Umair Gaines
Fractal burning, also known as Lichtenberg burning or wood fracking, is a technique that involves burning intricate patterns, known as Lichtenberg figures, into wood using high-voltage electricity. This process typically requires a high-voltage power source, such as a transformer, and can result in unique and aesthetically pleasing designs. However, it is important to note that fractal wood burning carries significant risks due to the high voltages involved, and safety precautions should always be followed. Despite the dangers, some people have turned this technique into a business, selling their one-of-a-kind creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technique | Fractal burning, Lichtenberg burning, or wood fracking |
| Process | Burning a Lichtenberg figure into wood using high voltage electricity |
| Danger | High voltages, much higher than normal mains electricity |
| Safety | Numerous incidents of death or severe injuries when attempted at home |
| Power Source | Any high-voltage power source; typically a transformer |
| Voltage | Around 2,100 volts |
| Current | Fatal current between 500 and 2,000 milliamps |
| Electrolytic Solution | Applied to the wood surface to reduce resistance |
| Electrodes | Two electrodes placed on the wood with high voltage passed across them |
| Heating | Current causes wood surface to heat up until the electrolyte boils and wood burns |
| Conductivity | Charred wood surface is mildly conductive, allowing burning outwards from electrodes |
| Post-Processing | Sanding and finishing to accentuate deep burns and remove surface imperfections |
| Artistry | Ability to add colors and create unique, psychedelic designs |
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What You'll Learn
High voltage electricity is required
Burning wood grain with electricity, also known as fractal burning, Lichtenberg burning, or wood fracking, is a technique that uses high voltage electricity to create intricate patterns on wood. This process requires a high level of caution due to the inherent risks associated with high voltage electricity.
To burn wood grain with electricity, a high voltage power source is necessary. While any high voltage power source will work, the voltage required is typically much higher than standard mains electricity. A common approach is to use a high-voltage transformer, which can be sourced from a microwave oven. These transformers boost the voltage, with some increasing power from 120V to approximately 2000V. It is important to note that voltages above 2000V can be fatal, even if the current is as low as 500 milliamps.
When using a transformer, two male connector tabs are available for the household current to connect to. The polarity does not matter when hooking up the hot (black wire) and the neutral (white wire). The electricity then travels through the lower coil and exits through the upper coil, with the red wires in the middle cut off and capped. The high-voltage wire from the upper coil is connected to a black wire, and a second wire, typically white, is connected to the transformer housing.
To perform the burning process, gator clips are attached to the ends of the wires. For more control over the burning process, you can drive finishing nails through dowel rods and connect the gator clips to the nails, reducing the contact burn size. This technique allows for the creation of intricate fractal patterns on the wood surface.
It is important to exercise extreme caution when working with high voltage electricity. Numerous incidents of severe injuries and deaths have been reported due to attempts at fractal wood burning. Safety gear is essential, and it is recommended to never perform this activity alone.
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Use a transformer from a microwave
Burning wood grain with electricity, also known as fractal burning, Lichtenberg burning, or wood fracking, is a technique that uses high-voltage electricity to create unique designs in wood. This process can be dangerous, with numerous incidents of severe injuries and deaths occurring when people have attempted it at home. Therefore, it is important to prioritise safety and take all necessary precautions when attempting this process.
To burn wood grain using a transformer from a microwave, follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Materials and Tools
You will need a high-voltage transformer from a microwave, a heavy-duty extension cord, plywood or any type of wood you want to burn, a screwdriver, a wire cutter/stripper, heat-resistant gloves, eye protection goggles, and a fire extinguisher. You can purchase a transformer from eBay or salvage one from an old microwave.
Step 2: Prepare the Microwave Transformer
Turn off and unplug the microwave to prevent any accidental electrocution. Open the microwave and carefully remove the transformer. You may need to use a screwdriver to unscrew it from its housing. Discharge the transformer using a screwdriver with an insulated handle by gently touching the metal end to the transformer's terminals while holding the insulated part. Cut the extension cord, disconnecting the plug end while leaving enough length attached to the transformer for comfortable handling.
Step 3: Strip and Connect the Wires
Strip the plastic insulation from the extension cord and transformer wires, exposing about an inch of copper wire. The transformer will have two primary and two secondary wires. Connect one wire from the extension cord to one of the primary wires, and repeat for the second wire. The polarity does not matter when hooking up the hot (black) wire and the neutral (white) wire.
Step 4: Insulate the Connections
Use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to cover any exposed copper wire. This step is crucial to prevent accidental short circuits.
Step 5: Prepare the Wood
Choose the right type of wood for burning. Plywood works well, but you can experiment with different types of wood to achieve varied effects. Ensure the wood is clean, flat, and free from any coatings or finishes. You can create a design by drawing it freehand or using stencils for more precise patterns. Remember that the transformer creates high heat, so intricate designs may take longer to burn.
Step 6: Burn the Wood
Now that the transformer is wired and the wood is prepared, it's time to burn the wood. This process will create unique designs in the wood, but always be cautious and aware of the potential dangers associated with high-voltage electricity.
Additionally, you can sand the wood to 220 grit before and after the burning process to remove shallow surface burns and soot, accentuating the deeper burns.
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Connect wires to the transformer
Burning wood grain with electricity is a technique known as fractal burning, Lichtenberg burning, or wood fracking. It involves using high-voltage electricity to create intricate patterns and designs on wood. While the results can be beautiful, it's important to approach this process with extreme caution due to the high safety risks involved. High-voltage electricity is extremely dangerous, and numerous incidents of severe injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of attempting this process at home.
Now, let's get into the specifics of connecting wires to the transformer for fractal wood burning:
Step 1: Obtain a High-Voltage Transformer
You will need to acquire a high-voltage transformer, which can be sourced from a microwave oven. Online platforms like eBay often have these available for purchase. When obtaining your transformer, ensure it is in good working condition and has the capacity to handle high voltages.
Step 2: Prepare the Wires
Before connecting the wires to the transformer, gather the necessary materials. You will need an extension cord to provide power to the transformer and wires to connect to gator clips, which will play a role in the burning process. The wires should be appropriately insulated and suited for high-voltage applications.
Step 3: Connect the Household Current
The transformer will have two male connector tabs. You will need to connect the 120V household current to these tabs. The polarity does not matter when hooking up the hot (black) wire and the neutral (white) wire. Ensure that these connections are secure and insulated to prevent any electrical hazards.
Step 4: Increase Voltage with Coils
Within the transformer, the electricity will travel through a lower coil and exit through an upper coil. This setup increases the power from 120V to approximately 2000V. The red wires coming out of the middle can be cut and capped with wire nuts, as they are not necessary for the power output.
Step 5: Connect the High-Voltage Wire
Take a black wire and connect it to the high-voltage wire coming from the upper coil. This connection is crucial for directing the high voltage to the wood. Ensure that the connection is secure and properly insulated to prevent any electrical arcing or short circuits.
Step 6: Connect the Second Wire
Connect a second wire (preferably white) to the transformer housing. This wire serves as the other contact wire necessary for the fractal wood-burning process. Ensure that this connection is also secure and properly insulated.
Safety Reminder:
Working with high-voltage electricity is extremely dangerous. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including protective gloves and eye protection. Never attempt this process alone, and ensure that you have a thorough understanding of electrical safety procedures before proceeding.
With these steps, you will have successfully connected the wires to the transformer for fractal wood burning. Remember to exercise extreme caution at all times when working with high-voltage electricity.
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Use gator clips for more control
Fractal wood burning, also known as Lichtenberg burning, is a technique that uses high-voltage electricity to burn a Lichtenberg figure into wood. This process requires a high level of care and safety precautions due to the use of high voltage electricity, which has resulted in injuries and deaths in some cases.
To achieve more control over the burning process, gator clips are attached to the ends of the wires connected to the high-voltage transformer. This setup allows for a smaller contact burn compared to pressing the gator clip directly onto the wood.
Here's a step-by-step guide on using gator clips for more control in fractal wood burning:
- Prepare the Wood: Before beginning the burning process, it is important to prepare the wood by sanding it to 220 grit. This initial sanding helps reduce shallow surface burns and soot caused by flare-ups, enhancing the deeper burns.
- Soak the Wood: The conductivity of the wood needs to be increased for the electrical current to flow through it effectively. Soak the wood in a solution of baking soda and water, with a ratio of one tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water. Alternatively, some people use saltwater, but the baking soda solution provides better control over the burning process.
- Set Up the Transformer: Obtain a high-voltage transformer, which can typically be found in microwave ovens. Connect the transformer to a power source using an extension cord. The transformer has two male connector tabs: one for the hot wire (usually black) and the other for the neutral wire (usually white).
- Connect the Wires: Use wires to connect the transformer to the gator clips. Ensure that the wires are securely attached to the transformer and the gator clips.
- Attach Nails for Precision: For even greater control and precision, drive finishing nails through non-conductive dowel rods or plastic pipes. These nails will serve as additional contact points for the gator clips. By strategically placing these nails, you can create more directed burn patterns.
- Adjust the Baking Soda and Water Mixture: The ratio of baking soda to water will influence the extent of the burn. Increasing the amount of baking soda helps control the burn, preventing the wood from igniting into flames. Adjust the mixture as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- Connect the Gator Clips: Attach the gator clips to the ends of the wires. If using the nails for more precision, connect the gator clips to the nails. This setup allows for a smaller contact burn area.
- Monitor the Burning Process: Once everything is connected, turn on the power source to start the burning process. Monitor the wood as it burns, and feel free to experiment with different voltages and setups to achieve the desired results.
- Clean and Finish: After the burning process is complete, use a nylon or bronze bristle brush to clean the wood. Let the wood dry completely before finishing it as desired.
Using gator clips in conjunction with nails driven through dowel rods provides a higher degree of control over the fractal wood burning process. This technique allows you to create more intricate and precise burn patterns on the wood while also reducing the size of the contact burn area. Always remember to prioritize safety when working with high-voltage electricity.
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Sand the wood before and after burning
Burning wood grain with electricity, also known as fractal burning, is a technique where a Lichtenberg figure is burnt into wood using high-voltage electricity. This process has gained infamy due to numerous incidents of severe injuries and deaths among people who have attempted it at home.
Now, to achieve the best results and ensure safety when burning wood grain with electricity, it is essential to sand the wood before and after burning. Here are the reasons and steps for doing so:
Sanding the Wood Before Burning
Sanding the wood before burning helps ensure clean and crisp lines on your wood piece. A smooth surface facilitates better burning and yields a superior outcome. Here are the steps to sand your wood effectively:
- Place the wood slice on a flat, stable surface to prevent movement during sanding. You may consider clamping it down for added stability.
- Prioritize safety by working in a well-ventilated area or using an air purifier if sharing the space. Always wear protective gear, including eye protection and a mask, to safeguard yourself from wood dust.
- Start sanding the wood slice using coarse-grit sandpaper. Work along the direction of the grain, employing a back-and-forth motion.
- Continue sanding until all rough spots are smooth.
- Switch to a finer-grit sandpaper and repeat the sanding process until the surface is scratch-free and smooth.
- For an exceptionally smooth finish, utilize the finest grit sandpaper (220-grit) in a final sanding pass.
- Remove any dust and debris from the wood slice using a clean microfiber cloth. An old, dry toothbrush can help reach cracks and crevices. Alternatively, use an air compressor to blow away the dust.
Sanding the Wood After Burning
Sanding the wood after burning serves to refine the overall appearance of your piece. It helps remove any tracing lines and "overburn," which refers to the browning coloration next to the burn lines. Here are the steps for sanding after burning:
- Allow the wood to cool down completely after burning.
- Use fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the burned surface, moving in the direction of the grain. Take care not to apply too much pressure, as you only want to lightly refine the surface.
- Remove any dust generated during the sanding process with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
- If desired, you can apply a finish to the wood, such as a clear coat or stain, to enhance and protect the burned design.
Remember, when working with electricity and wood burning, always prioritize safety. Ensure you have the proper knowledge and equipment to minimize the risk of injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Fractal burning, Lichtenberg burning or wood fracking refers to the technique of burning wood with electricity.
You will need a high-voltage power source, a transformer, an extension cord, and some wire to connect to gator clips. You will also need an item made of wood.
First, apply a coat of electrolytic solution to the surface of the wood. Then, place two electrodes on the wood and pass a high voltage across them. The current will cause the surface of the wood to heat up and burn.
