[GeorgiaCarver]

Hi all, I need some help.

I have been contracted to do a commison job. I am doing a sign for a business. They want the sign about 3' to 3 1/2' wide and 2' to 2 1/2' tall.

I do not know where to buy solid wood this size. I guess it needs to be about 2 inches thick and I would prefer Basswood for softness although a differnt wood might last longer/better?

It will not be stored outside although it may see some outside service. I plan on a semi-deep relief style and the color will be stain.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Greg

[Doug Ridley]

You need three 2x6's 8 feet long. Cut them in half and edge glue the six pieces together with outdoor carpenter's glue and voila! You have a 30' high by 48" wide slab. Trim the edges to exact size.

[wade clark]

You might consider Western Red Cedar. It's readily available at all home centers, it's soft to carve and it weathers very well.

[Doug Ridley]

Western Cedar is a good choice. Also you might want to put a couple of battens on the back side for strength.

[GeorgiaCarver]

Thank you for your input. I have found some sources on the web but their prices for blank wood are very high! $25/sq. ft.

I will make a tirip to Lowes and see what they have. I don't remember 2" thick wood there but I have never really looked. (other than pine)

Again, thanks for the inputs.

Greg

[Doug Ridley]

Lowes will have 2" thick lumber but it will only be 1 and 5/8"thick so take that into consideration when planning your relief. For other sources of wood Google up www.woodfinder.com

[Lynn O. Doughty]

When you glue it up make sure you use some pegs to hold the thing together. Glue alonewill not work for a piece that size. I'd suggest 1" dowels about every 6".

[Doug Ridley]

Lynn, I will have to respectfully disagree. If you get a good smooth joint the glue lines will be much stronger than the wood. If you laid the glued up piece out in the grass and hit it with a sledge hammer or walked on it you could not break it at the glue lines. The boards themselves would split. If I were worried about the glue deteriorating over time I would nail or screw 2 or 3 battens on the back side AFTER it is relieved. That way you can pick where to nail or screw. It's probably overkill but it might give you peace of mind. Also you will not like carving into a dowel pin. My .02 cents worth.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Sorry to disagree Doug, while glued joints may hold up well inside once you get them outside it's a completely different story. My brother and I had a sign company in Tulsa back in the 70's and we made a lot of carved signs just like Greg is talking about. Exposure to the elements, warpage, will cause that glue joint to weaken over time no matter what glue you might use. Battens are a good idea for the backside of the sign if it is not exposed but a two-sided sign is a different story. I have a 2'x3' two sided sign carved wooden sign hanging out by the road that has been there for 13 years. I used 1" dowels to join the 2x6's it's made from. It will probably be there for another 13 years unless I finally knock it down by constantly banging my head against it each time I mow under it!

[Doug Ridley]

I concede. I was not thinking of a two sided sign. And, youre probably right, the glue joints could fail outside over time.