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DIY: Plasma pen uses electrical arc to leave its mark

Aug. 18, 2016

Why not engrave your mark using your own hand-made plasma pen?

Are you looking for a unique way to leave your brand on your latest DIY project? Why not engrave your mark using your own hand-made plasma pen? All you need is an arc lighter, a few brass rods and some wire.

According to Popular Mechanics: "An arc lighter is a huge improvement over standard cigarette lighters. It doesn't require fuel or use an open flame, instead it works by creating a small electrical arc between two electrodes that is much hotter than a flame, and it's windproof.

Prolific YouTuber NightHawkInLight previously made a mini plasma cutter from an arc lighter, and decided to take this project a step further by making this plasma pen that burns hand-written designs wood as easily as a pen writes on paper. Look at it as a form of pyrography, but using a different type of tool."

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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