Branding Iron by Rockler

Sawdust and Shavings

Woodworking Tools, Projects and Hardwood Information

Branding Iron

Specifications
Price Paid:	$80ish
Rating:
Purchase Branding Irons

Review

This isn't exactly what you think of when you think of a power tool. However, it plugs into the wall so I have a hard time calling this a hand tool. Semantics aside, it is a tool I use quite often.

I received this as a gift from my wife. I'd have to say that it is a great gift to give a woodworker. It is the kind of item that frugal woodworkers (I include myself in that group) will not purchase for themselves but will gladly use.

These branding irons come in two types. The type I have is heated electricity like an iron. The other type is heated using a torch. I have not used the torch model but I think the convenience of the electric model is worth paying the extra 20 or so dollars. If you happen to use a torch all the time, the torch model may be more convenient.

To use the electric model you just plug it in the wall and then wait a few minutes for the tip to get hot. Once it is hot enough you just press it into the wood. I recommend practicing a few times on scrap wood of the same species. This is a lot more difficult that it would seem. The flat front of the iron needs to rest flat on the wood for a few seconds. If you angle it slightly you may not get the whole area to burn properly. Setting up a second time to re-burn is very difficult. For that reason I make sure that I rock it a little bit and keep in on just a second longer than I'd normally want. This produces a slightly darker burn.

If you burn too dark it is easy to fix. Just take some sandpaper and rub off the surrounding area. The edges where the burn bled will sand off first. Then you'll just be left with the well defined desired burn mark.

The only gripe I have with this tool is in the flimsy metal rest that comes with the tool. The tool only balances with the iron part on the rest. This causes the rest to become hot as well.

I do recommend caution using this tool. It is very hot and will burn skin very easily. I also suspect it could cause a fire. Under no circumstances should you leave this unattended or set it down on anything flammable. I actually use it on my cement floor just to be on the safe side.

This is the type of tool that you'll have the rest of your life. With this type of tool your woodworking legacy may even extend more than a generation. I hope some day someone picks up one of my pieces and says "Who is this John guy anyway?"

Overall Rating 5 out of 6.

Branding Irons

Purchase branding irons from Rockler.