New to carving signs

The Woodwright · #1 06-19-2005, 11:03 PM

I live in a dry, hot climate and I want to try carving a sign for the first time. The sign will remain indoors, actually in my shop which is not heated or air conditioned. It will be finished with gloss enamel and gold leaf. I will route around the letters using hand made templates, the background being carved with a gouge. Any idea what type of wood I should use?

squbrigg · #2 06-20-2005, 06:29 AM

Any good firm wood will work, some just better than others. Basswood or even Pine works well, if the sign is to be painted, Walnut or Butternut if just varnished. Why not carve the letters? Personally, I like carved letters more than routered, you can carve such beautiful scripts with edged tools. I tend to stay away from "Gloss" finishes, I find matt or satin finishes more pleasing to the eye. Good luck with the sign. I hope we get a picture to admire when you're done?

Bob

Just Carving · #3 06-20-2005, 01:19 PM

Pine will work well. Try to get a piece clear of knots. I usually look for a piece with an interesting grain pattern or color. I know pine is fairly plain but there is variations in the different kinds and grades of pine.

Here's a link in the carver gallery to a closer view of a pine sign I carved with a knife:

http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co...cat=500&page=1

Hope that helps.

Bob

rales · #4 06-20-2005, 11:12 PM

Both Bobs are right... almost any wood will do. I'd also recommend mahogany and oak... very nice figure. Also, if you plan on varnishing the finished piece - it should be aclimated, humidity wise, to where you you are going to hang it... i.e., don't bring a piece of wood from Florida back to Arizona without letting it get used to it's new surroundings... the wood will probably be all right if it's kiln dried - but a heavy varnish coat might crack as the wood shrinks.

wade clark · #5 06-21-2005, 12:44 AM

I made a sign out of western red cedar 2x6's side by side to about 30"x48" over 20 years ago that still looks great with no finish ever applied. It's in Eastern Oregon, which is high desert, hard winters hot summers but 13" of rain a year. I looked at it last summer and was amazed at its' condition!
Wade