If you're thinking about giving this a go, don't. Its so incredibly dangerous and can leave you permanently disabled, or worse, dead. The amount of electricity that the device produces is incredibly high, and could easily be fatal if even the slightest thing goes wrong. There have already been over 30 reported deaths from fractal wood burning accidents in the US alone, don't be the
DO NOT DO THIS.Transformers are galvaniclly isolated so the rcd or main breaker will not trip if you get a 2kv shock ftom that microwave transformer.Mains trips only see the primary side load😯
Your correct with your information. I don't know exactly how every one else is making their machines. But I have a GFI outlet I use to plug my power wire into. Then it goes into a deadman switch in outdoor plastic electric box with a locking clear door, then to a secondary deadman switch, that's 4ft away from the first. The first one has a clear locking cover. The cover will close on its own due to gravity. The second is just a plastic electric box and the switch is not covered by a lid, it's a step on switch. Then it goes into a wooden box I built to contain the transformer. The box has a plastic ceiling light fixture that holds a light bulb. When both Deadman switches are depressed the light bulb will turn on, alerting me that the transformer is energized. I'm to am being OVERLY, CAUTIOUS !! ⚠️ ⚡⚡
@@wmman8256 Safety precautions can fail and do fail, like they fail on an airplane from time to time. It just takes one time, one day for your life to be over in an instant. If you don't have someone nearby who can shut the power off immediately and begin cpr, you will not survive that day. At the end of the day, though, it's your life on the line and not mine. Enjoy the hobby but don't foolishly believe that your safeguards are enough to stop the force of electricity if that day were to come.
@@onehellofanopinion2313 that's why you always build redundancy into your system so that any one part failing doesn't compromise the safety of the system. The method he's using is quite safe if done properly. He's using both a dead man's switch and a main switch, is turning the system on from a distance and then turning both power sources off before approaching, and is using insulated gloves to pick up the lead, one at a time, before replacing it and putting the board back down on the insulated surface before returning to a safe distance and turning both switches on prior to activating the circuit again. Plenty of redundancy. Not a perfect system but pretty damn safe if you treat it with respect. I understand people's horror at the idea of being shocked by these voltages and current - it's extremey dangerous and I'm really surprised that more people didn't die when they were essentially hooking up wires to a microwave transformer, splashing electrolyte solution everywhere, turning on the egregiously powerful current, and then manipulating the wires with their bare hands. It's astounding they're not all dead tbh. But the hysteria caused by that woman's video and the egregiously negligent and unsafe practices of some have lead to a hysteria where people regale anyone who mentions fractal wood burning with stories of an electrician who died from doing it and using this as proof that noone should ever do it ever as it's impossible to mitigate the risk. It's electricity, not black magic. You can mitigate the risk and you can do it relatively safely.
I will never try this, but find it interesting. I don’t know enough about electricity. That said, why does one have to use a “microwave transformer”? Does this method of burning wood really need the highest of electrical current and voltage? Please explain.
@@gottabighit1 The process works by trading the electrically conductive solution (baking soda in water) for electrically conductive carbon tracks (the burned wood, basically charcoal). At the interface, where the electrical current has boiled off the water - leaving non-conductive wood and solid baking soda - between the the two conductors, the electricity flows through an arc (air heated to a high enough temperature that some ionization has occurred), which burns the wood. For the electricity to jump the gap requires a fairly high voltage, typically a minimum of about a thousand volts. The arc is converting electrical power to heat and maintains itself if there is enough current provided by the power supply, probably around 10 to 20 milliamps minimum. Other types of high voltage transformers have been used successfully for wood-burning, such as oil-burner ignition transformers (aka OBITs, which provide about 20 to 25 milliamps at 8 - 10,000 volts) and neon-sign transformers (aka NSTs, which deliver 30 - 60 milliamps and 9 to 15,000 volts). Since these types of transformer provide lower currents than a microwave-oven transformer (aka MOTs, which put out about 500 milliamps at 2,200 volts), they are much less likely to give the operator a fatal shock (usually around 30 milliamps across the chest).
The deadman switch actually saved my life when my rig bit me. If the switch hadn't broken the circuit almost immediately after contact I would have died for sure. As it was, even the split second the 4000 volts went through my body was enough to fuse my contact lens to my cornea which ultimately caused me to lose my eye. It left exit wounds on my fingers. Needless to say I dont mess with it any longer.
If you think the price of an education is high, try the price of ignorance. And there's the problem with this video and video's like it.... these guys are the perfect example of someone who knows enough to be truly dangerous, AND they have no idea really how much more there is to consider. Dunning Kruger. And yet, they take the role of the expert, generating content, making money, while despite the hollow warnings "don't try this at home", etc, they empower folks who are simply not anywhere near capable of understanding what can go wrong. Hence deaths. And this notion that some level of qualification, following these simple steps, and random cheap hardware from Amazon has any place in a discussion of safety is ludicrous. There are entire fields of engineering focusing deeply on reliability and safety. This is no place for amature hour, and having been lucky for few hundred projects in absolutely no way makes you anything other than laughing stock to professionals. Bruce if I were an attorney I'd be rounding up survivors going class action against you and your ilk.
I've never seen the proof that 34 people died, Just a bunch of old ladies whining. how many people died getting run over by Forklifts, falling off of a roof, cutting down trees, building bridges and drinking and driving???? I'm not saying that it isn't dangerous, just that a lot of things in life are dangerous....
Y’all PLEASE LISTEN to the warnings here… this is DANGEROUS… a friend of a friend’s boyfriend is now in Hospice because he was electrocuted doing this. And it wasn’t his first time either. He’s practically brain dead. :( PLEASE BE SAFE
so you're betting your life on a footswitch. I do HV-AC testing daily and it's the second time in a year that the footswitch has broken so I don't trust these. One time I had the switch stay on but on a 400v testing rig so it didn't hurt as much as 4000v but still...
I understand you’re posting this to show your safety mechanisms so other people can do it your way if they’re going to do it anyway but I feel like since at least 50+ people have died trying to create these wood pieces I personally would never ever want to post any how tos or instructions. Someone could watch this but still not be careful enough and then they die… what if a little kid came barreling around the corner when they got home and the adult didn’t realize they were nearby?? There’s just no way to control for every possible accident with such dangerous tools
Glad someone is actually showing a safer way to do this. I work on things with higher voltage and current than this and you must develop a method for doing it safely. Nothing is 100% safe. I would add a couple lights to indicate the power is on. Switches can weld themselves on.
Not to mention that these folks do this stuff on the cheap with Chinese components bought off Amazon. And the transformers! Anyone see a problem with using the cheapest piece of degraded crap transformer from a microwave with zero reliability or performance pedigree in sight? Oh nooooo, go for it. Darwin award coming your way.
Pretty cool idea... Some ideas as someone who deals with employee safety (No I am not a safety professional) On your dead man switch, may add a light for a visual cue. Also, as part of your procedures, I would unplug the unit from power anytime the transformer or leads were being handled. We all have our own risk tolerance, but safety switches fail also.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620I also thought that an indicator would improve safety, came to this video to suggest it, and found this comment. Just a light that's lit up when the transformer is energised, and if you want the deluxe version: a strobe.
stupidest thing to do with a piece of wood. I would literally weld with my feet in water rather than do that. Leave the wood to fungus for a couple of months, it'll look just as shit without risking your life
I've read in the comments that you're thinking about making an instructional video showing people how to build the apparatus; I suggest you DON'T. Lots of people are clueless about electricity and I'm sure a lot of them will be confident building the apparatus thinking that they know what they're doing, THEY WON'T. They'll end up dead or in hospital. I graduated in electrical engineering, and I WOULD NOT MESS with such dangerous voltage, ever, no matter how safe I would think it would be, EVER.
Thank you so much for just outright telling people how dangerous it is and doing your best to provide safety measures for people who *do* want to play with that risk anyway. I saw a thing on Twitter just a couple of weeks go where a big account was hiding posts informing people how dangerous it is and I appreciate you going out of your way to inform people and responding to comments honestly. Thank you again.
I use basically the same setup but I also have a drop light plugged into the Deadman switch. The light clamped to the table so if the light is on the power is still active. Just so I feel safe my Deadman switch is working correctly. When light is out its safe to move cables .
The safest way possible is to use remote controlled HV switch with a visible air gap. Visible air gap means the operator can clearly see the state of the circuit just by looking at it. These are used on power distrubution stations. You need two switches, one for each HV lead. To engage the system, you connect transformer outputs to respective leads; to disengage you connect both transformer outputs to common grounded rail, shorting it. The sequence is: get away from the table, engage switches, verify the connection visually, step onto the pedal, burn, step off the pedal, disengage switches, verify disconnection and grounding visually, approach the table.
A suggestion , 2 lights so you can see its active. Why 2 lights, just in case one fails. Low probability of both failing at ssme time. Agree is bloody dangerous.
As an electrical engineer, I think this is a great idea. It is so easy to get bitten if you are not totally careful. Assuming everything is always hot, in the way you handle the clamps is the right idea, too.
Take a computer, create fractals that way. It costs less, it is safe and does not need a fear and respect disclaimer. Plus when done well, it looks far better than burned wood. For the trained eye seeing such wood is more a sign to keep distance to those guys.
I am amazed at how many people say take this down. There are a lot of things in life that are dangerous, such as driving for example. I have had several friends killed on the highway. But just because something is dangerous doesn’t mean it can’t or shouldn’t be done. Firearms are very dangerous too, but there are millions of them in the US. You just need to learn what to do and what not to do. This is a great video and it shows how this can be done safely. Thanks for your effort on this. Good job!
Seems safe except for two issues I saw. One that grid mat you are standing on will not do anything in the event of a mishap. And two always unplug when attaching or removing the leads. Plus not so sure about those gloves voltage ratings. So I guess actually three things.😂 BTW I used to work on high voltage circuits where we had huge thick gloves that we tested prior to every use. And had to stand on mats just like the one you have. Anyone wanting to try this maybe go the dc battery route. A whole lot safer. I have been hit with over 200v DC a hundred times in my life. It hurts like hell but doesn’t kill you
I soldered 4 30kv 1000 puff caps together in parallel one day so they looked like a 4 petal flower with a spike protruding from either end. After soldering I picked up the finished product with both hands from both terminals, not realising that the act of soldering provides charge... I must've jumped 4 feet in the air. Yep, not doing that again.
@@jonbrowning7340 yes bc fractal wood burning is a very common activity in the life of every day americans. Totally comparable to driving since noone drives amirite? Besides, people know the risks of driving, they don't know the risks of fractal wood burning. Don't act dumb.
I switch looped a hand held deadman’s switch directly into mine. I have a specialized fuse, a kill switch, and a dead man switch with a light indicator when it’s even plugged in and a second bigger light if the kill switch is on. And almost everything dipped in rubber. What do you use as transformer?
Thank you for this. I will be adding a Deadman switch to our unit ASAP. We were introduced to this last year but after a scare I have not wanted anything to do with this type of burn but now I will be giving it a fresh look. I do appreciate the art if it but continue the respect for death enough to be careful. Thanks again & remain safe. Your work is beautiful.
using two deadman switches, with covers, in series will give you even better protect. you have to depress two foot switches or two hand switches is even safer
@@Sparky6547 "My name is Ed and I think if we make this as complicated as we possibly can it will make it safer." Why stop at 2 Ed? lets add 6! Let's go baby! Safety first!
Watched a show where 2 beginners doing this for the first time, at their home, accidentally killed themselves and set the whole house on fire. This is by no means a little art project.
@@kevingray4070 How To Make Meth Watched a show where 2 beginners doing this for the first time, at their home, accidentally killed themselves and set the whole house on fire. This is by no means an easy way to get money. Sure that wasn't fractal burning?
Do NOT do this. A mistake will not injure you, it will kill you. I lost my 23 year old cousin because he did this. More importantly, why are we making “How To” videos on something so dangerous??? It’s so dumb
I admit the COOL factor is definitely there for me. But electricity SCARES ME. While I admit I'd like to do it just based on the cool factor I do believe I will pass
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 hmmmm, well that’s interesting, because it’s actually just a raw body from a yet-unassembled kit. So if it went South it would be no loss. I’m down to gamble if you are, haha. I could ship it to ya. Thoughts?
Please make this video 18 + it’s not safe you could actually be teaching 16 or 17 year old how to do this and if anything went wrong they could die maybe even 15 please make it 18 + and please put something at the start of the video telling the danger it could cause
I got electrocuted using a sketchy wood burning device. The cable shrugged the switch on while I was holding the clamps which had burnt rubber and I became the circuit. It’s only been seven weeks although I can’t lift my left arm.. it is unknown if I will recover mobility of my arm. This is a much safer way to do it but I still don’t recommend playing with electricity. As the video mentions, if you will anyways, then be extremely diligent. Its life altering or ending if you get shocked. Such a silly way to go :(
Dang what type of switch to you have that it can be turned on from a cable bumping it. I've only completed the circuit with my body once and it hurt extremely bad. No loss of control of any of my limbs luckily and I was back to burning a few minutes later.
A light switch… it’s besides the point, anyone can make any type of device and consider or not any safety and show anybody else that may know or not what kind of danger they are handling… you’re lucky, Might of been that the entry point of contact was very small, and lucky you didn’t glue to it more. I was holding the clamps which both had burnt rubber and exposed metal. So when I got shocked, I seized the clamps harder and was stuck there for a couple seconds until I lost consciousness and fell forward like a stiff board. My friend who was showing me all this got up from his seat and switched it off. And I don’t know how but I woke up. Realized a few seconds later that my arm was limp… and still is. Only gained a few percents back and its been physiotherapy everyweek since. 8-9 weeks now.
These MOT's are pretty versatile things. I build a ring and spot welder with them. Much safer since the high (2.5kV usually) secondary coil is removed and replaced by a 1.7 Volts turn and a half coil to get the high current needed for butt/ring/spot welding. The MOT as is can be very dangerous. Even disassembling a microwave oven (to extract the MOT) which was recently in use can kill if you touch the leads to and/or from the giant capacitor in there...
EDITED. The setup has evolved, so take this criticism as intended to keep your evolution moving in a good direction. On the positive side, the plastic mats, distant foot switch, arms crossed are all very good. That said, keep improving, you are still in more danger than you realize. Whatever you do, do not step off your mat. The "hot" lead is hot relative to ALL earth ground. UNLESS, in the box, you have no connection between the transformer frame and the earth ground where your primary power comes in. In that case you float the transformer frame, which is "meh", much better, but still leaves many mechanical avenues for failure and unintended leakage. First, that leads me to the first, and biggest issue. There should be no "grounding" of the secondary. Meaning, if you do ground one side of the secondary, this provides many more opportunities for current to go where you don't want it. Let that sink in. I will repeat: the "hot" lead is hot relative to ALL earth ground. What you want are two symmetrical fully floating and robustly insulated leads to your clamping arrangement. Short, neither lead grounded, and under good mechanical control at all times. This will improve the safety of the ground mats by a huge factor. It seems counter-intuitive to people who aren't in the engineering area, because that secondary lead is grounded in the microwave oven. But inside the microwave that grounded secondary is in a completely different use environment. It is stable (not moving) enclosed in the metal case of the microwave. These are two very different safety scenarios. Second, another group of issues is the battery cables, the splice in the black lead, the ability for the sawhorses to tip. The two table approach, doesn't buy anything, especially if you are using wooden sawhorses under the work-piece. If any one of the four sawhorses should tip, the current pathways you had planned would be, well, off the table. I apologize for making a joke, but it fits. The plastic sawhorses if made more stable, would be reasonable, so you might consider a way to tie 3 or more of them together. For redundancy and the longer work area you want. This way the high voltage leads wouldn't be out in the open air, "dangling there" waiting. This idea needs more thought and consideration, but perhaps you could use a number of PVC electrical conduits secured across all of the sawhorses to stabilize them and make the non-conductive work surface. If you clean up 1 and 2 above there, it would be a quantum leap. Three, the use of battery clamps, and jumper cable. This entire aspect is needing a design review. On first look, I agree the cable approach is far safer than any of the handheld probes arrangements I have seen. It always will be but it depends on the design of the clamps. Battery clamps are not the best, they were just cheap and easy for everybody to get. The insulation is not rated for the working voltages, and the stiffness of cables, coupled with the exposed areas of the clamps, and the clamp contact design, again these areas need to be reviewed. Overall though my impression is you are one of the good craftsmen honestly trying to advance the state of the craft. Keep a humble attitude, and you will do OK, though I realize it it tough to stay humble when you are using power like this! I did post some lichtenberg related theory which will make sense of the statements I made above.
As a former woodworking professional, it seems you are just opening the door for people to kill themselves trying this. There are too many DIY wanna-be's thinking this process is cool and will certainly try this at home. This process can kill you instantly if you have the slightest mess up. No woodworking professional is a trained electrician and there is no trade school that will ever teach you this because the risk is not worth the reward. You would be better served removing this video and keep this knowledge process away from the general public.
The door was open long before this video. I built my first one before anyone was making safety videos like this. Keeping knowledge from people has never proven to be a good thing.
i have wanted to get into doing this forever but needed more reassurance that i would be safe and this makes me feel like i could do some more reading and consider giving it a go! i love word burning and have been doing it with a torch for years and a lot with epoxy this is something new i've wanted to give a go! SAFELY! thanks i hit subscribe can't wait to check out your channel🤘🏼 i clean skulls and need some options for plaques
I am a female power plant worker I work with voltages all the way up to 138,000 V and 13,800 V off the generator that little microwave transformer puts out around two kVA or kilovolt amps or kilovolts if you get hooked to it, and your resistance starts going down in your body, it will push at least 6 A through you a human being in the electric chair gets fried by about 1000 mA so you do the math very dangerous do not do this. It’s not worth your life for a hobby if you want to make it like that use of the soldering iron or something else.
i do appreciate how your intent is not to encourage fractal wood burning, and you emphasize multiple times that it is a bad idea and you are making these wood pieces understandkmg the risk, but instead your intent is "there are going to be some people who ignore the warnings, who dont care about the risks and are going to try it anyways. let me do the best i can to make sure those people are at least doing it as safe as possible" i mean, personally id argue there is no such thing as a safe way to do this, and based on your video i bet you would agree. but you are right, in that some people just do not care how dangerous something is. they will do what they want regardless. so i appreciate and thank you for doing your best to protect those dumbasses who think doing stupidly dangerous stuff for cool results is a good idea. ideally, absolutely nobody would ever do this unless there is a way to make it 100% absolutely safe (or well 99.99% since 100% safe of anything isnt really possible but you get my point) but that just isnt reality. some people are stupid. so i respect you trying to make sure those people are at least being stupid in a less dangerous way. with that said though you really shouldnt risk it, its just not worth it. im sure there are ways to get similar results without the risk, maybe by using a soldering iron and a light touch
Thanks for the feedback. I think I’m in too deep now to stop. My LLC name is Bruce Burns 😂. But no it’s totally not worth it but I truly love doing this and it’s fulfilling for me so I’m going to stick with it!
Working with electricity has always been dangerous, rather when we talk about 2000 volts, but if you take all the safety measures, that is, you prepare everything for burning and then connect the transformer, watching from afar, you won't have any risk of electrocution. , then to intervene or change the position of the electrodes, the first thing to do is disconnect the transformer, to work safely...... this is a nice job (always make sure there are no children playing around)
You seem far too critical. Following every single piece of advice in the video makes the overall procedure just reasonable levels of danger. Clear emphasis of absolutely no children on the property, kill switch, dead man switch, rubber gloves, and standing several feet away. And, clear emphasis that it's still dangerous, consider it similar to rock climbing, if you anchor into a loose rock you might die, it happens. If the kill switch and foot pedal break or make contact you might die if exposed skin touches something. There are 60+ deaths from fractal wood burning, if they did this, it would probably be 0. Even if it was 1-2 deaths, it would be a dangerous activity, e.g. something like BASE jumping, not something prohibitive to people with that risk tolerance. You mention 99.99% vs 100% as if the average speed on Floridian highways where I live isn't literally 90-100mph with people changing lanes all the time to swerve around traffic. Often with occasional drunks on the road too if the sun has set. That's not 100%, or even 99.99%, certainly less. That's all to say. This video is quite reasonable.
I mean you’re not wrong but you’re not right. Yes it’s good to advise against it but the best thing to do is to not promote it and try and dissuade people as much as possible. This is basically a video on how to make a bomb but then the narrator says, “we suggest you don’t make this bomb because it could injure you.”
Thank you for taking the time to show others some great safety tips. I'm off to look at your art and make a purchase just because of this video. In the comments people are making changes, that's awesome!
Question!! Do you have a video on making your device for the burning? Nice work and very smart to do a deadman switch. Finding best safe practices is key if you’re going to do it! Respect electricity as it is very dangerous!
Think she means if you put a nail in the wood before you turned the power on, would the current be drawn toward the nail on itd way to join the other electrode,given that the nail another conducter.
I think the point is this: the deadman turns the power off. The kill switch turns the power off. Two devices to do the same job offers redundancy. Plus, the kill switch turning the power off means that the deadman switch can't accidentally be activated while you're messing with the connections in harm's way (you step on it, cat steps on it, something falls on it, ex steps on it).
I would like to do this to some plywood and lay it for flooring in my camper, can I do this with plywood? Or. Is the plywood sheet to thin for this type of work?
Ya you can do it with plywood. I am using plywood in this video. I wouldn’t do fractal wood burn something I would be walking over tho. Burning the wood makes it weaker!
Well done Bruce. The only thing I would add for safety is being very conscious of water on your mats. What your standing on and where the workpiece is. Not becoming part of the circuit in anyway kinda thing. (I bet you have already considered this, but I add it here for the less technical viewer.). Wasn't a fan of the chicken sticks at first, but I was impressed to see the update. Look folks, if you don't understand electricity and are uncomfortable...look away. Your point is taken if you are not qualified...don't attempt. Yes, don't attempt. But if qualified, I would venture as another has said here...I bet your poor driving habits are more dangerous. Welding and woodworking is dangerous. As someone that has worked in industrial and high-energy work, we should support makers that are being smart about this. This is only the 3rd video I've seen that is taking the appropriate amount of safety...that I feel comfortable with. The others mostly made me cringe...so yes, Jughead wannabes not allowed.
Absolutely! And that’s a good point I did not mention; never do this on a wet surface. I won’t even go out there if I looks like it might rain 😂 electricity tracks on water! Thanks for watching and your input!
Ive watched several hours of video on this technique and I have to say i absolutely think you nailed this!! I always say treat the electrodes like a loaded gun! Thanks for doing this and the link to even safer ways to do it!
Ok but your power supply.. the black box.. what is it and how do I get one?! Your the first person Iv actually seen doing this and it’s safely being done. Awesome! Iv always wanted to do this.. man I wish you lived near me and we were friends lol
So, what is that big box you got? Looks like a Pelican hard case. I'm assuming that's where the volts/electricity is coming from. I'm looking to start into this but IDK the power source of the electricity.
So the machine that is ised for this is it just an arc welding machine? As personally thats all it looks like to me? Or is more amps or voltage required? I have only just seen this type of process and just enjoy learning about new things. I have rewired and built a house, weld, turn, mill, surface grinders etc and work with robots to, so have a good technical knowledge. But am keen to learn new things.
It uses somewhere around 4000 Volts compared to welding that uses 12-48 Volts. 4000 V can create an arch even if you don't touch the clamps or board you are using.
Mate, I would add to your setup proper boots specced for electrical hazards with rubber soles and testing equipment with visual and audible signs that will tell you if your switches didn't fail to cut the power off for some reason
I notice you clamp the leads directly to the wood, rather than using a nail to make contact. Are the advantages or disadvantages to one method or the other?
As a welder who regularly deals with high amperage 3 phase power, is this any more dangerous than the shit i already do? Factory power with 200 amps dc or ac current will fry the shit out ofyou if youre dumb, and icantsee anything here thatseems like it would be more dangerous than that
Nice video man. It is how it is supposed to be done, in a more safe environment. But I will still prefer to purchase such fractal artwork from people like you and not make it myself. Let the professionals and experienced do their jobs
Didn't get a good look inside your box. But, if you want this even safer. Use a motor starter to send power to the line side of transformer. That way you can run your lower voltage through the starter and any other safety device you may have in the circuit. Would also piggyback off of starter line side of starter to a light on outside of box. This way, you know damn well that power is off. Either that or use a lower voltage and a higher conductive liquid. Maybe a very strong solution of salt water. This I can't confirm but just thinking out loud for a possible better way. Anyhow, stay safe and I find that process very fascinating. 👍
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 I would really strongly recommend you not do that. Teaching people how to make the device definitely crosses over into encouraging doing it. The device is pretty basic and the safety instructions you've provided here should be applicable to any tutorial that already exists, but ideally you shouldn't potentially spread it farther among people who will absolutely not do it safely.
Wow nice work, I also have played with this, an i do mean played, why I have not been killed only God knows. But after seeing this great video with all your safety stuff I will be reworking my system. Now I know how to do if safely I will get back to my correct playing THANK you
I'm pretty sure he is just using a transformer from a microwave. The transformer takes 120v and the output is a few thousand volts. The high voltage (potential) is what allows the electricity to flow through relatively high resistance.
I've tried and I can't get an arc to travel more than 6 inches. When the muscles tighten and push harder on the switch, the mass of the body will submit to gravity and fall taking the foot off the switch.
That is super dope. Going to leave that fun alone until I build up my wood working skill set. Thank you for this. I like the set up. Truly looks like you've taken the safety element to a high degree (for obvious reasons).
Good safe setup Brother. I have the same setup with a foot switch, in line shutoff switch and power light. I'm always at least 10 feet away when the power is on.
Bro You said you have fear and respect for the electricity but do not turn off your kill switch before you walk up and spray or move the connector. I always unplug my mot burner deadman switch or not.... Ive wired mine to a big red light so when anytime there is power to the machine there's a big red light lit up so I know not to go near it. My systems protections: 1.Deadman switch 10 feet from piece. 2.Rubber mats on the floor and under workpiece just like you 3.power to transformer has a kill all switch in the wire. 4.tbe gfi plug i use is also turned on and off by the wall switch (Just in case my wife walks out and sees me frying) 5. Anytime the power is on i have 2 bright red bulbs that are also illuminated I think thats it. But if anyone has any more ideas on how to make this safer I'm all yours. There's no guarantee that you will not be electrocuted doing this no matter how many safety precautions you have implicated in your machine. This is always a little bit dangerous no matter what and I guess that is what is appealing to some of us... Call me crazy
How about adding a timed relay to the deadman switch. Make it say 3 seconds. You’d need to keep pushing the switch every 3 seconds to keep power on but it will only run for 3 seconds without intervention. Granted 3 seconds is enough to kill you but it’s another safety measure.
The purpose of the switch is to shut off immediately when it is not actively actuated. Adding a timer like you suggest would just defeat the entire purpose of the switch, since 3 seconds is more than enough time to electrocute you.
No you’re not understanding. With this setup it would be in-line with the dead switch. If you let your foot off the switch it would still instantly cut power. Under this setup power would only flow 3 seconds. To make power flow again you’ll need to release the foot pedal and engage it again for another 3 seconds. This way even if you got spiked and were frozen in place no matter what power would stop after 3 seconds.
No you’re not understanding. With this setup it would be in-line with the dead switch. If you let your foot off the switch it would still instantly cut power. Under this setup power would only flow 3 seconds. To make power flow again you’ll need to release the foot pedal and engage it again for another 3 seconds. This way even if you got spiked and were frozen in place no matter what power would stop after 3 seconds.
If the output voltage is about 2000v and power of oven is about 1000w current would be approx 0.5A therefore the output cables shouldn't have to be as heavy as those shown.
Please don't try it!!! It's really dangerous for anyone at home to do this. Really, don't. A lot of people have died and burned their houses doing this
If you're thinking about giving this a go, don't. Its so incredibly dangerous and can leave you permanently disabled, or worse, dead. The amount of electricity that the device produces is incredibly high, and could easily be fatal if even the slightest thing goes wrong. There have already been over 30 reported deaths from fractal wood burning accidents in the US alone, don't be the
Absolutely right! It’s very dangerous!
@@hotbrakepads 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Today, 6 1 23,they are burying a 43 year old,self taught expert.😢
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 Today we are burying a 43 year old self taught "expert" June 1,st .2023.
@@larrymoore5228 I love how he posted a short 1 hour ago. Please try harder to make legit fake news.
DO NOT DO THIS.Transformers are galvaniclly isolated so the rcd or main breaker will not trip if you get a 2kv shock ftom that microwave transformer.Mains trips only see the primary side load😯
Your correct with your information. I don't know exactly how every one else is making their machines. But I have a GFI outlet I use to plug my power wire into.
Then it goes into a deadman switch in outdoor plastic electric box with a locking clear door, then to a secondary deadman switch, that's 4ft away from the first. The first one has a clear locking cover. The cover will close on its own due to gravity. The second is just a plastic electric box and the switch is not covered by a lid, it's a step on switch. Then it goes into a wooden box I built to contain the transformer. The box has a plastic ceiling light fixture that holds a light bulb. When both Deadman switches are depressed the light bulb will turn on, alerting me that the transformer is energized.
I'm to am being OVERLY, CAUTIOUS !! ⚠️ ⚡⚡
@@wmman8256 Safety precautions can fail and do fail, like they fail on an airplane from time to time. It just takes one time, one day for your life to be over in an instant. If you don't have someone nearby who can shut the power off immediately and begin cpr, you will not survive that day. At the end of the day, though, it's your life on the line and not mine. Enjoy the hobby but don't foolishly believe that your safeguards are enough to stop the force of electricity if that day were to come.
@@onehellofanopinion2313 that's why you always build redundancy into your system so that any one part failing doesn't compromise the safety of the system.
The method he's using is quite safe if done properly.
He's using both a dead man's switch and a main switch, is turning the system on from a distance and then turning both power sources off before approaching, and is using insulated gloves to pick up the lead, one at a time, before replacing it and putting the board back down on the insulated surface before returning to a safe distance and turning both switches on prior to activating the circuit again.
Plenty of redundancy. Not a perfect system but pretty damn safe if you treat it with respect.
I understand people's horror at the idea of being shocked by these voltages and current - it's extremey dangerous and I'm really surprised that more people didn't die when they were essentially hooking up wires to a microwave transformer, splashing electrolyte solution everywhere, turning on the egregiously powerful current, and then manipulating the wires with their bare hands.
It's astounding they're not all dead tbh. But the hysteria caused by that woman's video and the egregiously negligent and unsafe practices of some have lead to a hysteria where people regale anyone who mentions fractal wood burning with stories of an electrician who died from doing it and using this as proof that noone should ever do it ever as it's impossible to mitigate the risk.
It's electricity, not black magic. You can mitigate the risk and you can do it relatively safely.
I will never try this, but find it interesting. I don’t know enough about electricity.
That said, why does one have to use a “microwave transformer”? Does this method of burning wood really need the highest of electrical current and voltage? Please explain.
@@gottabighit1 The process works by trading the electrically conductive solution (baking soda in water) for electrically conductive carbon tracks (the burned wood, basically charcoal). At the interface, where the electrical current has boiled off the water - leaving non-conductive wood and solid baking soda - between the the two conductors, the electricity flows through an arc (air heated to a high enough temperature that some ionization has occurred), which burns the wood. For the electricity to jump the gap requires a fairly high voltage, typically a minimum of about a thousand volts. The arc is converting electrical power to heat and maintains itself if there is enough current provided by the power supply, probably around 10 to 20 milliamps minimum. Other types of high voltage transformers have been used successfully for wood-burning, such as oil-burner ignition transformers (aka OBITs, which provide about 20 to 25 milliamps at 8 - 10,000 volts) and neon-sign transformers (aka NSTs, which deliver 30 - 60 milliamps and 9 to 15,000 volts). Since these types of transformer provide lower currents than a microwave-oven transformer (aka MOTs, which put out about 500 milliamps at 2,200 volts), they are much less likely to give the operator a fatal shock (usually around 30 milliamps across the chest).
The deadman switch actually saved my life when my rig bit me. If the switch hadn't broken the circuit almost immediately after contact I would have died for sure. As it was, even the split second the 4000 volts went through my body was enough to fuse my contact lens to my cornea which ultimately caused me to lose my eye. It left exit wounds on my fingers. Needless to say I dont mess with it any longer.
How did it get you? This could help save someone knowing your story!
jesus
Sorry you paid such a hefty price.
If you think the price of an education is high, try the price of ignorance.
And there's the problem with this video and video's like it.... these guys are the perfect example of someone who knows enough to be truly dangerous, AND they have no idea really how much more there is to consider. Dunning Kruger. And yet, they take the role of the expert, generating content, making money, while despite the hollow warnings "don't try this at home", etc, they empower folks who are simply not anywhere near capable of understanding what can go wrong. Hence deaths.
And this notion that some level of qualification, following these simple steps, and random cheap hardware from Amazon has any place in a discussion of safety is ludicrous. There are entire fields of engineering focusing deeply on reliability and safety. This is no place for amature hour, and having been lucky for few hundred projects in absolutely no way makes you anything other than laughing stock to professionals.
Bruce if I were an attorney I'd be rounding up survivors going class action against you and your ilk.
@@ericbryant1778 I mean he was using microwave parts to burn wood, that's how it gets you. How did it not get him is the question.
34+ people died doing this in the USA. Another 30+ people died doing this in the UK. There have also been some deaths reported in Australia.
Yeah and how many died drinking this year in those countries
@@jaybee6477yep, and how many people died in car accidents. Boring karens really shouldn't be watching these videos 👍
I've never seen the proof that 34 people died, Just a bunch of old ladies whining. how many people died getting run over by Forklifts, falling off of a roof, cutting down trees, building bridges and drinking and driving???? I'm not saying that it isn't dangerous, just that a lot of things in life are dangerous....
Y’all PLEASE LISTEN to the warnings here… this is DANGEROUS… a friend of a friend’s boyfriend is now in Hospice because he was electrocuted doing this. And it wasn’t his first time either. He’s practically brain dead. :( PLEASE BE SAFE
so you're betting your life on a footswitch. I do HV-AC testing daily and it's the second time in a year that the footswitch has broken so I don't trust these. One time I had the switch stay on but on a 400v testing rig so it didn't hurt as much as 4000v but still...
Nope, just betting someone else’s life on it.
Gonna bet my life on a dead man's switch
'Cause I'm nothing but a stupid sunnuvabitch
The volts are getting higher
Woah, woah, woah
I'm on fire
I understand you’re posting this to show your safety mechanisms so other people can do it your way if they’re going to do it anyway but I feel like since at least 50+ people have died trying to create these wood pieces I personally would never ever want to post any how tos or instructions. Someone could watch this but still not be careful enough and then they die… what if a little kid came barreling around the corner when they got home and the adult didn’t realize they were nearby?? There’s just no way to control for every possible accident with such dangerous tools
Glad someone is actually showing a safer way to do this. I work on things with higher voltage and current than this and you must develop a method for doing it safely. Nothing is 100% safe. I would add a couple lights to indicate the power is on. Switches can weld themselves on.
Not to mention that these folks do this stuff on the cheap with Chinese components bought off Amazon. And the transformers! Anyone see a problem with using the cheapest piece of degraded crap transformer from a microwave with zero reliability or performance pedigree in sight? Oh nooooo, go for it. Darwin award coming your way.
Have you heard DJ Shipley talking about his electrocution when fractal burning skateboards? Unreal man. Anything you can do to make it safer do it.
I watched that video as well. Crazy story! Definitely part of the reason why I wanted to make this video.
Dead people can't talk
Pretty cool idea... Some ideas as someone who deals with employee safety (No I am not a safety professional) On your dead man switch, may add a light for a visual cue. Also, as part of your procedures, I would unplug the unit from power anytime the transformer or leads were being handled. We all have our own risk tolerance, but safety switches fail also.
All good ideas! 👍🤘
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620I also thought that an indicator would improve safety, came to this video to suggest it, and found this comment.
Just a light that's lit up when the transformer is energised, and if you want the deluxe version: a strobe.
Tbh this is one of the safest burner set ups I’ve seen would love a video on how your burner is set up tbh
Noted! Thanks for watching!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 Bruce have you thought about an indicator light(s) - if foot switch fails that could make a difference.
stupidest thing to do with a piece of wood. I would literally weld with my feet in water rather than do that. Leave the wood to fungus for a couple of months, it'll look just as shit without risking your life
ikr!💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🤣🤣🤣
I've read in the comments that you're thinking about making an instructional video showing people how to build the apparatus; I suggest you DON'T.
Lots of people are clueless about electricity and I'm sure a lot of them will be confident building the apparatus thinking that they know what they're doing, THEY WON'T.
They'll end up dead or in hospital.
I graduated in electrical engineering, and I WOULD NOT MESS with such dangerous voltage, ever, no matter how safe I would think it would be, EVER.
So 300amps enough or should I get a bigger welder for this?
Thank you so much for just outright telling people how dangerous it is and doing your best to provide safety measures for people who *do* want to play with that risk anyway. I saw a thing on Twitter just a couple of weeks go where a big account was hiding posts informing people how dangerous it is and I appreciate you going out of your way to inform people and responding to comments honestly. Thank you again.
this is still horrible. it's going to lead to dumbasses thinking it's safe
I use basically the same setup but I also have a drop light plugged into the Deadman switch. The light clamped to the table so if the light is on the power is still active. Just so I feel safe my Deadman switch is working correctly. When light is out its safe to move cables .
Yes, I agree. A broken stuck deadman switch can cause a dead man…
Maybe you'll have a blown light bulb sometime also
Video title should be "how a deadman switch makes woodburning bit safer", there's almost 0% "how to" in this "tutorial"
The safest way possible is to use remote controlled HV switch with a visible air gap. Visible air gap means the operator can clearly see the state of the circuit just by looking at it. These are used on power distrubution stations. You need two switches, one for each HV lead. To engage the system, you connect transformer outputs to respective leads; to disengage you connect both transformer outputs to common grounded rail, shorting it. The sequence is: get away from the table, engage switches, verify the connection visually, step onto the pedal, burn, step off the pedal, disengage switches, verify disconnection and grounding visually, approach the table.
A suggestion , 2 lights so you can see its active. Why 2 lights, just in case one fails. Low probability of both failing at ssme time.
Agree is bloody dangerous.
This!
As an electrical engineer, I think this is a great idea. It is so easy to get bitten if you are not totally careful. Assuming everything is always hot, in the way you handle the clamps is the right idea, too.
Take a computer, create fractals that way. It costs less, it is safe and does not need a fear and respect disclaimer. Plus when done well, it looks far better than burned wood. For the trained eye seeing such wood is more a sign to keep distance to those guys.
How do you mean create the fractals with a computer on wood? Do you mean with some graphic software and a fine bit and a CNC router?
I am amazed at how many people say take this down. There are a lot of things in life that are dangerous, such as driving for example. I have had several friends killed on the highway. But just because something is dangerous doesn’t mean it can’t or shouldn’t be done. Firearms are very dangerous too, but there are millions of them in the US. You just need to learn what to do and what not to do.
This is a great video and it shows how this can be done safely. Thanks for your effort on this. Good job!
Thank you very much!! 😁
Truer word never been spoken.
People are ignorant, there are so many dangers in life. Do what you like and do it safely 👍🏻
@@tonyz6421 like I've said if your gonna do something be safe stupid!👍🏴
@@tonyz6421 there will be more people dying from gun crime car accidents alcohol but no one is trying ban them?🤔
Seems safe except for two issues I saw. One that grid mat you are standing on will not do anything in the event of a mishap. And two always unplug when attaching or removing the leads.
Plus not so sure about those gloves voltage ratings. So I guess actually three things.😂
BTW I used to work on high voltage circuits where we had huge thick gloves that we tested prior to every use. And had to stand on mats just like the one you have.
Anyone wanting to try this maybe go the dc battery route. A whole lot safer. I have been hit with over 200v DC a hundred times in my life. It hurts like hell but doesn’t kill you
I soldered 4 30kv 1000 puff caps together in parallel one day so they looked like a 4 petal flower with a spike protruding from either end. After soldering I picked up the finished product with both hands from both terminals, not realising that the act of soldering provides charge...
I must've jumped 4 feet in the air. Yep, not doing that again.
don't try it period. why risk your life over a piece of wood and some burn marks.
Exactly, it's not even a form of art it is just burning wood with extremely high voltage and everybody who is crazy can do it,
"Risk your life" 🤓
@@jonbrowning7340 literally killed 34 people. This thing has 2000v going through it
@@AndreLuiz-lm9iz 34 people? Wait till you hear about the risks of driving.
@@jonbrowning7340 yes bc fractal wood burning is a very common activity in the life of every day americans. Totally comparable to driving since noone drives amirite? Besides, people know the risks of driving, they don't know the risks of fractal wood burning. Don't act dumb.
I switch looped a hand held deadman’s switch directly into mine. I have a specialized fuse, a kill switch, and a dead man switch with a light indicator when it’s even plugged in and a second bigger light if the kill switch is on. And almost everything dipped in rubber.
What do you use as transformer?
Microwave!
Thank you for this. I will be adding a Deadman switch to our unit ASAP. We were introduced to this last year but after a scare I have not wanted anything to do with this type of burn but now I will be giving it a fresh look. I do appreciate the art if it but continue the respect for death enough to be careful. Thanks again & remain safe. Your work is beautiful.
Thank you and glad I could help!! 👍 stay safe!
using two deadman switches, with covers, in series will give you even better protect. you have to depress two foot switches or two hand switches is even safer
@@Sparky6547 "My name is Ed and I think if we make this as complicated as we possibly can it will make it safer." Why stop at 2 Ed? lets add 6! Let's go baby! Safety first!
@@YoureNotSoSmartBroI’d rather be over cautious with something as stupidly unsafe as this than dead
Foot switches can get stuck so redundancy is a good thing.@@YoureNotSoSmartBro
Watched a show where 2 beginners doing this for the first time, at their home, accidentally killed themselves and set the whole house on fire. This is by no means a little art project.
This sounds like fake news from somebody who wishes they had a life and ANY story to tell.
Sure that wasn't a meth lab?
@@kevingray4070 How To Make Meth
Watched a show where 2 beginners doing this for the first time, at their home, accidentally killed themselves and set the whole house on fire. This is by no means an easy way to get money.
Sure that wasn't fractal burning?
Do NOT do this. A mistake will not injure you, it will kill you. I lost my 23 year old cousin because he did this. More importantly, why are we making “How To” videos on something so dangerous??? It’s so dumb
I admit the COOL factor is definitely there for me. But electricity SCARES ME. While I admit I'd like to do it just based on the cool factor I do believe I will pass
Electricity should scare you
Nice pointers, man. But I think I’m gonna heed the “don’t try this yourself” part most of all!!
Smart!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 Right on. Whereabout are you located? Would you be interested in doing that there trick to a guitar body?
I live in Ohio. I would but kinda scared to run a perfectly good guitar. Not every burn comes out nice as nice as I’d like.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 hmmmm, well that’s interesting, because it’s actually just a raw body from a yet-unassembled kit. So if it went South it would be no loss. I’m down to gamble if you are, haha. I could ship it to ya. Thoughts?
Please make this video 18 + it’s not safe you could actually be teaching 16 or 17 year old how to do this and if anything went wrong they could die maybe even 15 please make it 18 + and please put something at the start of the video telling the danger it could cause
I got electrocuted using a sketchy wood burning device. The cable shrugged the switch on while I was holding the clamps which had burnt rubber and I became the circuit. It’s only been seven weeks although I can’t lift my left arm.. it is unknown if I will recover mobility of my arm. This is a much safer way to do it but I still don’t recommend playing with electricity. As the video mentions, if you will anyways, then be extremely diligent. Its life altering or ending if you get shocked. Such a silly way to go :(
Dang what type of switch to you have that it can be turned on from a cable bumping it. I've only completed the circuit with my body once and it hurt extremely bad. No loss of control of any of my limbs luckily and I was back to burning a few minutes later.
A light switch… it’s besides the point, anyone can make any type of device and consider or not any safety and show anybody else that may know or not what kind of danger they are handling… you’re lucky, Might of been that the entry point of contact was very small, and lucky you didn’t glue to it more. I was holding the clamps which both had burnt rubber and exposed metal. So when I got shocked, I seized the clamps harder and was stuck there for a couple seconds until I lost consciousness and fell forward like a stiff board. My friend who was showing me all this got up from his seat and switched it off. And I don’t know how but I woke up. Realized a few seconds later that my arm was limp… and still is. Only gained a few percents back and its been physiotherapy everyweek since. 8-9 weeks now.
@@AlexandreTherrien-v2u So you weren't wearing gloves?
These MOT's are pretty versatile things. I build a ring and spot welder with them. Much safer since the high (2.5kV usually) secondary coil is removed and replaced by a 1.7 Volts turn and a half coil to get the high current needed for butt/ring/spot welding.
The MOT as is can be very dangerous. Even disassembling a microwave oven (to extract the MOT) which was recently in use can kill if you touch the leads to and/or from the giant capacitor in there...
4 words: do not try this
EDITED. The setup has evolved, so take this criticism as intended to keep your evolution moving in a good direction. On the positive side, the plastic mats, distant foot switch, arms crossed are all very good. That said, keep improving, you are still in more danger than you realize. Whatever you do, do not step off your mat. The "hot" lead is hot relative to ALL earth ground. UNLESS, in the box, you have no connection between the transformer frame and the earth ground where your primary power comes in. In that case you float the transformer frame, which is "meh", much better, but still leaves many mechanical avenues for failure and unintended leakage.
First, that leads me to the first, and biggest issue. There should be no "grounding" of the secondary. Meaning, if you do ground one side of the secondary, this provides many more opportunities for current to go where you don't want it. Let that sink in. I will repeat: the "hot" lead is hot relative to ALL earth ground. What you want are two symmetrical fully floating and robustly insulated leads to your clamping arrangement. Short, neither lead grounded, and under good mechanical control at all times. This will improve the safety of the ground mats by a huge factor.
It seems counter-intuitive to people who aren't in the engineering area, because that secondary lead is grounded in the microwave oven. But inside the microwave that grounded secondary is in a completely different use environment. It is stable (not moving) enclosed in the metal case of the microwave. These are two very different safety scenarios.
Second, another group of issues is the battery cables, the splice in the black lead, the ability for the sawhorses to tip. The two table approach, doesn't buy anything, especially if you are using wooden sawhorses under the work-piece. If any one of the four sawhorses should tip, the current pathways you had planned would be, well, off the table. I apologize for making a joke, but it fits. The plastic sawhorses if made more stable, would be reasonable, so you might consider a way to tie 3 or more of them together. For redundancy and the longer work area you want. This way the high voltage leads wouldn't be out in the open air, "dangling there" waiting. This idea needs more thought and consideration, but perhaps you could use a number of PVC electrical conduits secured across all of the sawhorses to stabilize them and make the non-conductive work surface.
If you clean up 1 and 2 above there, it would be a quantum leap.
Three, the use of battery clamps, and jumper cable. This entire aspect is needing a design review. On first look, I agree the cable approach is far safer than any of the handheld probes arrangements I have seen. It always will be but it depends on the design of the clamps. Battery clamps are not the best, they were just cheap and easy for everybody to get. The insulation is not rated for the working voltages, and the stiffness of cables, coupled with the exposed areas of the clamps, and the clamp contact design, again these areas need to be reviewed.
Overall though my impression is you are one of the good craftsmen honestly trying to advance the state of the craft. Keep a humble attitude, and you will do OK, though I realize it it tough to stay humble when you are using power like this! I did post some lichtenberg related theory which will make sense of the statements I made above.
As a former woodworking professional, it seems you are just opening the door for people to kill themselves trying this. There are too many DIY wanna-be's thinking this process is cool and will certainly try this at home. This process can kill you instantly if you have the slightest mess up. No woodworking professional is a trained electrician and there is no trade school that will ever teach you this because the risk is not worth the reward. You would be better served removing this video and keep this knowledge process away from the general public.
The door was open long before this video. I built my first one before anyone was making safety videos like this. Keeping knowledge from people has never proven to be a good thing.
Hey thanks mans, seriously! This would definitely make my set up WAY safer.
Please don't do it it's dangerous for you
@@StuckwithBTS Just say no.... To electronics. - Penguin
@@YoureNotSoSmartBro imagine getting died in 3 seconds just bcs you touched the bread from your toaster
@@StuckwithBTS Uhm..... huh..... you know what? You should start fractal wood burning and do us all a favor.
@@StuckwithBTS imagine living your life afraid of toast.
What about clamping the wood part BEFORE connecting it to a power source?
i have wanted to get into doing this forever but needed more reassurance that i would be safe and this makes me feel like i could do some more reading and consider giving it a go! i love word burning and have been doing it with a torch for years and a lot with epoxy this is something new i've wanted to give a go! SAFELY! thanks i hit subscribe can't wait to check out your channel🤘🏼 i clean skulls and need some options for plaques
Whats the point of doing this?? The wood grain is beautiful as it is... why scribble over beautiful art by nature?
I am a female power plant worker I work with voltages all the way up to 138,000 V and 13,800 V off the generator that little microwave transformer puts out around two kVA or kilovolt amps or kilovolts if you get hooked to it, and your resistance starts going down in your body, it will push at least 6 A through you a human being in the electric chair gets fried by about 1000 mA so you do the math very dangerous do not do this. It’s not worth your life for a hobby if you want to make it like that use of the soldering iron or something else.
i do appreciate how your intent is not to encourage fractal wood burning, and you emphasize multiple times that it is a bad idea and you are making these wood pieces understandkmg the risk, but instead your intent is "there are going to be some people who ignore the warnings, who dont care about the risks and are going to try it anyways. let me do the best i can to make sure those people are at least doing it as safe as possible"
i mean, personally id argue there is no such thing as a safe way to do this, and based on your video i bet you would agree. but you are right, in that some people just do not care how dangerous something is. they will do what they want regardless.
so i appreciate and thank you for doing your best to protect those dumbasses who think doing stupidly dangerous stuff for cool results is a good idea. ideally, absolutely nobody would ever do this unless there is a way to make it 100% absolutely safe (or well 99.99% since 100% safe of anything isnt really possible but you get my point) but that just isnt reality.
some people are stupid. so i respect you trying to make sure those people are at least being stupid in a less dangerous way.
with that said though you really shouldnt risk it, its just not worth it. im sure there are ways to get similar results without the risk, maybe by using a soldering iron and a light touch
Thanks for the feedback. I think I’m in too deep now to stop. My LLC name is Bruce Burns 😂. But no it’s totally not worth it but I truly love doing this and it’s fulfilling for me so I’m going to stick with it!
Working with electricity has always been dangerous, rather when we talk about 2000 volts, but if you take all the safety measures, that is, you prepare everything for burning and then connect the transformer, watching from afar, you won't have any risk of electrocution. , then to intervene or change the position of the electrodes, the first thing to do is disconnect the transformer, to work safely...... this is a nice job (always make sure there are no children playing around)
Barbara just got hurt
You seem far too critical.
Following every single piece of advice in the video makes the overall procedure just reasonable levels of danger.
Clear emphasis of absolutely no children on the property, kill switch, dead man switch, rubber gloves, and standing several feet away.
And, clear emphasis that it's still dangerous, consider it similar to rock climbing, if you anchor into a loose rock you might die, it happens. If the kill switch and foot pedal break or make contact you might die if exposed skin touches something.
There are 60+ deaths from fractal wood burning, if they did this, it would probably be 0. Even if it was 1-2 deaths, it would be a dangerous activity, e.g. something like BASE jumping, not something prohibitive to people with that risk tolerance.
You mention 99.99% vs 100% as if the average speed on Floridian highways where I live isn't literally 90-100mph with people changing lanes all the time to swerve around traffic. Often with occasional drunks on the road too if the sun has set. That's not 100%, or even 99.99%, certainly less.
That's all to say. This video is quite reasonable.
I mean you’re not wrong but you’re not right. Yes it’s good to advise against it but the best thing to do is to not promote it and try and dissuade people as much as possible. This is basically a video on how to make a bomb but then the narrator says, “we suggest you don’t make this bomb because it could injure you.”
Thank you for taking the time to show others some great safety tips. I'm off to look at your art and make a purchase just because of this video. In the comments people are making changes, that's awesome!
Question!! Do you have a video on making your device for the burning? Nice work and very smart to do a deadman switch. Finding best safe practices is key if you’re going to do it! Respect electricity as it is very dangerous!
Just a quick question- in addition to the black and red. Would a nail guide the electricity to its location?
Not sure I understand the question.
Think she means if you put a nail in the wood before you turned the power on, would the current be drawn toward the nail on itd way to join the other electrode,given that the nail another conducter.
Absolutely beautiful ! But what is the kill switch for if you allready have dead man switch witch controls all the system ?🙂
The kill switch is there as a second line of defense in case there is any issue with the dead man switch! Good question! And thank you!! 🙏
You will never get a chance to use your kill switch if you're dead man switch fails
I think the point is this: the deadman turns the power off. The kill switch turns the power off. Two devices to do the same job offers redundancy. Plus, the kill switch turning the power off means that the deadman switch can't accidentally be activated while you're messing with the connections in harm's way (you step on it, cat steps on it, something falls on it, ex steps on it).
I would like to do this to some plywood and lay it for flooring in my camper, can I do this with plywood? Or. Is the plywood sheet to thin for this type of work?
Ya you can do it with plywood. I am using plywood in this video. I wouldn’t do fractal wood burn something I would be walking over tho. Burning the wood makes it weaker!
Thirty four people in the U.S. have died doing this. Is it really worth it for something that looks cool?
it doesnt even look cool imo
THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND HAS KILLED OVER 33 PEOPLE FROM 2017 2022
Can you put a link in for what gloves you recommend?
It should be linked in my Amazon lists. If it’s not there I’ll add it now
I added a link.
If I was going to this I would get a pair of lineman gloves. Wouldn’t a cutting torch do the same thing? Just asking.
Bro, what is the name of the machine to do that job?
I just call it a fractal wood burner. I made mine from a microwave.
Well done Bruce. The only thing I would add for safety is being very conscious of water on your mats. What your standing on and where the workpiece is. Not becoming part of the circuit in anyway kinda thing. (I bet you have already considered this, but I add it here for the less technical viewer.). Wasn't a fan of the chicken sticks at first, but I was impressed to see the update. Look folks, if you don't understand electricity and are uncomfortable...look away. Your point is taken if you are not qualified...don't attempt. Yes, don't attempt. But if qualified, I would venture as another has said here...I bet your poor driving habits are more dangerous. Welding and woodworking is dangerous. As someone that has worked in industrial and high-energy work, we should support makers that are being smart about this. This is only the 3rd video I've seen that is taking the appropriate amount of safety...that I feel comfortable with. The others mostly made me cringe...so yes, Jughead wannabes not allowed.
Absolutely! And that’s a good point I did not mention; never do this on a wet surface. I won’t even go out there if I looks like it might rain 😂 electricity tracks on water! Thanks for watching and your input!
I was going to burn a tree and I didn't know if it was so dangerous, thank you very much for saving me thanks broo
Ive watched several hours of video on this technique and I have to say i absolutely think you nailed this!! I always say treat the electrodes like a loaded gun! Thanks for doing this and the link to even safer ways to do it!
This isn’t safe at all
Ok but your power supply.. the black box.. what is it and how do I get one?!
Your the first person Iv actually seen doing this and it’s safely being done. Awesome! Iv always wanted to do this.. man I wish you lived near me and we were friends lol
I use a transformer from a microwave! Linchtenburg wood burning makes a unit with comparable power, pre built!
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 oh ya? But for how much? lol
@@srhsolocam3311shutup and don’t do it you fool
Good safety practice. Connect the leads to the piece before powering the unit. Never use your left hand when working with high voltage !!
So, what is that big box you got? Looks like a Pelican hard case. I'm assuming that's where the volts/electricity is coming from. I'm looking to start into this but IDK the power source of the electricity.
I use a transformer from a microwave to burn my pieces.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 And where would someone buy one of those from? IDK how to make one so I just need to buy one.
If you don't know that you certainly should not be using one.
It's a device that puts out same volts as an electric chair.
@@CoryStrouth
@@CoryStrouth you still alive
@@cpotisch who are u Coby Potischman ??
Where can I buy a fractal wood burner ?? I'm in UK . Thx
lichtenbergwoodburning.com this company makes a fractal wood burner. I’ve never tried it but I’ve heard good things.
Don't.
Friend now dead last Friday because of doing some art for his wife. Wife two kids left behind. Not worth it.
What burning machine are you using? thanks
the only thing I need to know about wood fracture burning is dont do wood fracture burning
VERY VERY DANGEROUS! THE ELECTRICITY DELIVERED IS CONVERTED FROM THE MAINS 240V TO 2000V. YES, TWO THOUSAND VOLTS!
Does the all cap thing do anything to make others listen to you? I've felt the 2000 Volts and yes it hurt like hell but not worthy of all caps,.
So the machine that is ised for this is it just an arc welding machine? As personally thats all it looks like to me? Or is more amps or voltage required? I have only just seen this type of process and just enjoy learning about new things. I have rewired and built a house, weld, turn, mill, surface grinders etc and work with robots to, so have a good technical knowledge. But am keen to learn new things.
It uses somewhere around 4000 Volts compared to welding that uses 12-48 Volts. 4000 V can create an arch even if you don't touch the clamps or board you are using.
I'm gonna do this in my shower wish me luck.
you could accidentally slip and turn off the foot switch thingy, i don't think it would be very efficient
What kind of machine do you use how exactly does it work I want to learn how to do it
Have you not considered that if you know jack shit about what’s going on here that you shouldn’t do it?
Mate, I would add to your setup proper boots specced for electrical hazards with rubber soles and testing equipment with visual and audible signs that will tell you if your switches didn't fail to cut the power off for some reason
I notice you clamp the leads directly to the wood, rather than using a nail to make contact. Are the advantages or disadvantages to one method or the other?
DO NOT do this! Very high risk of electrocution death
Good luck! Don't die! I believe in you!
How about buying a paint set?
What type of wire are you using for your leads thanks
Thank yiu for sharing! I just wanted to know how to do a good picture on my walnut. Anyway that's not burning this way?
you still alive?
Rip
As a welder who regularly deals with high amperage 3 phase power, is this any more dangerous than the shit i already do? Factory power with 200 amps dc or ac current will fry the shit out ofyou if youre dumb, and icantsee anything here thatseems like it would be more dangerous than that
the point is that welding has a practical use and is needed. Wood burning has neither.
There's your comparison.
Short explanation, a very experienced electrician is among those that this has killed. Microwave transformers put out about 3kV usually.
Where is the link to the fractal wood burner?
Inside ur microwave try it it’s easy and cool
i want to impliment in my company on a large scale can you pls tell me about how can I do this?
DON'T. if you're not a professional you will probably die. if you are a professional you might die.
I think you constantly emphasizing the danger is responsible, but reminding people its electrocution, not fire/heat is also a good idea
Try a tesla hairpin circuit. Supposedly the high voltage can be safely touched.
JFC don't
@@cpotisch jentucky fried chicken
Nice video man. It is how it is supposed to be done, in a more safe environment. But I will still prefer to purchase such fractal artwork from people like you and not make it myself. Let the professionals and experienced do their jobs
It’s definitely very dangerous. Thanks for watching!
Step 1. Dont. It killed 34 people in the US in reported instances.
Do you advise we stop driving as well? There have been way more than 34 deaths from automobile accidents reported in the US today.
Driving is way safer than wood fracking. @@tomhoefs7221
Didn't get a good look inside your box. But, if you want this even safer. Use a motor starter to send power to the line side of transformer. That way you can run your lower voltage through the starter and any other safety device you may have in the circuit. Would also piggyback off of starter line side of starter to a light on outside of box. This way, you know damn well that power is off. Either that or use a lower voltage and a higher conductive liquid. Maybe a very strong solution of salt water. This I can't confirm but just thinking out loud for a possible better way. Anyhow, stay safe and I find that process very fascinating. 👍
Would a car battery work or does it have to be that machine
Do you have a video of how to make a fractal wood burner
I do not but I get asked a lot, so I may be making one in the future!
I hope so.
@@bruceburnswoodshop1620 I would really strongly recommend you not do that. Teaching people how to make the device definitely crosses over into encouraging doing it. The device is pretty basic and the safety instructions you've provided here should be applicable to any tutorial that already exists, but ideally you shouldn't potentially spread it farther among people who will absolutely not do it safely.
Where did you get your rubber mat?
What machine did you buy?
This is so cool. I'm doing it with my dad tomorrow!
be careful
Hopefully we get an update on how it went..... Or not.
Did you survive?
I don’t think he survived… 💀
Wow nice work, I also have played with this, an i do mean played, why I have not been killed only God knows. But after seeing this great video with all your safety stuff I will be reworking my system. Now I know how to do if safely I will get back to my correct playing THANK you
You still alive?
@@KAETO.Bro did not make it
just go draw or write a poem if you feel creative, DON'T DO THIS
can u show us how you made your device/Fractal burner?
I'm pretty sure he is just using a transformer from a microwave. The transformer takes 120v and the output is a few thousand volts. The high voltage (potential) is what allows the electricity to flow through relatively high resistance.
Arcs will travel more than 5 ft. Your muscles tighten and you’ll push harder on the dead man switch. Is it worth your life??????
I've tried and I can't get an arc to travel more than 6 inches. When the muscles tighten and push harder on the switch, the mass of the body will submit to gravity and fall taking the foot off the switch.
The eléctric pedal Is a good idea
Is there moovie how you made this burner?
That is super dope. Going to leave that fun alone until I build up my wood working skill set. Thank you for this. I like the set up. Truly looks like you've taken the safety element to a high degree (for obvious reasons).
i too love natural selection
Good safe setup Brother. I have the same setup with a foot switch, in line shutoff switch and power light. I'm always at least 10 feet away when the power is on.
Bro You said you have fear and respect for the electricity but do not turn off your kill switch before you walk up and spray or move the connector. I always unplug my mot burner deadman switch or not.... Ive wired mine to a big red light so when anytime there is power to the machine there's a big red light lit up so I know not to go near it.
My systems protections:
1.Deadman switch 10 feet from piece.
2.Rubber mats on the floor and under workpiece just like you
3.power to transformer has a kill all switch in the wire.
4.tbe gfi plug i use is also turned on and off by the wall switch (Just in case my wife walks out and sees me frying)
5. Anytime the power is on i have 2 bright red bulbs that are also illuminated
I think thats it. But if anyone has any more ideas on how to make this safer I'm all yours. There's no guarantee that you will not be electrocuted doing this no matter how many safety precautions you have implicated in your machine. This is always a little bit dangerous no matter what and I guess that is what is appealing to some of us... Call me crazy
These are like Doctor kavorkian. How to get a Darwin award ,video.
Well, okie dokie. I love the finished product, but not enough to risk anyone's life or safety.
Thanks, though.
How about adding a timed relay to the deadman switch. Make it say 3 seconds. You’d need to keep pushing the switch every 3 seconds to keep power on but it will only run for 3 seconds without intervention.
Granted 3 seconds is enough to kill you but it’s another safety measure.
The purpose of the switch is to shut off immediately when it is not actively actuated. Adding a timer like you suggest would just defeat the entire purpose of the switch, since 3 seconds is more than enough time to electrocute you.
No you’re not understanding. With this setup it would be in-line with the dead switch. If you let your foot off the switch it would still instantly cut power. Under this setup power would only flow 3 seconds. To make power flow again you’ll need to release the foot pedal and engage it again for another 3 seconds.
This way even if you got spiked and were frozen in place no matter what power would stop after 3 seconds.
No you’re not understanding. With this setup it would be in-line with the dead switch. If you let your foot off the switch it would still instantly cut power. Under this setup power would only flow 3 seconds. To make power flow again you’ll need to release the foot pedal and engage it again for another 3 seconds.
This way even if you got spiked and were frozen in place no matter what power would stop after 3 seconds.
@@donwicks3540 LMAO by the three second mark you would be more dead than any human before you
@@donwicks3540”you’re not understanding” says man with zero grasp of what he’s rambling about
Please don't do this.
Why?
because it's insanely dangerous@@tomhoefs7221
"I don't want anyone doing this at home, but here's a tutorial anyways so i can greedily make that youtube money off of a trendy topic"
What dimension and type of cable do you use to the wood burner?
If the output voltage is about 2000v and power of oven is about 1000w current would be approx 0.5A therefore the output cables shouldn't have to be as heavy as those shown.
Please don't try it!!! It's really dangerous for anyone at home to do this. Really, don't. A lot of people have died and burned their houses doing this