BC Wood Worx

What kind of wood is the best to work with for a beginning sign maker? I need to figure out what wood I can use that isn't gonna give a bunch of grief & is pretty commonly available @ a local Lowe's or Home Depot. I will be using a template for recessed routing on boards approx 5' long.
Thanx!

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Mike

As a rule pine will be the cheapest, but the best choice would be cedar. Fewer knots, a soft wood that routs easily, still low in cost. It doesn't get much better than that.

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Mike
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BC Wood Worx

Thanx for the suggestionon the type of wood. Also ~~ when i route recessed letters what is a good way to sand & smooth the recess. I have tried it manually w/ sandpaper but that will take forever. There has to be a better way - different bit? any tool for smoothing out the recess? Any suggestions? thanx

Mike

I am guessing you are making free hand letters and not using a lettering jig? Your best bet would be to do your clean out with a dish cutting bit if possible. They make these in a 5/8" diameter and they will provide a clean level surface.

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Mike
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BC Wood Worx

thanx for the response Mike. I am using a lettering jig to do recessed letter and seem to get some "burring" when going against the grain. I have found it very time consuming to try to smooth these out by hand with sandpaper. any suggestions?