Tips for Using Woodworking Branding Irons - Wait for branding iron to heat up completely before branding. - Lightly dampen branding location on project with water. - Try to locate brand over same species of wood. Different wood species can burn at different rates. - Hold brand in place for 3-5 seconds.

If you’re applying the branding freehand, I’ve found the best way is to place the work at typical workbench height, hold the iron by the handle at your chest, and bend forward using your core, rather than your arms, as the source of force. However, my preferred method is to use a drill-press attachment (mine is from Gearheart Industry ).