http://www.instructables.com/id/CNC-Wedding-Names-Sign/?ALLSTEPS
In this Instructable, I will try and show you how I made this sign for my Niece. She is getting married soon, and I wanted to make her something else for the wedding. If you recall I made her a Giant wooden Dog tag.
I had seen signs like this on Pinterest, but all of them was printed out, I wanted to do this different.
I know everybody doesn’t have a CNC Router, but you could do something similar with paint or Vinyl.
Step 1: What you will need
CNC Router ( I am using the X-Carve CNC)
Cad/Cam program ( I used Vectric Aspire)
15″ x 25″ x .720 Cabinet Grade Plywood
90* V-Bit
Craft Paints ( I used Black, Blue and Red)
Minwax Prestain wood conditioner
Minwax Ipswich Pine Stain
Paint Brushes assorted sizes
Sandpaper and sander 220 grit
Brass brush
Clean rags
Rustoluem Clear Gloss finish
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Step 2: Design
I first design the sign using Vectric Aspire. I entered the stock dimensions, I then created a border, Then I done a little math, figured out my rectangle sizes for the names. I have a three inch high in the middle, I then alternated with one and two inch.
Then I added the names, started in the middle, with my Niece and her Fiance, then I added her Grandparents on both sides of there names. Then I added famous couple names. I also added the shape of a heart between .
Then I switched to the Toolpath side, done V-Carving for all the names, then sent the files to the CNC router.
Step 3: CNC
Put the piece of Cabinet grade plywood into the CNC router, fasten it down and began carving. I used a 90* V-Bit for all the carving.
I also cut keyholes slots in the back before carving the names.
Step 4: Sand
Once the carving was finished, I took a brass brush, to remove some of the fuzzies, Then I sanded the top with 220 grit sandpaper.
Step 5: Stain
I blew off and wipe down the piece real good. Then I applied a coat of Minwax Prestain wood conditioner, let it set for about 15 minutes then applied a coat of Minwax Ipswich Pine stain, only letting it set for about 10-15 minutes, then wiped off the excess. Now let this dry for a minium of 8 hours.
Be sure and wiped in between the letters.
Step 6: Before Painting lettering
After the stain dried, I sprayed a light coat of Clear finish over the lettering, now let this dry.
Step 7: Painting lettering
Now I painted the lettering using Craft paint, used Blue for the main lettering and Black for the rest. I also painted the Heart Red. Be sure and get plenty of paint into the areas, don’t worry about getting some onto the top, that’s why we sprayed the clear.
Note you might have to put on a second coat.
Step 9: Clear Coat
After blowing the piece off real good, I sprayed the piece with a good coat of Clear finish. Now let this dry overnight.