I've had a number of larger woodburning projects in the past, so I bought a nice variable temp exchangeable pen model. I remember it was a Florida-based company though. I'll go dig through the garage and see if we unpacked it yet or if it's still in a storage pod. And I'll try and find some pictures of my outcomes with it. I really enjoy working with it, though!
<br /><br /> __________ Sat Sep 03, 2016 9:22 pm __________ <br /><br /> Ok, so I found my woodburner! It's an Everglades Patriot variable temp tool, and I got 5 pens with it. I found this same bundle on eBay here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Patriot-PRO...ERICAN-MADE-/252342505090?hash=item3ac0c90e82
I remember paying around $100 for mine when I got it, so they may have upped the price since then, but it's a wonderful tool. I've done fine work with the lower settings on softer woods and some darker pieces on hardwoods with higher temps. The pens are really easy to get used to, too, just unplug it from the cord and put a new one on to change your style. You probably wouldn't even need 5 pens... I usually sick to 2 or 3, but when I was buying it there was a special deal if you got 5 I think, so that's just what I got. For precision work and shading that machine does a really great job. And they
are based out of Florida. I double checked in case I was wrong.
Unfortunately I can't find any photos of my woodburnings that are compatible file types to upload to photobucket, so I can't share them with you yet. But what kind of woodburnings are you honestly pursuing? Simple flat surfaces with minimal detailed designs would be just as nicely pulled off using a more commercial woodburning tool that just changes tips, rather than having variable temps or exchangeable pens. It might take longer (you have to wait for the full to cool down before being able to change tips), and you'll have to wear something to keep the heat off your hands in some cases (those heavy pen woodburners can get pretty hot), but they're a good beginner tool. I still have an old Walnut Hollow woodburner with changeable tips that I got myself in middle school. It still works, it's just bulkier and less fine-tuned than my other woodburner (but let's face it, the Walnut Hollow was less than $20, you get what you pay for).
Let me know if you have more questions about that Everglades (or even the Walnut Hollow), I'm happy to help!
