CNC Love Sign

Today I will show how I made this sign for my Sister for Valentine's Day.

You will need:

CNC Router ( I use the X-Carve ) and a 90 degree V-Bit, keyhole slot cutter

A piece of wood 15" x 5 3/8" x 3/4" ( I used White Pine)

A Drill and wire brush

Minwax Dark Walnut stain

Paint brush

rags

Clear Satin Sealer ( I used Lacquer)

Gloves

Step 1: Design

I designed the sign using Vectric Aspire, I choose the sign size first, base on some lumber that I had on hand. I made my sign out of White Pine wood 15" x 5 3/8" x 3/4"

I divided the length dimensions by 4, this is where I added the letters and Heart shape. Then I added some V-Carve toolpaths, I used a 90 degree V-bit for all the routing. Then exported the toolpaths to Universal g-code Sender.

Step 2: Add Texture

The wood was in good shaped and I wanted the look of a Rustic sign. So I got my drill and attached a wire brush and went over the wood, so the grain would show up. Always go with the grain of the wood with the wire brush, I also use the drill in the reverse direction.

Note when doing this, go with the grain of the wood, and please be careful not to get to close to the wire brush, it hurt's. I know from experience, might even wear some leather gloves for extra protection.

Step 3: Stain Wood

Now I stain the wood, using Minwax Dark Walnut stain. Brush on a coat, let set for about 10 to 15 minutes then wipe off the excess. Then let dry for several hours.

Step 4: CNC

Now install into the CNC and begin carving, I used a 90 degree V-Bit . Also made a keyhole slot in the back for hanging

Step 5: Seal Wood

After I carved the sign, I blew off the board and seal it with a couple coats of Clear Satin laquear.

Step 6: Finished Product

Now that the sign is finished, it's time to give it too my Sister. She loved it, did I say she is my favorite sister ( she is also my only sister, LOL)

Thanks for checking out my Instructable, hope this gives somebody a idea for a gift.

Comments

[gwlinn123]

Great Instructable! Interestingly, my son and his wife have the same initials, A and L. Would you care to share your Aspire file? I have Aspire and it would save me a lot of time by not having to implement your design. Thanks, Gary

[Swansong]

That's a really cute gift :)

[davethewoodworker]

Thanks