tip to achieve that illusion. I haven't tried it yet but if you do please let me know how it works!

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

I have tried a few things and like Formica the best.