Introduction: Personalized Garage Sign
I made this sign for my Garage a couple of years ago. I'm a Big Ford and Mustang fan, so when I designed my sign, I had to use both elements. It's made out of White Pine bought at Lowes. I designed the sign in Vectric Aspire and carved it on the X-Carve CNC. I used a 90 degree V-Bit , a 1/8" Ballnose bit , 1/4" Ballnose bit , and a 1/4" Endmill bit. Painted the lettering with Craft paint, then stain and clear coated
Items needed:
Cad/Cam Software: I used Vectric Aspire version 8
CNC Machine: I used the X-Carve CNC Router
Wood: I used a piece of Select White Pine from Lowes 24" x 11 1/4" x 3/4"
1/8" Ballnose Bit
1/4" Ballnose Bit
1/4" Endmill Bit
90* V-Bit
Keyhole slot Cutter
Craft Paint: Blue, Black and White
Small Paint Brushes
Orbital Sander with 220 grit sandpaper
Also some loose 220 grit sandpaper
Minwax Prestain Wood Conditioner
Minwax Ipswich Pine Stain
Rustoluem Gloss Clear
Knife
Step 1: Design
I designed the sign in Vectric Aspire. I first decided on the shape of the sign, then I added the Lettering and dates. Download and trace the Ford logo and Mustang Pony. I then switched over to the Toolpath side. First I added a Profile toolpath using a 1/8" Ballnose bit for the Since and Date. I then added another Profile toolpath, using a 1/4" Ballnose bit for the Outer outline of the sign. Then I used 90* V-Bit for the lettering and the Ponys. And last I used a 1/4" Endmill to cut the piece out, leaving tabs to hold it in.
Before carving the sign, I used the Preview option, to see what the sign was going to look like. Then I saved the Toolpaths.
Step 2: Carve
I then clamped the piece of Select White Pine in the CNC Router, and begin carving.
I first carved a couple of Keyhole slots, then flipped the piece over.
Then used the 1/8" Ballnose bit, then the 1/4" Ballnose bit. Then put the 90*V-Bit in to carve the lettering and the ponys.
Finished the cutout with a 1/4" Endmill Bit.
Step 3: Sand
After removing the tabs with a small knife, I sanded the outer edges by hand with 220 grit sandpaper.
Step 4: Paint
Then I put a coat of Clear Lacquer, over the areas that was to be painted. After it dried, I used the Craft paint for the lettering and ponies.
Allow the Craft paint to dry overnight.
I used the Lacquer to prevent the paint from bleeding into other areas
Step 5: Sand Again
Then Sanded with 220 grit sandpaper, blowing and wiping the piece off good before continuing.
Step 6: Stain
Then I applied a coat of Minwax Prestain, allow it to soak into the Pine for about 10 to 15 Minutes. Then applied a coat of Minwax Ipswich Pine stain.
After letting the stain to dry overnight, I had to touch up some of the Painted parts.
Step 7: Clear Coat
After the Paint and Stain has dried for a couple of days, Spray a couple coats of Rustoluem Clear Gloss.
Then attached hardware or make Keyhole slots, that's what I did.
Step 8: Finish
Now the sign is finished and ready for the Garage. I hope you enjoyed this Instructable. Thanks for checking it out.