Hello all,
I am looking to create the following sign on my Onefinity:
But I’m unsure of how to approach the project. I have some ideas but I’m new to sign making in general so looking for direction.
A few questions that come to mind:
Any direction is appreciated, I’m trying to minimize trial and error.
Thanks
I do not do a lot of wood projects, but after downloading and magnifying the image it looks like a laser was used (very sharp small inside angles, darkened edges) to cut separate pieces. Your machine will definitely be able to do it either all at once or pieces, but depending on endmill diameter/geometry, you won’t get the same contours, especially inside the letters and smaller pockets.
The sign experts will add insights soon I am sure…
Adam, you don’t mention what software you’d be using. I use VCarve, and I would approach it using different pieces of wood, because of the many different colors. You could use the “Inlay” tool to make shallow matching pockets in the base to locate the pieces. The inside corners of the pockets would have a slight radius, depending on the bit you use, but the tool compensates for this. There are online videos that illustrate the process.
That is for sure cut using a laser. Pretty common for sign making. Id take the same image and V carve it, itd look pretty awesome cut using a V bit.
Yes. The whole piece is made out of plywood. Gluing the top pieces to the bottom piece. I too believe ir was cut with a laser.
This would be an intense beginner project but you will learn a lot while doing it.
Carveco would be a great choice for software.I would use1/4" birch ply for my prototype.I would cutout… lets say “JAYS” and work only with it until I have it perfect and then continue.
The project will be the top inlaid into the bottom. As it is made out of plywood (on a CNC) the side of the prototype will look like shit. When done with a laser it burns the sides and seals them. So… The final project would made from hardwoods. You could use one wood for the thing and stain for the color’s or… get really fancy and use different woods to get the colors. The bottom would be a glue up of your choice. I to am a beginner and could get it figured out… oh lets say… 6 hours of youtube (if I don’t chase the rabbits I kick up), 8 hours of puter design time and 30 hours of trial and error michine / puter time. For me that would be 3 to 4 weeks.
Now lets get to ethics. It is not nice to copy someone else’s work. Butt… if you did it using Inlays, that is a whole different design and would not be looked down on. so… I would increase this pic by 200% and import it into Careco and start with it.
You’re right that it isn’t nice to copy work, but its also literally a logo for a major league team, so its not like the creator of the original was without fault unless it was an officially commissioned piece.
If it is lasered, theoretically you could use the cutout as the template/guide for placement, although it might be tricky for some of the smaller pieces. You could do the same for the profile cut version if the bit was not significant in size, i.e. 1/16" or less for the profile cuts. Then you could stain each individual piece and then just set it back in for the glue up. Hope that makes sense.
I would probably just try to do a VCarve, myself.
Thank you everyone for your input. I think the missing piece in my thought process was using inlays. Most of the time I see them used to create flush pieces, not embossed like the sign.
To answer a few questions:
The top layer can be laser cut or “V-carved” using a 30 deg or less v-carve bit then use the same bit to just score the bottom layer with the outline of the top layer pieces then use that for placement. Another option is to use alignment pins (small diameter dowels) and mill the holes in both layers (2 holes per piece would be optimal)
I have made a couple of these along with other sports teams. I break the file down into individual pieces from 1/4 MDF and then paint and glue to the back piece. I also made a negative template that I oversized a bit. Which I use as a template so that I can glue the pieces in the correct location.
Hello, this sign can be made one time completely with cnc router, then paint different colors you need in different part on the sign. If you need any support welcome to contact us: www.rhinocncmachine.com
