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Watch The Video To See How To Make A Hand Routed Wood Sign WITHOUT A CNC!
Are you tired of seeing everyone’s fancy wooden signs made with CNC machines? Well, fear not! In this video from the Patriot DIY channel, we follow along with the host as he shows us how to make our own wooden sign without the need for expensive machinery. The process involves using just a router, some engraving bits, and a few other techniques to create a beautiful, rustic sign that’s perfect for gifts or even for selling to local businesses.
The host takes us through the entire process step by step, from choosing the right wood to designing the stencil and transferring it onto the wood. He even shows us how to burn the wood for a charred effect and how to spray paint the letters for a bold finish. With a little practice and patience, anyone can create their own unique wooden sign without breaking the bank. So, grab your router and let’s get started on this fun and creative project!
Key Takeaways
- Creating a wooden sign without a CNC machine is possible with just a router and some engraving bits.
- The process involves designing a stencil, transferring it onto the wood, and using a combination of techniques such as burning and spray painting to create a unique finish.
- With a little practice and patience, anyone can create their own beautiful wooden signs for gifts or even for selling to local businesses.
DIY Wooden Sign Without CNC
In this video, the Patriot DIY channel demonstrates how to make a wooden sign without a CNC machine. The project involves routing out letters, burning them in, painting, and applying a coat over the top. This technique can be used with any type of wood, but in this case, a pine Live Edge slab with bark is used.
To start, the logo is designed using Adobe Illustrator or any other software and saved as a PDF on the computer. The print options allow printing as a poster, which can be pieced together later. The design is transferred onto the wood using graphite transfer paper, and the letters are traced with a pencil.
Next, engraving bits are used in the router to carve out the letters. A profile bit is used for the outline, and a quarter-inch straight bit or a spiral up cut bit is used for the inside of the letters. A detail carver bit is used for the small letters. After carving, the wood is cut down to its final length using a wind track saw.
For a barbecue-themed sign, the next step is to create a deep charred background to the letters. This is done using a propane torch or a map gas torch, being careful not to burn the top surface of the sign. For the small letters, the sign is taped off, and satin black spray paint is used to fill in the gaps.
Afterwards, the extra spray paint is sanded off using an 80-grit sandpaper belt sander. A traditional shellac is applied to give the sign a durable finish and a rich color. A semi-gloss polyurethane is then applied for added protection.
This DIY wooden sign without a CNC machine is a fun project that can be used to give as gifts or make custom signs for businesses. With some practice and the methods shown in this video, it is definitely something that anyone can do with just a router and some basic tools.
Choosing Your Wood
Live Edge Slab Selection
When making a wooden sign, the choice of wood is crucial. While any type of wood can be used, the host of the Patriot DIY channel recommends using a Live Edge slab. In the video, he uses a pine Live Edge slab, which he picked up at his local Lowe’s. The Live Edge slab adds character to the sign and gives it a unique look. It is important to note that Live Edge slabs can be expensive, so it is essential to factor in the cost when deciding on the type of wood to use.
Bark On for Rustic Aesthetic
The host of the Patriot DIY channel recommends leaving the bark on the Live Edge slab to give the sign a rustic aesthetic. The bark adds texture to the sign and enhances its natural beauty. However, it is essential to ensure that the bark is firmly attached to the wood. If the bark is loose, it may fall off during the carving process, ruining the sign’s overall look.
Designing Your Stencil
Software Choices
When designing a wooden sign, choosing the right software is crucial. There are many programs available, but Adobe Illustrator is a popular choice. It allows users to create custom lettering and logos, which can be saved as a PDF and printed as a poster. This makes it easy to create stencils of any size and transfer them onto wood.
Printing as a Poster
Once the stencil has been created, it can be printed as a poster. This is done by selecting the “print as a poster” option in the print menu. The poster can be printed on multiple pages, which can then be pieced together to create the full stencil. After printing, the stencil can be cut down to a more manageable size and taped onto the wood. Graphite transfer paper can be used to transfer the design onto the wood, which can then be traced with a pencil.
With the stencil in place, it’s time to start carving the letters. By using a combination of engraving bits in a router, burning, and painting, a unique and personalized wooden sign can be created. It’s a fun and rewarding project that can be done with just a router and some creativity.
Stencil Transfer Technique
Securing the Stencil
In this technique, the first step is to lay out the stencil. The stencil can be designed using any software of choice and saved as a PDF file. The PDF file can be printed as a poster, which allows for the stencil to be printed onto multiple pages. Once printed, the pages are pieced together, cut down to a manageable size, and taped onto the wood. Graphite transfer paper is then laid onto the stencil, and the design is traced onto the wood using a pencil. The graphite paper transfers the design onto the wood, allowing for the carving process to begin.
Graphite Paper Magic
The graphite transfer paper is a crucial element in this technique. It allows the design to be transferred onto the wood with ease, ensuring accuracy and precision. The transfer paper is laid onto the stencil with the graphite side facing down, and the design is traced onto the wood using a pencil. The graphite paper transfers the design onto the wood, allowing for the carving process to begin.
Pencil Tracing Mastery
Pencil tracing is an essential skill in this technique. It allows for the design to be transferred onto the wood with precision and accuracy. The design is traced onto the wood using a pencil and graphite transfer paper. The pencil tracing ensures that the design is accurately transferred onto the wood, allowing for the carving process to begin.
In conclusion, the stencil transfer technique is a great way to create a wooden sign without the use of a CNC machine. This technique combines different methods such as routing, burning, painting, and coating to create a unique and personalized sign. With a little practice and the methods shown in this video, anyone can create their own custom wooden sign. So, grab your router, stencil, and graphite transfer paper, and get started on your own wooden sign project!
Routing Like a Pro
Profile Bit Precision
To achieve a clean and precise edge for the letters, one should use a profile bit in their router. The tip of the profile bit is small, which makes it ideal for tracing over the lines of the stencil. The depth of the letters should be set at about a quarter of an inch. The router should be lined up and plunged down, and then the lines made previously should be followed to get a perfect outline.
Plunge Router Power
A plunge router is an essential tool for this project. However, any router can get the job done. The depth of the letters should be set at about a quarter of an inch. The plunge router is used to carve out the inside of the letters. A quarter-inch straight bit is recommended for a consistent dip and a flat bottom to the letters.
Straight Bit Strategy
A quarter-inch straight bit is ideal for routing out the inside of the letters. The straight bit should give you a consistent dip and a flat bottom to the letters. For smaller letters, one can switch to a detail carver bit. A detail carver bit is similar to a profile bit but has a much finer tip, making it perfect for working in tight spaces with small letters.
Detail Carver for the Win
For smaller letters, a detail carver bit is the perfect tool. It has a much finer tip than a profile bit, making it ideal for working in tight spaces with small letters. Once the carving is done, one can use a chisel, Dremel, or sandpaper to clean up the edges.
With these routing techniques, one can create a beautiful wooden sign without a CNC machine. It is a fun project that can be done with just a router and no CNC machine. By using a combination of routing, burning, painting, and coating, one can create a unique sign that can be given as a gift or sold to businesses. So, give it a try and become a pro at routing!
The Art of Charring
Torch Technique for Texture
Our DIY expert is about to reveal a secret technique for achieving a unique texture on wooden signs – charring! Using a propane or map gas torch, carefully burn the wood around the letters to create a deep, alligator skin texture. Be cautious not to burn the top surface of the sign. To achieve a uniform black color inside the letters, tape them off and spray paint them with satin black paint. Once the paint is dry, use a belt sander and 80-grit sandpaper to remove the excess paint from the top surface of the sign, leaving the black paint inside the letters. The result is a beautiful sign with a striking contrast between the charred texture and the black letters.
Safety First with Flames
While this technique may sound like fun, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. Always wear protective gloves and eye goggles when handling flames. Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby in case of any accidental fires. Remember, the goal is to achieve a deep, alligator skin texture, not to set the sign on fire! So, be cautious and take your time to achieve the desired effect. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create stunning wooden signs that will make great gifts or custom pieces for local businesses. So, grab your torch and get charring!
Spray Paint Shenanigans
Taping for Clean Lines
Our DIY enthusiast is not only a master of woodworking but also of spray painting. After burning the wooden sign to give it a deep charred texture, he tapes off the letters to ensure that the spray paint only goes where it’s supposed to. Using satin black spray paint, he fills in the gaps and crevices of the letters, making sure to maintain the burned texture. To remove the excess spray paint, he uses a belt sander and some 80 grit sandpaper to sand it down until the top surface is clean, but the paint remains in the letters. The result is a sign with clean, crisp lines that pop against the charred wood background.
Black Spray for Uniformity
What do you do when you can’t burn the small letters and get a uniform black look inside the letters with the torch? You spray paint them, of course! Our DIY enthusiast uses satin black spray paint to fill in the small letters and the edges of the large letters that he wasn’t able to burn. The result is a sign with uniform black letters that stand out against the charred wood background. To maintain the burned texture, he sands down the top surface of the wood with some 80 grit sandpaper, leaving the paint intact in the letters. With a couple of coats of shellac and a semi-gloss polyurethane, the sign is now ready to be hung and admired.
Sanding and Sawdust Showdown
Belt Sander Ballet
Our DIY enthusiast is at it again, this time with a wooden sign project that will have you dancing with a belt sander. After transferring his design onto a pine Live Edge slab, he used a profile bit in his router to carve out the letters. For the smaller letters, he used a detail Carver bit.
Once the carving was complete, it was time to add some texture. Using a map gas torch, he carefully burned the inside of the letters for a deep charred look. He then sprayed the letters with black spray paint and sanded off the excess with an 80 grit belt sander, leaving the paint only in the grooves. The result was a sign with letters that popped and a unique texture that was perfect for a barbecue-themed sign.
80 Grit Glory
After the sign was sanded down, it was time to add the finishing touches. Our DIY enthusiast used traditional shellac to give the sign a durable finish and rich color. But he didn’t stop there. He went one step further and applied a semi-gloss polyurethane over the entire piece for added protection.
Before applying the polyurethane, he lightly sanded the sign with 220 grit sandpaper. He then applied the water-based poly acrylic from Minwax, which had a milky white color right out of the can. Despite his initial worry, the polyurethane turned out great and gave the sign a beautiful finish.
With a little bit of sanding and some creative use of a belt sander, our DIY enthusiast was able to turn a simple wooden slab into a stunning sign that would be perfect for any barbecue enthusiast.
Finishing with Flair
Shellac for Shine
After carving and burning the wooden sign, it’s time to give it a polished look. The first step is to apply a shellac finish. This will not only give it a rich color but also make it durable. The shellac can be applied in a couple of coats, and once it dries, it will give the sign a nice shine.
Polyurethane Perfection
If you want to take the sign to the next level, you can add a semi-gloss polyurethane finish. Before applying the polyurethane, it’s important to lightly sand the sign with 220 grit sandpaper. This will ensure that the polyurethane adheres well to the wood.
It’s recommended to use a water-based poly acrylic from Minwax for this step. While the polyurethane may appear milky white out of the can, it will dry clear. Carefully brushing it into the carved letters will give it a nice finished look. Once the polyurethane is dry, the sign is ready to be displayed with pride.