Custom Wooden Signs Made With Shopbot CNC Router
by roballoba in Workshop > Woodworking
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Custom Wooden Signs Made With Shopbot CNC Router
My friend just opened a new toy store. I'm so proud of her! She's just awesome and really great with kids and families.
I wanted to help her out by making some signs for her new shop.
This project was created using the ShopBot Alpha. Its a big CNC router that can turn a huge sheet of material into a work of art... with the right guidance anyway. Most of you will not have access to this tool, but if you do, this is a project that will be easy to make.
I first saw this tool at the Tech Shop and wanted to learn how to use it ASAP!
you will need:
Wood - I used a primed MDF board - it came in 11.25" width
Router bit - 1/2" 90 degree V bit
Chop Saw
Screws
Screw Driver
Measuring Tape
Pencil
T-Square
ShopBot CNC Router and associated software. http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/prSalpha.htm
I wanted to help her out by making some signs for her new shop.
This project was created using the ShopBot Alpha. Its a big CNC router that can turn a huge sheet of material into a work of art... with the right guidance anyway. Most of you will not have access to this tool, but if you do, this is a project that will be easy to make.
I first saw this tool at the Tech Shop and wanted to learn how to use it ASAP!
you will need:
Wood - I used a primed MDF board - it came in 11.25" width
Router bit - 1/2" 90 degree V bit
Chop Saw
Screws
Screw Driver
Measuring Tape
Pencil
T-Square
ShopBot CNC Router and associated software. http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/prSalpha.htm
Design Your Signs
I used VCarve Pro by Vectric to lay out the sign.
This software was provided by the Tech Shop for the members to use. They have a demo you can download to practice with.
http://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-pro.htm
I had found a freeware font that had a train motif that looked fun.
http://www.fontspace.com/west-wind-fonts/toy-train
This software was provided by the Tech Shop for the members to use. They have a demo you can download to practice with.
http://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-pro.htm
I had found a freeware font that had a train motif that looked fun.
http://www.fontspace.com/west-wind-fonts/toy-train
Cut Wood
My "toys" sign design was 25" but I knew that I would have to screw the wood to the bed of the router, so I added a couple inches extra. The other signs were a bit longer.
Mount Plank to Router Bed
Line up the wood and screw it down so it does not move during the cutting process.
Use a T-square to assure it will be properly aligned on your x and y planes.
Use a T-square to assure it will be properly aligned on your x and y planes.
Check Tool Paths on ShopBot Software
set up your x,y, and z positions in the software and be sure the router is programmed correctly. Run an "air pass" above the material as a test to be sure everything looks right before you cut the wood.
Run the Router
If everything looks correct, run it!
Remove Sign From Router and Cut Ends Clean
Remove the screws to get your sign off the board.
Cut the ends off the sign to finish it.
Cut the ends off the sign to finish it.
Enjoy Your New Signs!
I made these signs at the Tech Shop in San Carlos, California.
http://www.techshop.ws/
If you don't have a Tech Shop close by, check to see if there are other collective shops or schools where you can use this equipment.
I was very pleased with how it came out!
http://www.techshop.ws/
If you don't have a Tech Shop close by, check to see if there are other collective shops or schools where you can use this equipment.
I was very pleased with how it came out!