TikTok, Woodworkers & Fractal Woodburning
TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps among teenagers & young adults. However, TikTok has a space for almost every interest. While dance trends, social commentary, and memes still dominate the app’s views, smaller niches like woodworking have growing audiences.
In fact, Commercial Forest Products has a TikTok presence. Unfortunately, bored people with short attention spans are not a great demographic for hardwood lumber suppliers. Thus, our TikTok account has languished as we figure out how to turn viral likes & emojis into revenue.
Traditional woodworking projects like bowl turning, carving, millwork & lathing take time to complete. Additionally, the process is gradual not dynamic. While many Youtube channels feature these type of woodworking projects, the videos are long and lack a wow moment, ie the big reveal.
Fractal woodburning is a relatively new woodworking technique that has a definite wow factor. The process, while rooted in science almost seems like magic. Additionally, the wood changes fast. There’s nothing gradual about it. All of these factors make it a great fit for the Tiktok audience.
What is Fractal Woodburning?
Fractalburning is a form of woodburning that uses high voltage electricity to burn random lightning-style patterns into wet wood. These patterns are sometimes referred to as Lichtenberg figures.
Despite being a hardwood lumber industry professional for over 2 decades, I only discovered fractal wood burning in 2022 when a customer asked me about it. I was clueless, so he explained the general concept to me.
Roasted Wood vs Fractal Burned Wood
Roasted wood and fractal burned wood are created through completely different processes. Roasted or thermally treated wood uses controlled high heat to collapse wood cells over a 24-72 hour period. This results in a uniform darkened/aged appearance and moisture resistant qualities.
Whereas, fractal burning uses electricity to burn wood almost instantaneously. The purpose of fractal
Lichtenberg Figures
The distinct electrical markings are named after Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, an 18th century German experimental physicist & satirist.
Is Fractal Wood Burning Dangerous?
The American Association of Woodturners thinks it is. In 2022, the AAW banned fractal wood turnings from its events. There are several recent highly publicized electrocution deaths resulting from fractal projects gone bad.
Experienced woodworkers who belong to guild associations are unlikely to be high-risk practitioners.
However, channeling electricity is inherently dangerous. This is compounded by the fact that burners often use repurposed appliance transformers, often from microwave ovens.
In addition, chemical reactions within the wood can harm vision and breathing.
For liability reasons, no one in their right mind encourages wood fracking. Even videos that show you how to do it often have a disclaimer warning you not to do it!
High voltage electricity spewing from hacked DIY transformer mechanisms onto chemically treated wood is not safe by any reasonable standard.
Wood fracking is like smoking in bed. In general, smoking is bad for your long term health. However, if you fall asleep with a lit cigarette in your hand, you & everyone around are in extreme short term danger. One mistake can be catastrophic. The same can be said for fractal art
Yet the results are visually stunning.
Why is Wood Fracking Popular on TikTok?
There are a few reasons why fractal burning woodworking videos are getting an audience on TikTik.
- The Fracking process is unusual & entertaining to watch. Perhaps more importantly, it the reaction happens quickly. TikTok is engineered to scroll short form content on a continuous feed.
- The Licheteberg figuring is creative and visually appealing. The TikTok platform is based upon visual appeal
- The videos contain an element of danger from the high voltage electricity and chemicals. Viewers can enjoy the vicarious thrill from the safety of their smartphones.
In truth, fractal burning is the X-games of woodworking. Thus, in TikTok, it’s found a youthful audience. Unfortunately, for young, curious & fearless newbie woodworkers, it’s probably the worst niche to dip your toes into.