How to Make Lichtenberg Figures: The Lethal Voltage Risk First

Lichtenberg figures are branching, lightning-like patterns burned into wood using high-voltage electricity. The DIY build behind them has killed at least 33 people in the US since 2017 — this page explains why, and covers safer ways to get the same look.

Preparing Materials For Making Lichtenberg Figures

To create captivating Lichtenberg figures, one must first gather the necessary materials. This comprehensive guide explores the step-by-step process to prepare the required items for making these mesmerizing electrical patterns, ensuring a successful and rewarding experience.

Choosing The Right Wood And Size

When it comes to creating Lichtenberg Figures, selecting the right wood is crucial. Here are some points to consider when choosing wood and determining the appropriate size:

Wood selection:

• Tight-grained woods like basswood, birch, cherry, and maple produce the finest, most detailed branching patterns because the grain doesn’t interrupt the current path.
• Looser-grained woods like oak or ash still work, but the pattern tends to look less fine and hair-like — the grain itself has more influence on where the current travels.

Size considerations:

• Pick a piece of wood that is large enough to accommodate the Lichtenberg Figure pattern you have in mind.
• Ensure the wood is thick enough to withstand the electrical current without damaging or burning through the material.
• Smaller sizes are ideal for beginners, as they are easier to manage and produce more manageable patterns.

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Gathering The Necessary Safety Equipment

Prior to starting your Lichtenberg Figures project, it is essential to gather the required safety equipment. This will ensure your safety throughout the process. Here’s what you need:

Safety equipment checklist:

• Rubber gloves: Protect your hands from electrical shocks while working with high voltage.
• Safety goggles: Safeguard your eyes from potential debris or sparks.
• Face mask: Prevent inhalation of any fumes or dust particles generated during the process.
• Apron or protective clothing: Shield yourself from any accidental spills or stains.
• Fire extinguisher: Have one nearby as a precautionary measure in case of any fire-related accidents.

Preparing The Wood Surface

Before proceeding with creating Lichtenberg Figures, it is crucial to properly prepare the wood surface. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Sanding:

• Start by sanding the wood surface to achieve a smooth and even texture.
• Remove any existing varnish, paint, or resin to ensure proper electrical conduction.

Drying:

• Allow the wood to completely dry after sanding to remove any moisture that may impede the formation of Lichtenberg Figures.
• This step is especially important if the wood has been freshly cut or treated.

Sealing:

• Apply a wood sealer or epoxy resin to enhance the conductivity and protect the wood during the electrical process.
• Ensure that the sealer is completely dry before proceeding to avoid any adverse effects.

By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning Lichtenberg Figures on your chosen wood surface. Remember to always prioritize safety and enjoy the artistic journey!

Choosing The Right Wood And Size

Choosing the right wood and size plays a crucial role in creating stunning Lichtenberg Figures. The conductive solution painted onto the surface does most of the work carrying the current — the wood itself mainly needs to be dry (moisture content below 20%, which is also a fire-safety requirement, not just a quality one) and tight-grained for the finest detail. Consider these factors for exceptional results.

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Selecting A Suitable Wood Type For Lichtenberg Figures

When it comes to creating beautiful Lichtenberg Figures, choosing the right wood is essential. Different wood types can produce varying patterns and colors, so it’s crucial to select a suitable one for your desired outcome. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the wood:

• Wood characteristics: Tight-grained species like basswood, birch, maple, and cherry produce the finest, most hair-like branching detail. Open-grained woods like oak or ash still burn a pattern, just a less refined one, since the current follows the grain more than the fractal path.
• Hardwood vs. Softwood: Grain tightness matters more than hardwood-vs-softwood classification. Basswood (a softwood-adjacent hardwood) and maple or cherry (true hardwoods) are all popular precisely because they’re tight-grained, not because of their density alone.
• Local availability: Consider the accessibility of different wood types in your area. Choosing locally available woods can be cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of wood comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different species to find the one that aligns with your aesthetic taste.

Understanding The Importance Of Wood Moisture Content

Wood moisture content plays a vital role in achieving successful Lichtenberg Figures. Here’s why it is important:

• Avoiding dangerous outcomes: Moisture content is crucial to prevent the wood from catching fire during the Lichtenberg process. Dry wood with a moisture content below 20% is generally recommended to minimize the risk of combustion.
• Enhancing the pattern: Wood with the right moisture content allows for better penetration of the electrical current, resulting in more defined and visually appealing patterns.
• Moisture meters: Use a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture content of the wood before proceeding. This will help ensure optimal results and minimize any potential safety hazards.

Determining The Size And Thickness Of The Wood

When it comes to creating Lichtenberg Figures, the size and thickness of the wood can greatly impact the outcome. Consider the following factors:

• Workspace limitations: Assess the available workspace and equipment for generating Lichtenberg Figures. Choose wood sizes and thicknesses that fit comfortably within these constraints.
• Intended use: Determine the final purpose of the Lichtenberg Figure. Will it be a standalone artwork or incorporated into a larger project? This consideration will guide the appropriate size and thickness selection.
• Stability: Thicker and more substantial pieces of wood are generally more stable during the Lichtenberg process. They are less prone to warping or cracking due to the electrical current.
• Flexibility: If you desire flexibility in your Lichtenberg Figures, thinner and smaller pieces of wood may be preferable. They can be maneuvered easily for different artistic effects.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with various sizes and thicknesses to discover unique and captivating results. Each piece of wood has its own potential for creating distinctive Lichtenberg Figures.

By considering the suitable wood type, understanding the importance of wood moisture content, and determining the right size and thickness, you can embark on your journey to creating mesmerizing Lichtenberg Figures. Remember to prioritize safety precautions and let your creativity flourish.

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Why We Don’t Publish The Build, Wiring, Or Solution Steps

Earlier versions of this page included a complete step-by-step guide: assembling a high-voltage power supply, connecting electrode probes to the wood, mixing and applying a conductive solution, applying controlled electrical discharges, and disposing of leftover materials afterward. We removed all of it. Since 2017, at least 33 documented deaths in the United States have been linked to homemade Lichtenberg/fractal wood-burning rigs built from microwave oven transformers or neon sign transformers, and the American Association of Woodturners bans demonstrating the technique at its events.

Two facts explain why the safety steps that used to be in this guide (gloves, dry flooring, “never touch while energized”) don’t reliably prevent injury:

• A GFCI outlet does not protect you. It monitors the transformer’s primary (input) wiring. The lethal output comes from the secondary coil, which is galvanically isolated from that circuit — the GFCI cannot detect a fault on the output side and will not trip while current is passing through a person.
• Unplugging the power supply does not make it safe to touch. The capacitor paired with a microwave oven transformer stores a charge and can deliver a lethal shock long after the unit is disconnected from the wall — several documented fatalities involved people handling equipment they believed was safe because it was unplugged.

Getting The Branching Look Without The Risk

If the branching, lightning-like pattern is the appeal rather than the electrical process itself, these routes get a comparable result without wiring a transformer or mixing a conductive solution:

• Pyrography (wood-burning) pen. Freehand a branching pattern at low, safe voltage — slower than an electrical discharge, but no shock risk.
• CNC laser engraver. Load or design a Lichtenberg-style pattern and let the laser burn it in — no current passes through the workpiece or operator.
• Commercially built, interlocked units. Enclosed Lichtenberg machines with engineered safety interlocks are meaningfully safer than a garage-built rig, but they’re still high voltage. “Safer” is not “safe” — follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly and never bypass the enclosure or interlocks.

Frequently Asked Questions For How To Make Lichtenberg Figures

What Voltage Is Needed For Lichtenberg?

Most DIY fractal wood burning setups use 1,000 to 15,000 volts from a microwave oven transformer or neon sign transformer — a lethal voltage range regardless of which transformer is used. A GFCI outlet does not make this safe, and neither does calling one transformer type “safer” than another.

What Is The Best Electrolyte For Lichtenberg Burning?

We don’t publish an electrolyte recipe. Any water-based conductive solution used with a high-voltage transformer carries the same lethal risk, regardless of the exact mixture.

What’S The Best Liquid To Use For Fractal Burning?

We don’t publish a solution recipe for fractal burning. Any conductive liquid used with a high-voltage transformer carries the same lethal risk that has caused at least 33 documented US deaths since 2017.

Can You Use A Car Battery For Fractal Burning?

No, car batteries are not suitable for fractal burning due to their voltage and amperage limitations.

What’s A Safer Way To Get A Similar Look?

A standard low-voltage pyrography pen or a CNC laser engraver can produce a comparable branching, fractal-style pattern without any transformer, capacitor, or conductive solution involved.

Conclusion

Creating Lichtenberg figures is an exciting and artistic endeavor that allows you to harness the power of electricity to produce captivating patterns. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can safely and successfully create these unique creations on your own.

Remember to always prioritize safety by wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area. Experiment with different materials, voltage levels, and design ideas to create your own signature Lichtenberg figures. Whether you choose wood, acrylic, or any other suitable material, the possibilities are endless.

With patience, practice, and a keen eye for detail, you can master this electrifying art form and showcase your stunning Lichtenberg figures to the world. Start creating today and let your imagination run wild!