Yes, you can make your own pyrography tips! You'll need some basic supplies and tools, including a soldering iron, wire cutters, and pliers. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps to create your own custom tips.
1. Cut a piece of brass or copper wire to the length you want your tip to be. Use wire cutters or pliers to make sure the ends of the wire are clean and even.
2. File down any sharp edges on the wire so they're not too pointy or jagged. You don't want them to be too sharp because they could damage your woodworking project.
3. Use a soldering iron to heat up one end of the wire until it's glowing red hot. Touch the other end of the wire to the heated end and hold it there for a few seconds until they're joined together. Let the solder cool completely before moving on to the next step.
4. Use a file or sandpaper to smooth down the seam where you soldered the two pieces of wire together. You want it to be as seamless as possible so that it doesn't snag on anything while you're working with it.
5a) For a pointed tip: Carefully bend the heated end of the wire into a point using needle-nose pliers while it's still hot (but not too hot!) from being soldered . Be careful not to touch anything else with this hot tip! Or...
b) For a flat tip: Allow solder joint to cool completely then use needle nose pliers grip just below seam and twist off desired amount for flat edge – about 1/16” is good place start (test by touching metal against wood - if smoke appears that means edge is too thin and needs more twisting). If needed repeat heating process then re-twisting off metal until correct width is achieved.)
5b) Repeat steps 2 – 4 until desired shape is achieved then test by touching metal against wood - if smoke appears that means edge is too thin and needs more work.. When satisfied move on 6 OR… 6a) Grip entire Pyrography Tip near base with needle nose pliers then dip entire tip in black enamel paint (this will help prevent rusting). Let dry thoroughly before using.., OR .. 6b) Heat entire Pyrography Tip (except base area held by needle nose pliers) red hot then quench in water – this anneals metal making it harder (and less likely break during use). Wipe off water immediately then proceed directly 7 without allowing Tip time cool..