sign making

DOGMAN
You will need to use a plunge router with a jig or two.
From Sears or the links below.
If you are real good with your hands you can do it free hand but it takes a bit of time to get it down right ( it's a art ) but the jigs will do most of the time.

http://www.milescraft.com/

#1206 SignCrafter with TurnLock
http://www.milescraft.com/router/1206.html

Hope this helps
Bj

dogman

Here's a link to buy it from.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0275-1603017?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

Bj

Dogman, the sign making kits are available from several manufacturers, and there are some important differences. The least expensive is the Craftsman, I believe the most expensive is from Lee Valley. They are all the same with the exception of the length of the upper and lower connecting rods; this is important since the Craftsman kit will allow only one average length word and the others will allow for more. I own a Craftsman and would buy one of the longer kits to save on set up time. Another item to think about: I would not use the plastic guide bushings that come with the Craftsman kit. They flex and allow the cutter to wander a bit. Use brass guide bushings and you will get great results.

Dogman:
I make signs freehand... you can make them much more personalized by sketching the lettering/design with a pencil and following them with a plunge router. I use a 1/4" V-groove bit, along with a 2" wide access clear baseplate for better viewing. Raising/Lowering the V-groove bit will allow you to change the depth and width of your cuts at the same time. It takes a LOT of practice to make your cuts straight, but it is well worth it!
-Ryan

Door Knockers, just incase someone wants to make one.
Not the same one but some good ones.

http://www.runnerduck.com/door_knocker.htm
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/4h/programs/pecky.htm
http://topscot.com/TheTreeHouse/Detail.asp?ID=1010778
http://topscot.com/TheTreeHouse/Detail.asp?ID=1010777

http://topscot.com/TheTreeHouse/ProductMaker.asp?ID=101012

Bj

Dogman
Here's one you may want try out.
I have and it works great for making a signs.
I use a roto-zip tool ,a older one, you can just cut so many holes in drywall with it so I put the 1/4" collet in and chuck up a 1/4" or 3/8" v-grove bit and a off and on switch on the floor and use it to make signs.
Because the older type is lighter than the new type it works great for free hand signs.
I also use a rpm speed control box on it ,so I don't burn up the bits up and put burn marks in the stock.
The floor switch comes in to play if I need to stop and then start up again.
Roto-Zip from a pawn shop for 20.oo bucks,floor switch for 22.oo bucks,speed control for 12.oo bucks and a bit at 6.oo bucks and you are set to make signs.
I have tried the moto tool out with the drive cable but it didn't work as well as the Roto-Zip becase of the mass of the roto-zip tool, it helps with control of the sign cutting.

Hope this helps with your sign cutting
Bj

Hi Dogman, I make signs with a hand held 1/4" router and find it relaxing. I do not use any templates but freehand them. It is easier than you think and with a little practice you can make professional signs in no time. i have just sent an article off to one of the magazines here in the UK on a 'how to' If you want to know more just send me a message.

Mailee

I would like to see the article PLEASE,can you post it ? or a link to it.

Thanks

Bj

Sorry Bobj3 it hasn't been published yet. I have just sent off the article and it should be in next months Good Woodworker, if he decides to use it that is. I also have another article in the process of my workshop build so I am not sure if he will publish both or just one. I do have the article with pics on the computer if you would like to see them though?

Mailee
Yes PLEASE,Thank You
You are one of them Your mind and hands work as one, that's BEAUTIFUL work
I look forward to seeing the article, please post if they pick it up from you and when I can get it.

Thanks
Bj

Hi Reible, Yes it is a plunge router but not the Trend. It is the Elu MOF96E that the Trend one superceded. I have had it around 15 years it is like one of the family now. I could recommend it if they still made them as the plunge action is like silk! I am on the lookout for a new one as it is now starting to show signs of age but I am in the same boat as you, which one? I think the Trend one is the nearest I will get so I may go for this if I can find one at a good price. Financially everything over here in the UK is grossly inflated when it comes to tools! Please send me a PM and I will send you the article.