Mill Knife

[papasar]

Sure it turned out good the guy has been doing it for yrs. LOL
The wider the letter, regardless of UC/LC, the more you have to lean the knife. You can't maintain a "chip carving angle" or else you will go too deep. Take a look at store or village signs. They are really pretty shallow to take advantage of the guilding. Instead of a mill knife you can use a wide #2 and a straight chisel. The book show the author using redwood which is hard to get and $$. Most sign makers in this area use a synthetic that carves like wood.
Bill K.

[Hexhead]

Papasar

Can you elaborate on the synthetic?

Thanks

C

[papasar]

only know that he no longer uses redwood but some material that is used in the trade. A search on sign material might help you.
Bill k
below is one result of search
Precision Board™ HDU is a rigid, closed cell, high density urethane material. It can be sandblasted, routed, carved, sanded, or machined. It will not crack, twist or curl after long exterior exposure, making it the ideal replacement for wood signs.

[Jschipcarving]

Highland sells a mill knife kit for about $45, but all you need for lettering is the sharp point blade, and the handle. I called them, and they will sell the handle for about $18, and the sharp point blade for about $6.