Shopbot and Hand Combination

[joewino]

Recently we were asked to do a dimensional sign for another sign company here in Texas. They wanted to take their shop to a higher level, but did not have the equipment right now, so they designed a new logo and asked me to add dimension to it.

The owner's idea was just to have two flat layers with some areas routed out. My ideas went a little further with lots of layers and lots of texture. We compromised and met somewhere in the middle.

They wanted me to do the dimensional work on my ShopBot and then they would paint and install. I suggested that the main copy be prismatic and gold leaf, but they did not have experience in laying gold, so they contracted me to add the leaf.

There was a lot of scroll work that I did by hand because of the time it would take to set up the tool paths in Aspire.

The photos show the letters in place but they are not glued down - just sitting there for the photo. After they paint the whole sign, the letters will be attached with supper glue.

The backing is 6mm Dibond. HDU is 15# and 20# Corafoam. The small lettering is .25" PVC. There are .25" bolts embedded in the Dibond and HDU to attach the sign to a metal awning. Parts are held together with West System epoxy and Super Glue.

It's hard to tell in the photo but the banner with "Austin Signs" is 3" tall in the center and drops to about 1.25" on each end. The center circle is 2" tall at the highest point.

Now, I'm anxious to see it finished and installed. We had offered to do the sign complete but the client wanted to finish it themselves.

[signtist]

So what material did you use for the gold leaf "AUSTIN SIGNS"?
How tall are they?

[joewino]

The letters were cut from 20# Corafoam and then spray painted black. The tops of the letters were painted with One Shot tan lettering enamel and then One Shot Quick Size was added. The gold leaf is 23k patent.

Letter size varied, but was around 4" tall. They were 1' thick. They were cut using Aspire software and our ShopBot PRT.

[Big-Tex]

Very nice quality work. Master of guilding at work.
I would love to enroll in apprenticeship with you or Dr.Crumley but, you guys are just to far.

[joewino]

No, we are not too far - you are. We are right where we've always been.

[myxpykalix]

You know Raymond if i didn't know better i'd swear you must have been peeking over Joe's shoulder learning his techniques. Excellent work!!

[bleeth]

Heck Thomas-Texas ain't all that big! :D If I were a signmaker and lived that close to Ray and Joe you couldn't keep me from taking advantage of their vast experience and willingness to share!

[Big-Tex]

Dave I have visited with Mr.Chapman for guilding session for newbies. I used to pass Temple twice a week for about a year when I used to work out of town about 20 miles north of Austin.
I have promised my self to visit Dr.Crumley as well. I guess I have to do it soon before he moves. I must admit I am grateful that they are willing to share secrets and life's worth experience .

Mr.Chapman can you tell me more about prismatic letter craetion in Aspire, dos and don't if you can.....
Thanks in advance.

[steve_g]

Thomas:
Lets plan a trip to Norman Ok

Steve G

[joe]

Once again my friend, you've lead the way.

I'm looking, with admiration, at all the techniques you've used to make another beautiful sign. This a prime example of where creativity and technology come together to express the finer qualities of both. If a customer is lucky enough to find talent at this level, they should be willing to pay what ever the artist needs to do the work. Very few artist make enough money. It's a labor of love.

Today was an exceptional day out here on the plains. My first prospective buyer, asked for a contract. There was no attempt to lower my Realtors price. It's a cash deal and will close in a week. Now I'm happy and sad.

It's all kind of scary since I have two ranches and a couple of medium sized jobs to finish up and I'm weary with thought. And I haven't found a place to move. Ron visited today. It's always good to have him around. He's a delightful person and much more adept with computer work than I am. He's a testament to hiring people who are better than you are.



J.

[joewino]

Jack - you are exactly right. I've been peeking over Crumley's shoulder since I was a little boy.

Wow, Joe....that was quick. For an old man, you move fast. My best wishes to you as you adjust to a different life style.

[GlenP]

Nice sign Raymond. Love the design. I think too many times we ignore the concept of still cutting stuff by hand once we have a router.

I hope Joe will still be posting on this and other forums. You two guys are an inspiration and help to the rest of us that cannot be covered in just one post. Joe if you need a place to work my door is always open but you might not like the commute to Ontario Canada. :eek:

[joewino]

I would invite Joe down to work with me, but he's kinda grumpy.

[jerry_stanek]

I can deal with Grumpy. It's grouchy that I have a hard time with.

[joewino]

Well, he's not too bad. I might let him work with me for awhile...but, you know we have certain standards of quality here. Joe might be able to bring his level up after a few years and adjust to what we do. It might be worth a try. I'm always in favor of helping a youngster get started.:)

[cartar929]

Extremely nice work Raymond.

[Big-Tex]

Prof. Chapman I did forget source for 140 deg. v-bit you mentioned.
Can you reveal vendor?

[joewino]

Thomas - the one I have is from Advantage Sign Supply. I don't think that they keep them in stock but just drop ship them from Gerber.

Gerber part #P56376A (about $60 plus shipping)