hdu vs hardwood

[cowboy1296]

I have worked exclusively with hardwood over the past few years. A friend of mine wants an exterior sign that she can paint. Not sure where you can find pieces of hdu, but i need a piece around 48 inches long by 14 inches tall x 2 inches thick. Yall tell me but i am thinking 18 lb. FYI the climate will be hot and humid. Are there any tricks working with hdu vs hardwood? Do i use the same feeds and speeds? Do i use the same bits? Is it brittle if i clamp it down to hard? etc.

Since she has never painted hdu, is there a link to guide a rookie on how to do it?

Thanks in advance for your advice..

[bleeth]

If you haven't done so post this on the 3d sign forum. More high experience sign carvers there (We do have some great ones here-they just have more!)
My two cents: You can run faster speeds and slower spin. It cuts like butter, but the dust is fun. 18lb is fine. Different brands are a bit different and lots use 15lb but the heavier density yields a nicer product IMHO.
You prime it and topcoat. All Acrylic Latex works fine. The Precision Board site has a lot of info. They also offer their own sealer/primer but you can use lots of others. Some really vibrant paints for the purpose can be gotten from Nova Color. They will be happy to send you a sample kit. I don't know anyone who has anything bad to say about them.

[cowboy1296]

thanks thats a start. I monitor the 3-d sign forum but dont post anything on there anymore.

[bobmoore]

Everything Bleeth said if you are going with hdu for sure. I would rather work with mdo or pvc if you still have material choices. Carve great paint great and no special primers needed to fill the pores. BTW check shipping specs for ups if you are shipping this sign as a couple inches here or there could save you a ton of freight charges. I only say this because hot and humid sounds a long way from south central Colorado.

[cowboy1296]

since i made the post the friend has now decided on hardwood. Here in Colorado its been pretty humid here lately and cold. global warming is hell on my old bones. 32% right now and around freezing every morning. But the sign is going to Texas. I know absolutely nothing about composites which is why i asked for advise. This is the artwork that she is going with, anyone ever heard or seen it before.http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25177&stc=1

[bleeth]

Here is info on the flying eyeball: An artist years ago (pinstriper/hippie) named Von Dutch did it from an ancient Macedonian symbol.
Searching will get you info.

[cowboy1296]

Not exactly my cup of tea when i do mostly military, cops and wildlife but it is what she wantedhttp://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25524&stc=1. There is nothing on this, which was cut in African Mahogany, but one coat of sealer. FYI i see no warpage. Hopefully she will loose the idea of putting this outside and move it indoors.

[bobmoore]

Looks good Cowboy. Do you have outdoor experience with African mahogany. I just recently carved some and it seems real easy to use. Bob

[cowboy1296]

no i dont. i would have used sikken log and siding natural on it if i were finishing it. but she has decided to paint it. due to its size, 47 inches, i was afraid of warping and there was none. so that is a positive.

[scottp55]

Another NICE one Rick!
Big for you also...Glad it stayed flat!!
Carved with the grain?

[pappybaynes]

no i dont. i would have used sikken log and siding natural on it if i were finishing it. but she has decided to paint it. due to its size, 47 inches, i was afraid of warping and there was none. so that is a positive.

Mahogany needs a lot of sealer as it is porous...I've used Spanish Cedar (actually in the Mahogany family) and Mahogany for exterior signs... great to carve, resistant to rot and bugs...just need to maintain the finish every so often....
Dick

[cowboy1296]

yeah i went with the grain. but i am going to do some against the grain in the near future. there were some fuzzies. strangely enough they were mostly on the right wing and almost none on the left. now explain that.

[pappybaynes]

yeah i went with the grain. but i am going to do some against the grain in the near future. there were some fuzzies. strangely enough they were mostly on the right wing and almost none on the left. now explain that.

Probably just the nature of that piece of wood...

[cowboy1296]

does anyone know of a good wood therapist?????????:D