I print out fonts to the size I want, transfer to wood with carbon paper, then freehand rout them. I hate the look of stencils. :smile:
I do not think this is the same.Thanks guys,
Dave, that sounds similar to LaserJet silk screening process I used a couple of years ago for a PC board I made. I don’t know that I would be able to use the same process on wood because of the harsh chemicals I used. I’m curious about the plastic tile thing and thinking maybe I could use the LaserJet silk screening process on a ceramic tile and frame that.
You have the idea. I think a picture and the text is better than just the text alone.Will that’s nice of you offer Dave. I’m still undecided as to what I want to do.
I was just thinking of some painted letters on a piece of wood, but I’m intrigued by the photo idea. I was playing around in windows Paint to see what it would look like. I’m not real fond of the font, but I’m limited by what Paint has to offer. Anyway this just a beginning and I may make some changes:
He hangs out with me when I'm working in the back yard and follows me all around. I always have to keep and eye on him so he don't get hurt when I'm cutting plywood or building things.FYI, I had a tortoise back when I was at highschool. Lasted until some time after I went to university.
Thanks Mike,Sleeper,
If you have a jigsaw or scrollsaw, or coping saw (WHAT!), cut your sign blank in the shape of a turtle then letter it. I freehand with my router using a V-shaped bit. You can set the depth somewhat shallow to control the width of the letters. I draw the letters with a pencil, they don't have to be perfect. Then take the router and use both hands to control it. If you rest the outside palms of your hands on the blank, the router can't go anywhere unless you let it. Just pivot your hands, don't lift them off the wood, and the router will follow the pencil lines easily. Try it on some scrap wood first. Once you get your lettering done, spray paint the letters and let it dry. Then just take an orbital sander or do it by hand (WHAT!) until you take the paint off the surface, leaving it in the letters. Very fun projects and they don't take much time at all. Everyone will think you're some kind of hero. Go to it.
Mike Hawkins![]()
LOL, I don’t think the tortoise will care much and it’s more for me. It drives me crazy every time I see these weeds growing and I want to pull them out. I’m hoping the sign will make it easier to accept.Never throw anything away.:no: Your sign is looking pretty good so far. Will the turtle appreciate it?
Thats looks sweet!! I dont wanna hijack the OP's thread but are you using a trim router or a full size router? What type of bit? Also how did you do the scalloped edge? I was asked awhile back to do a sign for my wifes uncles fishing cabin and Ive been putting it off because I didnt know what I wanted to do. I love your sign!! The one I do will be cedar so it can be left outside.I print out fonts to the size I want, transfer to wood with carbon paper, then freehand rout them. I hate the look of stencils. :smile:
Thanks for the vote of confidence Dominick, but I don’t know. I decided to try one more time using larger letters and less of them. This time I sanded it completely smooth before gluing down my template and cut out the letters with an x-acto knife. I already lost it and took out a small knick.I don't think it looks that bad.
Don't sell yourself short sleeper. And don't lose any sleep over it. Lol. It looks good.
I'm using a dremel tool and i have to say I think I would have lost some fingers if i used a router by the the way this is going. This is from an apple tree I cut down and it will also be outsideThats looks sweet!! I dont wanna hijack the OP's thread but are you using a trim router or a full size router? What type of bit? Also how did you do the scalloped edge? I was asked awhile back to do a sign for my wifes uncles fishing cabin and Ive been putting it off because I didnt know what I wanted to do. I love your sign!! The one I do will be cedar so it can be left outside.
Thats looks sweet!! I dont wanna hijack the OP's thread but are you using a trim router or a full size router? What type of bit? Also how did you do the scalloped edge? I was asked awhile back to do a sign for my wifes uncles fishing cabin and Ive been putting it off because I didnt know what I wanted to do. I love your sign!! The one I do will be cedar so it can be left outside.