Little Letters

[joe]

Here a few tapered .50" letters for one of my interior directories I'll be visiting the property next week which will give me a change to take photo's I should have taken when the job was complete. This is one of those unusual times HDU was used. Perhaps PVC would have done a better job.

Here's how these are made. After the letters are profiled to 1/2" deep the substrate is sliced on the bandsaw. In this case the table was laid over at about 30%. If you're making flat little letters or scrolls it's possible to get several sets after routing. It's impressive to see thin delicate scrollwork or letters on interior signs. I need to do more of this myself.

Don't worry much about the quality of the bandsaw blade. Just about any kind will do. Even skip-tooth blades will work. Be sure to use a push stick!

PS:
I'm thinking it would be efficient to have an area clear around the letters with a larger bit. That would allow for painting prior to bandsawing them loose.

[scottp55]

Joe, I really like that idea of beveling the letters!:)
In my mind I can see a tallish sign with the letters above eye level like that--- then gradating to the reverse bevel at the bottom-- It would be a royal PITA, BUT would look good in a George Lucas futuristic film:) certainly eye catching.
Thanks for the thought, that would never have occurred to me.
scott

[mikeacg]

Joe,

I do a lot of that kind of work on my laser but I like your bevels with the CNC. I'm guessing the shadows cast are pretty interesting! Thanks for sharing!

Mike :)

[joe]

Michael,

I think you could bevel your material first, then bandsaw out the letters.
In order to keep the letters from falling through throat of the saw it's best to make a false platform. A 12"X14" piece of plywood or mdo works well. I bandsaw it in place.

Here are a letter textured to give them a custom look below. Most often I give my work a little custom look. That's what brings customers back.

[mikeacg]

Joe,

I have always loved that sign!

Mike :)