Safer Fractal Wood Burning (Lichtenberg) Setup 

Thank you and I totally get that. I should've worded myself better in the video. I don't have any issue with Ann or her video. My comments were directed toward the commentators that seemed to not realize there were differences in practices, power and safety when it comes to pyrography involving electricity, and who felt the need to be rude about it. I totally understand where you're coming from and understand the intent behind Ann's video. People are upset that I said it caused a witchunt, but whatever label someone wants to apply to those commentators actions, I don't mean to hold Ann responsible for it and don't believe that was the intent of her video

@@TheFishinDad Oh absolutely, it's another problem entirely that some people take Ann's video to mean harassing every person who has done fractal wood burning, sorry you got the shitty end of that. A simple solution would be to just go back and edit in clear warnings like you have done. At the end of the day the reason it's a hack is because it's using a microwave transformer, where as you have a much more evolved way of doing it?

Ann needs to stay in the kitchen and play with the food videos, she is just trying to find more content for her channel and she is branching out into fields she does not understand.

@@JamieTresor That's a very sexist comment. Why would she not understand it? She is not making claims with no evidence. Her only claims are backed up with photos, news reports, and interviews. Stupid man

@@TheFishinDad then go and word it better in the video so others dont see it as a 'witch hunt'

Oh I completely agree. I should've been more clear that I have no qualm with Ann or her video whatsoever. I don't believe inciting that was her goal at all, just an unfortunate and unintentional side effect

@@TheFishinDad I too was hoping it was just unfortunate wording, and that you didn't actually mean to accuse Ann of (deliberately) starting a witch hunt (which infers deliberate action) against you (or anyone else, save for YT decision-makers - maybe!)

You use the word "influencer". That makes you a mega douche

@@bearsharkp3901 If using an accurate phrase makes me a "mega douche," then call me Summer's Eve.

If people want to call out dangerous practice on videos that show someone being dangerous with it that is fine, and I have no issue with Ann's video. I've done the same on other people's dangerous fractal burning videos before this became a whole controversy. The issue comes in any time we blanket label something as bad, disregarding science and logic for emotion driven intentional ignorance. Again, that is not directed at Ann or her video, that is directed at the peanut gallery who have suddenly become experts after watching one video. There really is no way to get hit with electricity doing what I'm doing. I wouldn't make such a risky statement if I wasn't 100% certain of that. If I passed out and fell on the foot pedal I would need 4 foot long arms to still get near the board and even then 30mA isn't going to kill me. The deadman switch is designed exactly for the purpose of if something out of your control happens, such as passing out. Yes of course there is the idiot factor as I mentioned before but you would really have to be trying hard or not following the distance precaution to get hit. I understand that people will not follow all safety protocols out of laziness or arrogance but policing that isn't my responsibility anymore than policing someone's driving habits. My intent is to provide information on safe practice. If someone wants to ignore that then it is their choice but at least it is available for those who are actually trying to be safe. I suppose the definition of Karens might not apply as nearly 100% of the audience on this video have been age 25-34 according to analytics so keyboard warriors looking for a cause to back in order to validate themselves probably would've been more accurate. I have no problem having a polite debate or agreeing to disagree. It's the obviously uninformed people who come into these videos that are not 30 second shorts, that do lay out the dangers and give safety information, and persist to talk down because they watched one viral video that, as you pointed out, wasn't even directed at videos like this.

Ok, Karen.

@@me-ye6ld You clearly have not called "professional electricians" to your home. Some are so professional you go outside to pray. I don't think method shown here is more risky than general woodworking. Or using chainsaw, picking wild musrooms or cooking with gas stove.

@@me-ye6ld speaking of false equivalencies, fewer deaths from mushroom hunting is a result of greater education and widespread and easily accessible resources on the topic, not that it is less likely to hurt you. True, you can not touch a poisonous mushroom until you're sure of what you have, but you can also not touch an energized probe until you're sure the power is off. I think that is the comparison that was being made and it is an accurate one. If we're looking to make any hobby safer, education and not censorship is the only way to do that and right now the majority of resources on the topic are either saying not to do it at all (which people will ignore) or showing how to do it dangerously. Both are problematic when they outweigh education on safe practice. If the same were true of mushroom hunting there would be a lot more deaths, but as there are thousands of books, videos and articles on how to identify and stay safe that is not the case. Does that make sense?

@@me-ye6ld if you watch the video and read my other replies you'll learn how a deadman switch works. I also can't trip and get electrocuted. Also at the amperage I'm using I would not immediately die. It would suck, very badly, make no mistake, it is still a dangerous amount of current, but this isn't a MOT which will kill you just like that. I've expressed my opinion on those across this comment section

And it's not up to anybody to tell someone else how they should do anything.

It's not his responsibility to make sure your kid doesn't mess with your electrical equipment. It's yours.

WHY DO YOU CARRREEE? who gives a crap if a method is dangerous? how is that this guys problem? if people are dumb enough to try something that is dangerous then that is their own problem. I am blown away by how many little nanny's there out there acting like it is irresponsible to show something that could be dangerous....the world is turning into a bunch of pansies and tattle tells. it's pathetic.

What's up with the babysitters club? Adults just run out do what random people say? IDK, Aren't we all adults here? If you're a child don't do it. And if you are a cocky safety geek STFU..Of course don't stick ur hand in a light socket...

That's horrible and I am very sorry to hear that. I assume he was using a microwave transformer. I wouldn't mess with one of those personally without even more precautions than what I have here. Its true even, and especially, the most experienced sometimes get complacent. Definitely good to have multiple failsafes in place incase you do end up distracted or forget a step

Holy crap! That’s horrible...sorry to read that. This reminds me of cave diving. One can have all the experience as a diver but ignore certain safety measures, and / or don’t have the proper equipment, it’s not going to end well. Goes with just about any activity where potential risk is present I guess.

I was knocked out many years ago from high voltage ~30KV wearing gloves and an insulated tool (or so I thought) - through the insulation! I can't stress enough how important it is to know that most typical insulation (plastic wrapped metal tools and pretty much every glove out there) is useless at these voltages.

Lol, exactly, thank you

We as a society need to stop blaming others for there own lack of judgment!!!!!!!

All this trouble over art !!! But in the meantime Isis is now in control of Afghanistan is Putin is still killing people in the Ukraine and there's also still at least 1,000 children that have yet to be reunited with their parents thanks to Trump separating them at the border yeah but this is what y'all want to fuss about!!!!!!!!!!!

As I mentioned elsewhere I had deleted several comments because they were giving me anxiety before I decided to make the video. Those were the ones that remained. I wish I could've included the one that said they couldn't wait to see me dead on the news and were excited to see that and my house burn down, that I was a bad father, an a**hole, etc because it would've made more sense but I googled it and there was no way to get them back to screen shot them at that point. I worded the witch hunt part badly. It's *because* this isnt even what Ann was talking about that it is a witchhunt imho, and I dont believe that was her intent at all

Its also not just the comments, people are reporting even this video to YT for removal in droves

@@TheFishinDad they are probably reporting your video because of the tone you take at the beginning of the video. They probably don't watch the rest of the video and assume you are part of the problem.

@@vinceagashi1121 fair enough but tone aside, every video with this buzz word is being reported regardless of content

Question: I didn't see the table, which is made of wood, been insulated from the actual board been burnt and the wood deck. Therefore, isn't there current traveling to the deck through the table?

​@@editek5992well wood is not a conductor of electricity, it requires a solution on the wood to get the fractal burnings.

I couldn't agree more. I was thinking the same

Good idea. Or an audible hum.

In hindsight I shouldn't have. I'll learn for part 3😜 and thank you!!

I have seen some guys successfully burn on hardwoods but I know it's a little more difficult. I have some black walnut I plan on trying but so far I've only used pine. My best guess at this time would be that it probably won't burn as deep with a denser wood so I would start by letting it burn a little longer to see if I could still achieve those same results. I imagine the small "fingers" of the burn may not show up as much though even in doing that

Thank you so much🙏

@@TheFishinDad no problem I’ve often thought of making a set up, NEVER with a microwave transformer though 👀👀💀, and hadn’t because I couldn’t come up with a fail proof safety. I thought of a hand held butting but like you said instinct is a strong persuader and if I tried to grab a falling item I probably wouldn’t let go of a hand held devise. I’ll definitely have to brainstorm a setup involving a foot switch as safety!

I am 100% certain there is no possible way for me to get electrocuted at 4 feet away from 10kV. That's not arrogance it's simple math. My confidence in that statement isn't in myself but in the science. The dielectric standard for air being between 1-3 kV/mm, conditions contingent, gives me plenty of space at 4 feet. I am well outside the range of a potential arc or spark gap

@@TheFishinDad You're talking about a spark gap and that's true. What you're not considering is any other failures/possible accidents. As I said, you did make it pretty safe, but saying that there's no possible way to get electrocuted is not true. Ask any scientist why they never say that they're 100% sure about something and they qualify every statement they make. It's because they're well aware that there are things beyond their understanding and that things they did not plan for can happen. Again, I don't wish you ill. I'm just uncomfortable with people saying "I'm 100% sure I'm not going to die" because many people did the same thing and the unthinkable happened. Stay safe!

I've deleted the comments saying I dont care about my children if I do this and that my channel should be removed because the whole thing is driving my anxiety. Thanks for the engagement

@@TheFishinDad Hey... calm down.. we are all humans.. we make mistakes and tongueslips do happen. Owning up and apologizing is good. I'm glad people in this comment section are actually kind when i expected bashings...but seems like they are actually Ann's followers and that shows. 🥰 PS: Don't let mere words get into your head.I know it's difficult to do, but it's okay. Realize that nothing is personal. Keep telling yourself that. It's learning from mistakes that make us great humans.Rooting for u too.😘

@@krishnapriyats9504 idk what's kind about calling me an a**hole, a d-bag, saying they can't wait to see me dead on the news and are excited to hear that my house burned down, or that I must not care about my children or other people. Those are some of the latest and greatest. People have been saying "well what did you expect," and that I should take the high road. The thing about abusive tongue lashings and bullying is that even though we can expect it from certain individuals it's not something we should ever simply accept, from strangers to partners. I will continue to call out bad behavior where I see it and continue to try to educate those who's ears aren't closed in their moral panic, and that is all I can do. If the worst retort I sling back is to say that they're being Karens I think that's pretty reserved given the circumstances.

Excellent point, I appreciate it!

Right on people have no idea that 2-3000 volts will come right through that 600 volt insulation in the right conditions.

Which is exactly what causes the fractal pattern

Thank you Richard, so an NST like the one I'm using here is roughly 1/50 the power of a microwave transformer. A microwave transformer will usually put out 1-5 amps depending on the unit. For reference an output of 0.1- 0.2 amps can be lethal. My NST uses 30mA, which is 0.03 amps. This can still cause a very painful and severe shock and burn. If you have underlying health conditions or there is a chance the current could pass through your heart then I would avoid messing with electricity all together. For a healthy individual where the shock is relatively quick it usually takes about 50mA to cause someone to die from an abnormal heart rhythm. Amps are the volume of electrons and voltage is the pressure behind them. Basically the size of the current and the force behind it. You can generate up to 30,000v by simply rubbing your feet on the carpet but because the volume is so minimal and the surface is so large, it dissipates in an instant. This isnt to say that voltage doesn't kill. It absolutely does, in combination with the amperage and duration of the shock. People are hit with 10kv of electricity during the tough mudder contest and are mildly irritated. People are also hit with 10kv on the electric chair. A taser operates at 14amps and can produce up to 15,000 v across your body but it only lasts for a millionth of a second. So all those things, amps, volts and duration are things to think about when putting together a safe setup. Its also important to know that just .016 amps can cause you to feel like you can't open your hand to let go, which would increase the duration of the shock so the main focus should be on making sure you're not actually coming into contact with anything, over how much current will unalive you. While 30mA is much less likely to do that it should still be treated the same way as you would a more dangerous machine. My grounding situation could be better. Right now the ground wire comes from the unit, screws into a table leg and goes out to ground by way of the spigot, like how your house breaker box is grounded to your water main. Ideally it would be best to work on an esd mat both on the work surface and to stand on. Basically a couple of thick rubber mats that attach to a wire to ground. The purpose of that is that should there be any unwanted discharge, say there is a piece of metal in your table or wood that you weren't aware of that the current might try to arc to, it would dissipate to ground instead of becoming another potential hazard that you could accidentally come in contact with. I hope that helps!

@@TheFishinDad amazing, thank you so much. You've just gained me as a new subscriber! 💜

That almost sounds like the perfect solution. I'm sure people would find ways to bypass the latch as they do with bypassing the temp shutoff on laser engravers though. I wonder if any company will be brave enough to take that on in the future. I've watched some videos that blow my mind with the stupidity of how some people do it though. Fortunately there are a lot of people who do it themselves and will call those unsafe practices out. Unfortunately you can't force those people to be smart

(this is copied and pasted from another comment I wrote) I love how you conveniently ignored the placement of the switch on the ground and the lack of safety gloves. Imagine if he tripped on the foot switch and fell onto the wood and got electrocuted to death. And he's using his bare hands to hold those clippers that will electrocute you to death if you just brush against the metal part.

@@magictoxicswitch2300 He would have to try very hard to trip over his foot switch , and fall so that he bridges a 4 foot gap hitting the table without taking his foot off the foot switch - or dropping his clippers. I am generally against fractal wood burning and any misuse of high voltage electricity, but this man does seem to have a safer technique . I didn't say it was absolutely safe , because it is not, it is safer - much safer than most set ups I've seen which involve idiots using microwave transformers and holding jumper leads in their hands and working close to the work bench . There are two things I can see that could be dangerous in his set up. One is other people , children or adults who play with unattended equipment . The other is if he gets sloppy and undermines his own safety protocols. In this way it is dangerous like many power tools are. A lathe can tear you limb from limb, we all know that, but lathe operators posting on RU-vid don't suffer the same online vindictiveness. I am so against fractal wood burning that I wouldn't even consider buying a work however beautiful it might be , because I wouldn't want to encourage unsafe practices - as it usually does involve. If however the safety standard of this practice can be improved , I might change my stance. We are not going to stop fractal wood burning, the idea is out there , it can't be taken back and the gear is cheap and easy to make . What can be done however , is we can allow information to be made public that emphasises the extreme danger of the craft , and safe practices can be promoted rather than inhibited .

@@magictoxicswitch2300 30mA will not electrocute me to death even if it were possible for me to keep the machine on while falling toward it (which it is not, due to the Deadman switch). You are probably thinking of the microwave transformer (500mA) that Ann was talking about. As I mentioned in the video, that is not this. Also if I was working with a microwave transformer, gloves would not be sufficient and could even be more of a danger if improperly rated

Thank you for educating people

I'm disgusted to dude I feel your pain!!!!!

Thank you!! I really appreciate your video. Censorship is dangerous, people need to be responsible for themselves. We can't protect people who don't want to think for themselves. Warnings proper and save precocious Yes removing every information about a hobby will increase dangerous behaviour in the future. Like we couldn't stop grown adults from eating tide pods 🙄

@@michaw.2168 “The Tide Pod Challenge”!! Lol! That reminded me of the Cue Ball Challenge, where a potential entrant to an exclusive private club was challenged to put a snooker cue ball in his mouth as part of the entrance ritual. The guy puts it in his mouth…but can’t get it back out! He ends up in the hospital, gets the cue ball removed, and thinks that’s him “in” the club. He heads back to the club but is denied entry! He’s furious that they’ve denied him entry and tells them “but I completed the challenge!”….only to be told that all he had to do was refuse such an idiotic challenge and he’d have been an automatic member!! The fact that he did it, ruled him out as being to stupid to join!

@@terrypussypower love that! 🤣

@Thefishindad I used to work in a sign shop and guys would set up a Huge Neon transformer to the angle iron rim around our workbench as a prank...You'd vibrate a bit but with the right shoes (because of not being grounded and completing the circuit) literally Nothing happens. What you're doing is above and beyond "Safe" for all the non common sense having haters. Thanks for sharing your accomplishments! 👏🏼

100% agree. There is a guy who has a video like that. I cant remember who it was but I hope people see that one too. This is by no means the safest, just safer than the majority

Completely agree. I actually have that set up in my shop waiting for it, I just need to figure out ventilation

Too wet and you won't get a burn

Please follow all the safety precautions that you can! What I show and more, can't have too many layers! And yes I use 1 cup water to 1tbsp baking soda

I have watch several videos on this Fractal wood burning. And some were freakin scary. One guy said he was was an electrician and was used to electricity. He was bumbling, saying how much fun and easy it was. Almost touch an alligator clip while unit was one. I thought I was going to see an electrocution while I was watching the video. And he was using the microwave transformer one. Geez😳!!! I will be very careful. Thank you replying and answering my question. One recipe I saw … 3 parts water to 1 part baking soda. Do you know of anyway to mask the area you don’t want burned? In the kit I got, it shows a fist done in fractal without any fractals around the fist. Idk if you know of anything could use for that?

@@teresajcaldwell8340 I know how to roughly direct it using the solution but don't know about how to do anything that specific myself. Maybe they'll show it in the kit you bought? If they do I'd be interested to hear how it's done!

@@TheFishinDad I’ll sure pass it along to you if I find out.