Anyone ever try those stencil burning tools?

Has anybody ever tried those handheld tools that have tips and plug in to burn stencils? Are they easy to use and do they work well? I made a stencil for St. Patty's Day, but I had bought this "rotating" tip xacto knife that was total crap - I returned it. It had a tip that rotated, apprently to make stencils, so you could go around curves. The tip was so small and it stuck in the cutting board every second, also rotated too easily and you couldn't do a good curve - don't buy that knife! Now I'm thinking of buying that actual tool that burns through the plastic, it's about $15. only. It has different tips and you lay your stencil plastic against glass and just draw the stencil. Anyone ever try it? Thanks, Tina

I have one.... It works, great. I don't use it too much, but it sure comes in handy when you need a sports logo done fast for a gazillion people in line. I had a real hard time at first figuring out exactly how to make a proper stencil... because you have to consider the negative space in your design.

That sounds promising! I do the Autism 5K every year and everyone wants puzzle pieces. I made a stencil last year with a regular xacto knife which looked okay, but this sounds much better. Where do you buy it?

I have one and yes it works great...I bought the heavier white plastic sheets instead of the blue flimsy sheets. I have the Plaid Folk Art One. I got it for 7.50 with a 50% coupon off from Michaels..I got the more BAM like stencil sheets for 4.99 for 2 sheets It is called Leading Sheets for that Faux Stained Glass. i love it I made us some "Pink" Ribbon stencils and i have done some logo's for local Fundraising events. Just practice on a scrap piece so you get the feel.

I use one too. it's a breeze.

Awesome, I'll keep an eye out!

Is there a trick to not leaving rough edges? Am I going too slow or is it the wrong material?

MMM I will play around with that I have to cut some stencils for a fundraiser event..I will let ya know unless someone else can answer that Denise

The edges are always going to be a little rough. You can run a lighter around them afterward, or use a vector cutter instead of the burner if they are a big issue for you. Super fine fine sand paper will make them less rough too.

Note: melting plastic gives off nasty chemicals.... wearing a dust mask is NOT enough. Use a melter/burner outside only. Lots of fresh air and ventilation

On a related note, has anyone tried making reusable stencils with a Cricut (or sumilar) machine? I've seen people use them with vinyl for their glitter tattoos but how about with Mylar for reusable stencils?

I was wondering abput thr Cricut...I thought the stencil material was kinda pricey. I know there was a post a while back using something like that not sure what exactlt.

I think BAM stencils are something like .7 mm Mylar. My boss has one of the first Cricuts they made (she just uses hers for scrap booking) and she wasn't sure hers would be able to handle stencil material. But she did say that the newer models can be fitted with longer blades for thicker materials. Not sure if they'd be able to handle stencil plastic but I sure am curious.

Got my son to try using a film I could reuse with the cricut, but we couldn't get it figured out--so if any one has any success and a how to, sure would appreciate it too!

I want to try to do the burn tool if that isn't a option! Have a series of 5ks we do year after year & would love to do a reuse stencil for each!

Thanks Everyone! It sounds like a good tool and I'm getting one today!!!!