High School Studio Sign

[mccoy178]

I am designing an outdoor type facade for our studio at the school. We built an 18' x 18' studio at the end of last school year and I think it is time to jazz it up some. I will include more pictures in the future. The general idea is to give the outside a movie theater appearance. I worked on a conceptual idea tonight and will continue to update as we go. I am using Aspire2.
1903

[mccoy178]

Here are some progress pics. I have both sides glued up and started the VCarve of the indian today. It took about 8 hours to cut the 4' indian. I feel the speeds are too slow, but that's okay for this project. It can take its time. I wish I could draw in an autocad program proficiently to show my idea. Trying to get all of the layers correct while designing in Aspire is making my brain hurt.

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[wberminio]

Very Nice!

Can't wait to see the finished project

Erminio

[srwtlc]

You apparently don't have any of the "Politically Correct Logo Police" where you are! I just don't get it, if I were Native American, I'd be proud to have such a symbol of my heritage!

Nice work, looking forward to seeing the finished project too!


1909

[mccoy178]

Here is one side complete. There was a total of five tool changes and around 9 hours of machine time. I am also including a picture of the 6' x 8' x 1/2" plexi I bought off of Craigslist for $50. It will be used for the lighting features that will come over the next few days. I am starting the otherside now, but I will have to finish some other projects I have promised first before I can get back to this. Still, I'm stoked with the progress!

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[mccoy178]

BTW, here is a rough idea of what I'm going for here:

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[hh_woodworking]

Good Job Ben! Wish I could get aspire here at Southwest
Ed

[mikeacg]

Ben,

That looks great! I love seeing projects as they grow too! Thanks for sharing!

Mike

[myxpykalix]

ben, all i can say is...woo, woo, woo, woo!
Indian call...nice job

[butch]

Ben
That is great work.
Thanks
Butch

[mccoy178]

Thanks fellas! The other side is complete now. There is about 20 hours of machine time associated with the two sides.

[mccoy178]

I cut out the 3/16" plexi parts that go around the letters. It went very smooth.

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[mccoy178]

Today I cutout the 1/2" plexi boarder that will hopefully glow red when red rope light is placed behind it. I also cut out the 1/2" plexi letters that will have white light behind them. I am now working on the middle section design. I have to consider changing the lights as needed and providing access to those places.

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[mccoy178]

Here are a couple more pictures.

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[mjindustry]

wow, I think you've stunned the crowd. Everybody that sees this probably does that jaw drop to the floor thing!


1924

[mccoy178]

Finally an update. I cutout the mdf center sections today. I also cut out a bunch of letters to utilize the bare areas, so machining took an extremely long time. The middle consists of .75mdf pieces. I used 8 layers to create a 6" spacer. It took 1 and a half sheets. I also left the top open as to keep access available to the lighting. Tomorrow I hope to cut out the 1/2" mdf that goes with the 1/2" plexi layer to hide the red rope light from bleeding in on the white lettering.


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[myxpykalix]

I thought i read this was going to be an outdoor sign? If so and the mdf is going to be exposed to the elements it will get ruined.

Why are you wanting to make the sign so thick to begin with? You might want to consult with some of the sign guys for the best material for outdoor use. For being a "newbie" you are doing excellent work.

[myxpykalix]

I went back and studied your pics better, i see the reason for the thick spacer. Very nice planning and exectution.
It looks like you have one side fitting over the other like a boxlid? If so and it is going to be exposed to rain make sure you put silicone caulk around the edges to keep rain from penetrating the inside of your sign.

[mccoy178]

Thanks for the compliments Jack. This sign is completely indoors. We have a tv studio that the kids built inside my shopclass area. Sorry for the confusion, but I do appreciate the input!

[mccoy178]

The 1/2" mdf pieces were cutout today and that was the last pieces needed to mock up the whole thing. One thing that I will need to fix is the piece that hides the red rope light from bleeding into the white light overlaps the "W" letter on the corners. I will just need to trim that piece up uncover the letter. Please feel free to ask questions, give suggestions, or general feedback, as I have no clue what I am doing here. Also, general painting and staining should start over the next few days. So, without further ado:
The 1/2" piece to compliment the plexi:

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The plexi in place:

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The original oak on bottom of the puzzle:

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The next few pictures are of the 3/4" mdf getting stacked up:

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Here is the completed marquee:

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Here is the top that will be kept open to access the lighting:

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[myxpykalix]

absolutely cool....what type of lighting is going inside? You might want to check out cold cathode lighting, it is extremely cool lighting so no chance of heat getting to your materials.

[steve4460]

Wow . This is going to be heavy . That rope lighting that you have in mind might not be bright enough . I would go with these guys

www.sloanled.com/ChanneLED4.html (http://www.sloanled.com/ChanneLED4.html)
Check it out .
Bot on .

[butch]

That is one great sign. I can't wait to see it finished!

Butch