Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
One of the sharpest-looking lines you can add to your lathe work is a clean burn with a wire.You can spend a lot of money on these online—but I’ll show you how to make one for next to nothing, with replacement wires that won’t break the bank.
Some might tell you to grab any wire to do this—but what you really want is a carbon steel string.That might mean a quick trip to the music store… or just digging up your old childhood guitar and borrowing the B, G, or high E string.Because your turning could use a little string section.
We’ll start by turning a pair of handles on the lathe, with high arches in the middle.They should feel comfortable in your hands.Then we’ll add a couple of threaded wood inserts, and use truss head screws with tooth washers to clamp the wire down tight—so there’s no movement at all.
When it’s time to use it, make a shallow groove in your stock with a parting tool so the wire has something to track in.
Some makers burn from above—I prefer pulling the wire up toward me.
The more you pull, the deeper and darker your line will get.A little sandpaper, and you’re done.And yes—that wire gets very hot.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
One of the sharpest-looking lines you can add to your lathe work is a clean burn with a wire.You can spend a lot of money on these online—but I’ll show you how to make one for next to nothing, with replacement wires that won’t break the bank.
Some might tell you to grab any wire to do this—but what you really want is a carbon steel string.That might mean a quick trip to the music store… or just digging up your old childhood guitar and borrowing the B, G, or high E string.Because your turning could use a little string section.
We’ll start by turning a pair of handles on the lathe, with high arches in the middle.They should feel comfortable in your hands.Then we’ll add a couple of threaded wood inserts, and use truss head screws with tooth washers to clamp the wire down tight—so there’s no movement at all.
When it’s time to use it, make a shallow groove in your stock with a parting tool so the wire has something to track in.
Some makers burn from above—I prefer pulling the wire up toward me.
The more you pull, the deeper and darker your line will get.A little sandpaper, and you’re done.And yes—that wire gets very hot.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
