Starting the "Big Sign"

 I started a full size proof today.  It will be carved out of Philippinen Mahogany and should last a very long time.  This is a two sided sign.  I need to carve both side separate then glue them together with Gorilla Glue.  Then cap the top with copper or lead flashing to keep the rain from getting into the seam.

I need to know when to quit...

I think I went too far in the carving of this one  If I would have stopped half way I think it would have been a better sign.. Ah live and learn..  This is so much fun..

What do with the scraps

This machine of mine eats wood like a termite hoard..  So I have been looking for a endless source of wood, but until then I will be using scraps.  If you look closely you will see the inside of the speaker stands.

Look it draws on eggs..

Every now and again I find a cool tool I wish I had..  I am into wood and wood carving but that doesn't preclude me from getting excited about this.. Egg Bot

It was a busy day..

I found a new place in town..  Called Cross Cuts.  It isn't cheep but they have the wood I needed..  It is hard to find anything in the larger stores, but once you find the local guys you end up with a better product and a larger selection.  This might seem counter intuitive, a large store should have everything, but they can't make the profit on the odd items...  So support the small stores and the local guys..

Here is what they look like

I delivered the finished signs last night.  They will go around her house so customers don't park in her driveway and she can go home at night.  I also got measurements for there new outdoor sign.  It should be a great project..  Stay tuned for more updates..

All with a coat of finish

The edges need a coat of red and the back needs to be weatherized.  The poly makes even the Poplar look good..

The top will be ripped down so the sign will be 12x18 then I will round the corners with my little belt sander.  I don't know why they don't make boards 12" wide not just 11.25

Stuffing in the paint

I have found the easy way to paint the letters is to just stuff the paint into the letters and sand of the excess.  It looks like a mess now but it all needs to be sanded anyway.

I switched Bits

I am using my second favorite bit the 60 deg. V cut bit..  It leaves such a nice cut letter..  I have heard of people free hand signs with this bit but I use my machine..

First Cut

I cleared out the center with my .25 bit then did a bit of milling for the letters.