Carving large signs question

[Rocky]

Are there any issues I should be looking at when carving large signs? For example, signs with letters/numbers that are 4" - 6" tall. Can I use the standard 90 degree (or 60 degree) bit that comes with the CW? I'm wondering if the CW, when it sees it has large letters might try to go too deep with bit. Also, any suggestions as to the best fonts to use with large letters?

Thanks,

[jab73180]

the only things i know about big signs is that you have to split them up into 2 or 3 projects to get your desired height. large centerline letters are tricky depending on how big your letters are. when using centerline it leaves a raised area in the middle of the letter. it doesnt carve that area out. i know IKE is the best person to talk to about this cuz he does a lot of large signs. also do a forum search with " " and you will get all the pictures and info you need.

[Kenm810]

Rocky,

Take a look at this thread, it might help.
Pkunks posts 8 - 15
Center Line Again (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=4074&highlight=large+text) (http://forum.carvewright.com/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=4074&highlight=large+text) 2 (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=4074&page=2&highlight=large+text))

[Digitalwoodshop]

For big text, I would recommend using Outline Text, a 3/8 bit, a Single stroke font, and outline the font. Set the depth to .15 and you get letters you can paint. Sure you can do large centerline fonts with the V 90. You might need to clean up the center bottom and make it flat with a router.

It was a Spec home hand had not sold yet. Normally the name went on the top board.

AL

[Rocky]

Thanks for the feed back, folks.

[lawrence]

I recently did a sign with 6 inch+ letters and used a 90 degree bit with no problems with centerline test (pretty deep cuts though... it did make me think twice) The only place that came anywhere close to breaking through was in the very middle of the patch picture (which was also done with centerline text) It didn't actually break through the 3/8 MDF, but it came awfully danged close (when I held the board up I could see light through the MDF in two small places about the size of a pencil eraser but it didn't actually break through anywhere.... the paint job covered up the thin places just fine)

Here's a pic
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/DSCF02101024x768.jpg

Another thing that may help-- if you want to see how deeply a centerline text cut will go you can make your board thinner and thinner in designer (just hit proceed when it gives you grief about being too thin) and see at what point the bit breaks through the backside and that will tell you how deep the cut will be-- I've found this to be amazingly accurate... just more proof of how much processing the designer program is doing--it really is awesome.

Also don't forget that less bold fonts will be naturally more shallow than bolder (not just "BOLD" ones are) As a previous poster mentioned, you have to zoom right in to ensure the bottom of the centerline text is a "V" and not a "W" and adjust your font/size.

I hope this helps a little--
Lawrence

[Digitalwoodshop]

Nice Sign !!!!

AL

[Griz64]

If IKE doesnt chime in soon I would send him a private message asking him. He seems to be the master of the huge signs. At least he is the person whose work I have seen the most that involve very large and outdoor signs. Good luck.

[Rick P]

I did the attached sign with a Bosch 90 degree V bit...sign is about 3ft x 4ft...the tallest letters are about 8 inches.
I made two of these to be mounted back to back with a 4 inch space between them. They are surviving quite well our Minnesota winter on one of our County Highways.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Excellent SIGN !!!!

Did you use biscuits or Pocket screws?

AL