[Gaffboat]

I made this patio sign out of 15lb Precision Board from InteState HDU. The material is a joy to work with because it cuts so easily and cleanly. The HDU holds fine detail well, and you can cut to a full depth even with somewhat fragile bits like the Whiteside 11º SC50 bit which has a needle-like point.

The most significant problems with using high density urethane are availability and cost. I can only get it online, and the price for a 24” x 24” x 1” is about $80 plus shipping. Needless to say, I save it for special projects. This sign blank was 8” x 24”, so the material was about $27 which isn’t that outrageous. This sign will be exposed to the weather and HDU’s impervious nature makes it ideal for this installation.

The painting was a bit tedious, but the HDU takes all paints well. The sign has a combination of water-based and oil-based paints. HDU, unlike styrofoam, is not affected by solvents like paint thinner or lacquer thinner.

So, I like it, and I would use it more often if it weren’t for the cost and availability.

 

[Gaffboat]

@MEBCWD
I did use a 15º V bit for the majority of the sign, Mike. The SC50 was used for the face detail, and a 3/16" spiral for clearing out the majority of the background. I used a 1/8" ball nose for the texture.
@hawkeye10
I used exterior house paint for the background colors, Don, so they should do well. Those sample color mixes you can get from Home Depot are very handy for small projects.
@honesttjohn
Thanks HJ, I will check out the alternate source. I purchased from InterState HDU because they were the only place I found that sold in other than full sheets.