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Selecting an appropriate pyrography machine can be difficult, as they are generally not widely available. As you may often wish to use them for prolonged periods of time, it is essential that you select a comfortable piece of equipment. It would be ideal if you were able to locate a craft supply store in your locality with a range of pyrography machines in stock, so that you could “try before you buy.” Unfortunately, this is usually not the case for the majority of people, and I have always had to buy my pyrography machines online through Internet craft supply websites. The benefit of these sites is they are usually very informative and you can find out a great deal of information about a particular make or model through searching for reviews from other crafters on the Net. Prices can vary as well, depending on whether you want to buy a basic pyrography craft kit for beginners or a more advanced machine. If you do buy your pyrography machine over the Internet, make sure you have selected a model with an appropriate power supply set-up for the country you are based in.

The pyrography pen is held in basically the same way as a normal writing pen or pencil, but it is manipulated in a much slower and more controlled manner. It is, therefore, important you are comfortable holding and moving the tool for longer periods of time. Think about the type of pen you prefer to write with and see if the pyrography pen matches it in terms of basic dimension. Do you prefer using a short or long pen? Do you prefer to write with a chunky pen or one that is slimmer in diameter? Do you like a heavy pen or something light? Keeping these considerations in mind may assist you in choosing a machine that is suitable. The pen will become like a quality fountain pen with time: the grip and feel will become individual to you. Certain nibs or points may wear slightly to suit the angle you hold the pen at and the pressure you apply when you work. Using the pyrography pen should feel as smooth and natural as writing with your favorite normal pen. If it does not feel comfortable, or if holding it is awkward, then you will not be able to work to your full potential.

Protection from heat is another factor to consider when shopping for a pyrography machine. A good quality pyrography pen handle should be well-insulated against heat. Some pens are designed with a formed ridge or separate guard to prevent the risk of your fingers coming into contact with the metal section at the end, which obviously heats up to a high temperature while you are working.

Hold the pyrography pen in exactly the same way that you hold a normal writing pen. If your fingers are too far back or you hold the pen awkwardly, you will not feel comfortable and your work will suffer as a consequence.

Many pens feature some form of protection to protect against the heat of the nib. Some use a special foam guard (above) to insulate the pen, while others may have a raised guard or lip to prevent fingers from getting too close to the hot nib.