A couple was found dead and their house ablaze in Wisconsin in what authorities believed was a fractal wood art experiment gone wrong. The accident perplexed the authorities since the couple seemed to have died even before the fire damaged their home.
Investigators believed that Tanya Rodriquez (44) and James Carolfi (52) were electrocuted while trying fractal wood art in their garage. The Teal Mango said that the fractal wood-burning equipment might have caused the electrocutions, which caused a fire that started in the couple's garage.
Fractal wood art
Fractal wood burning art trend is a technique in which different art patterns are created on wooden items. The wood is soaked in a chemical solution. An electric current runs through the wood, and the product will catch fire, creating beautiful designs. The processed wood is then cleaned. The technique is interesting, yet it is very unsafe.
The hobby has gained popularity on various social media platforms like Tiktok, where there are numerous videos uploaded by users showcasing the technique.
It typically uses a high-voltage transformer, most often repurposed from a microwave oven, to let the current flow through the wood item that has been soaked with a chemical solution. Bad chemical preparation for the wood could also cause untoward accidents.
According to the Sheriff's statement, the fractal wood art process is hazardous and should only be done by trained professionals.
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Hazardous process
In 2020, a man died in Wisconsin after trying the wood art technique at home. He got instructions on how to do it on social media, as per Wisconsin Public Radio.
According to the American Association of Woodturners, around 34 people have died due to fractal wood burning since 2016, one of which included an experienced electrician. The association has since educated people on the high risks of the practice. It also banned fractal burning at its events and publications to prevent further deaths and injuries.
The association also explains that experienced craftspeople use specialized power sources, gear, and chemical soaks to protect themselves while they burn wood. Meanwhile, amateurs use car batteries or microwave parts for wood fractal operations.
The practice is dangerous as the home-built wood-burning systems can be volatile, and crafters find it challenging to control the power of the electrical charge. The wood could also catch fire if not treated with the proper chemicals.
Rick Baker, the American Association of Woodturners' safety committee chair, warns that high voltage electricity is an "invisible killer" where the user "cannot see the danger."
Phil McDonald, the executive director of the association, advised that those interested in making wooden crafts should steer away from electric burning methods and consult with experts before starting the craft to ensure that the activity is safe, Forbes reports.
