My Routed Signs & Bottle Holders

[OutoftheWoodwork]

LOL Tom & Thank You.  But in all seriousness, you don't need to use a trim router to make the signs.  My first router was a replica of the old Porter Cable P100 H series and weighed at least 25 pounds lol.  I used this for all my creations until Ken found me this little trim router/spin saw (in part because of my fibromyalgia and what we think is arthritis) that was a "no name" brand at the flea market which was great, but lost it in the break in last fall.  I still use my full size router, and used it until my insurance replaced my stolen one.  Attached is a couple pictures of name plates I was asked to make last fall (right after the break in) and I had gotten a router from the pawn shop.  These were going on a wall unit with a desk that was made by hand by a friend of mine from Canada for his daughter.  I was flattered that he thought my routing was worthy to be his signature on this gorgeous wall unit.  Anyway, these plates show that you can do it with a full-size router just as well as a trim router.  As for the "Bend Over Acres" that would be a fun sign to create lol.

 

No, Bob, no waxing, but I do use a rubber drawer liner to hold the wood still. And I'm glad everyone is enjoying the pictures.  I love making them.  On our vacation (starting the 27th) I plan on taking my work up north and hopefully will get some signs designed and cut over the week we're up there.

 

Judy, I do signs for family and friends, but also sell them.  I have a facebook page called OutoftheWoodwork as well.  Although, I haven't been able to do any woodworking in awhile because of my adult responsibilities.  (Those dang things get in the way all the time... lol)

 

 

(Original Pattern that was sent to me as a preview)

 

Barb

[amazingkevin]

your being a mobile shop has so many benefits,im happy for you!

[OutoftheWoodwork]

Actually, Kevin Beastie (my motorhome/shop) hasn't moved in over a year.  We're having motor/starter difficulties with him, therefore, he sits.  Richard (my friend from Canada) is a friend of mine from Router Forums where I am also a member, and we had the opportunity to meet last year, through a mutual friend, and have been great friends since.  For me to get this project, we met at a restaurant in the middle between us where he gave me the wood with the pattern printed on it. 

W

Barb

Edited July 20, 2013 by OutoftheWoodwork

[Fab4]

Hi again Barb:

Making signs have been on my list of things to do for a long time

Not sure if I should be cursing you or thanking you at this time (lol)

After reading and seeing your work in your first post

I took the plunge.

I never used my router for anything other than edging

shelves and frames - 

I'm having a heck of a time with this at the moment - (this is where I curse you)

Just when I think it's going good - (this is where I thank you) - The router decides

to do what it wants and I'm back to cursing you (lol)

My wife wants to know who Barb is. My cursing may be louder than I think...

So, I told her that Barb is the lovely lady in our group who makes beautiful things with her router

who has inspired me to finally try it.

This thing called the learning curve is killing me right now

but I won't quit and hopefully soon I will be thanking you more than cursing you.

So for now because I am nice and calm while reading the Forum I want to 

thank you very much Barb for the inspiration to finally try something different

Keep up the great work

Fab4

[OutoftheWoodwork]

ROFL Fab!!!! 

 

omgosh you brought me to tears on that one...

 

Fab, is the bit sharp?  And you may have the bit a hair too deep.  Bring the bit up just a tad.  I've found that when my router does what it wants instead of what I tell it to do, it's because of one of the reasons just mentioned.  I wish I had the time today to do a little video of all my steps and how-to's.  When I'm setting my bit, I set the bit next to the sign I'm working on, and lower it to approx. an 8th of an inch (maybe even a tad less).  Then I turn it on, and lower it to where I'm cutting.  Cutting letters and graphics is different than doing edges, where you "Tim the Tool Man Taylor" it and go gung-ho lol 

 

Good Luck...

 

Barb

[Fab4]

Thanks Barb

I'll try that - or maybe I can get my assistant to do it!!!

Tim The Tool Man Taylor - good one

If your ears are on fire you'll know that someone  from Canada is thinking about you

And it won't be Richard

Fab4

[OutoftheWoodwork]

Rofl Paul you're killin me over here.  I keep tellin people "If I can do it, anyone can do it."

 

When I'm routing, I lower my chair to where I'm practically level with my work.  I find it easier to work with the wood and follow my "pattern" that way.  I also have a rubber mat under my work to keep it still.  That's important, as well.

 

When I'm scrolling the shape of the sign/project I raise my chair to it's highest position so that I'm looking down at my scroll work.

[Ron Johnson]

Fabulous signs Barb. Like a picture ... worth a thousand words. You do have the talent.

[Luperez548]

You have done an excellent job, all of them are fantastic.