Welcome to the forum Mike . I’m sure the experts will chime in soon
Hello!
Hi everyone. I'm here to learn about sign making. I have a pretty decent (novice) woodworking background and I had a friend approach me wanting a sign made to replace one that has been in the elements for 40 years.
I have searched the internet and that's how I found this forum. I'm looking for 5-6" letter templates for use with a handheld router. I have looked into having the sign CNC carved and it's cost prohibitive in this instance. I'll search the forum, but if anyone has any tips for me they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Mike
I have searched the internet and that's how I found this forum. I'm looking for 5-6" letter templates for use with a handheld router. I have looked into having the sign CNC carved and it's cost prohibitive in this instance. I'll search the forum, but if anyone has any tips for me they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Mike
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Welcome, Mike. I've never used templates but I have freehand carved a lot of signs. The size letters you're talking about would be very easy to freehand. When a sign has 5" or 6" letters, it is usually viewed from a distance so any little wobbles from freehand carving will not be noticed. Grab a few scraps of wood and make some practice cuts. You'll be amazed at how well you do. Also check out this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/oldave100
Hi, Mike: welcome!
No shortage of free fonts online.
No shortage of free fonts online.
I'm not aware of any templates that big but there are two possibilities free handed. One is to get a letter set and a router pantograph. The pantograph allows you to scale up or down from the template you have. The other method is to print them on paper and glue the paper to your work and follow the printed letters. I personally prefer Lee Valley's fish glue for doing that as it is water soluble so easy to remove the paper later and clean the glue off but the 3M spray adhesive works too and mineral spirits will clean it off.
We have a sign making sub forum. If you look through the old threads there you may find some helpful information although in the last 2 or 3 years there is a lot of CNC sign content. The older threads farther back will be more about hand made ones. https://www.routerforums.com/sign-making/
We have a sign making sub forum. If you look through the old threads there you may find some helpful information although in the last 2 or 3 years there is a lot of CNC sign content. The older threads farther back will be more about hand made ones. https://www.routerforums.com/sign-making/
Welcome to the forum Mike.
Welcome to the forum, Mike! When you get a minute complete your profile with first name and location. That will clear the N/a in the left panel and your location helps us to help you. You may actually be close to a member with a CNC.
Hope your sign goes well and that you stick around with us. Post photos when you can.
David
Hope your sign goes well and that you stick around with us. Post photos when you can.
David
Welcome to the forum, Mike.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
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