joe
03-27-2017, 08:30 PM
This is a comparison of materials and techniques used in my shop.
My SB purchase came before the advent of Vetric or Aspire. At that time there were few affordable software programs on the market. With a small little computer using Corel and Flexisign our files were saved in DXF format and sent to the router. It was a simple easy process. Although the router was slow and had plenty of glitches, it was a rich learning process. I'm glad I got my start that way.
We had no idea there would ever be 3D carving programs or that we could ever do what we're doing today. No vinyl sign although we do apply a little on our carved panels.
Vertical grain, sandblasted, redwood and yellow pine renders a a beautiful natural image. And the amount of detail is un-limited. I'm not suggesting anyone move in that direction. There are too many down sides. Blasting is dangerous, manual labor. It takes lots of air. We used a 165 CFM twin screw. I think that's the minimum. Today
sandblasting is sent out. That's an affordable way of getting the work done.
The photo below showing Gary Beckwith's Studio sign was done on 18lb HDU. This was carved during one of my workshops. We started painting the panel but time it was a squeeker to finish it up.
Building a perfect wood grain file: The wood planks shown have been sandblasted then photographed. I have dozens of these jpg files. It's a very creative process using the camera. I look for interesting textures of bark, rust, sand drifts, gravel, or just about anything that catches my eye. Once in Aspire you can choose the grain depth. To me that's more fun than buying someone's pre-mail pattern.
At one time we used HDU. It's expensive, gritty, and requires special attention when screwing, and painting. I've posted lots of failures due to hail damage. All that said, it's still, in my opinion, best when used for 3D carving on smaller objects.
Today most of my work is done on PVC. It's tough and easy to paint. The down side, you must learn a whole new set of finishing techniques. PVC doesn't carve well with a chisel but you can use a variety of burs and sanding wheels. Painting is a snap. No primers needed.
I'm aware we don't have many sign artists on this forum but someone might get an idea or two.
Joe
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29959&stc=1
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29960&stc=1
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29961&stc=1
My SB purchase came before the advent of Vetric or Aspire. At that time there were few affordable software programs on the market. With a small little computer using Corel and Flexisign our files were saved in DXF format and sent to the router. It was a simple easy process. Although the router was slow and had plenty of glitches, it was a rich learning process. I'm glad I got my start that way.
We had no idea there would ever be 3D carving programs or that we could ever do what we're doing today. No vinyl sign although we do apply a little on our carved panels.
Vertical grain, sandblasted, redwood and yellow pine renders a a beautiful natural image. And the amount of detail is un-limited. I'm not suggesting anyone move in that direction. There are too many down sides. Blasting is dangerous, manual labor. It takes lots of air. We used a 165 CFM twin screw. I think that's the minimum. Today
sandblasting is sent out. That's an affordable way of getting the work done.
The photo below showing Gary Beckwith's Studio sign was done on 18lb HDU. This was carved during one of my workshops. We started painting the panel but time it was a squeeker to finish it up.
Building a perfect wood grain file: The wood planks shown have been sandblasted then photographed. I have dozens of these jpg files. It's a very creative process using the camera. I look for interesting textures of bark, rust, sand drifts, gravel, or just about anything that catches my eye. Once in Aspire you can choose the grain depth. To me that's more fun than buying someone's pre-mail pattern.
At one time we used HDU. It's expensive, gritty, and requires special attention when screwing, and painting. I've posted lots of failures due to hail damage. All that said, it's still, in my opinion, best when used for 3D carving on smaller objects.
Today most of my work is done on PVC. It's tough and easy to paint. The down side, you must learn a whole new set of finishing techniques. PVC doesn't carve well with a chisel but you can use a variety of burs and sanding wheels. Painting is a snap. No primers needed.
I'm aware we don't have many sign artists on this forum but someone might get an idea or two.
Joe
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29959&stc=1
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29960&stc=1
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29961&stc=1