I was referring to flat plate stock, which would be almost the equivalent amount of aluminum by weight.

1/4" x 12" x 12" is around $15USD.

Wow, now I know what a fantastic deal I got for me heat-sinks... will definitely hoard on a few more when I get the chance.

So the company I've been doing some radius cutouts has been trickling in a little more word of mouth type business, as some of their other sales guys get acquainted with what I can do for them.
I've wanted to make them a sign they can hang to generate more sales for them, and more work for me.
I've drawn this, with the black being pocket toolpaths for the letters and border on the right.
Problem is, it looks like everything else I've made lately, and I don't know if that's good or bad.
Has anyone seen anything that was a really great "point of sale" type sign I could draw some inspiration from?
I've not had any creativity in a while.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4f935edd.jpg

We all fall back to what we like best. That is your liking. Sometimes you have to draw something so far from the norm to open your avenue in a new direction. I find that searching through images online helps open up ideas. Finding little things I like from one and moving to another. Form the sign border around the lettering, an action or perspective. I hope this helps some but do keep in mind I do not have a business and I may be leading you astray.

I don't think you are leading astray.
I'm trying to expand my skill set, but I find it works best if, like you said, I have something to sift through to find elements I like.

Maybe make them couple of Workshop stools like mine :)

if you need drawings I will be happy to share

http://cnc.rs/images/mechmate/img_20...121_resize.jpg


http://cnc.rs/images/mechmate/img_20...210_resize.jpg

danilo how you desing this?

By magic :) searching the internet and drawing over bitmap plans :)

it's a simplified version of this one

http://www.americanwoodworker.com/bl...hop-stool.aspx

Wow Danilo, never thought about making a sign that really isn't a sign.....
Great job.

Darren, sometimes an outline is required to see the direction. Listing what you want to have will form an image in your head of the end product. What are your requirements that you need for the sign? Shape, size, etc... I can't be this, has to have this. We are willing to help but without a direction we will just be throwing you bones to pick through.

Dang it Pete, that's the problem, I just don't know.

It does have to be generic. I'll let them know I own it, but it can't have my name on it, if that makes sense.

A small amount of 3d, like a background texture, or piece of vectorart type carving....

Definitely something to show off radius work, maybe even some crown on the top using a two rail sweep.

Maybe some prism lettering along with some pocketed letters....

I'd like to be able to make several of these for different retail places I have relationships with... If the first one works out...lol

Here is something quick I drew up. Hope it gives you some ideas

http://youtu.be/LuweU9C6ioY

An interesting CNC application! Pretty simple, yet it shows some of the flexibility of using CNC.

A VERY interesting concept.....

I believe had he made his molds as wide as the material, he would have had less perimeter distortion.

I love the wrench on the press cylinder release valve. I'll be doing that with mine.

Just let us see what you do! .. :-)

Nice post Jack

How is your design coming?

Gotten nowhere quickly.
I keep getting dragged in different directions.

Here is an Arched opening into a media room in a recent basement finish. Cut the rough framing header box from 1/2" plywood, and all the trim from 5/8" MDF.
Everything fit the first time.......lucky for me.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...psp4pfq451.jpg

Heres the house number plaque all mounted up....

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...psgdfyj13q.jpg

Great work, as usual. Thanks for posting.

I've had a couple PMs for more info on the arch....

First, you determine your measurements, in this case, 87" wide and 12" height, as determined by subtracting jamb height from overall height.

Then, since I use Aspire, I'll draw an arc through three points, say X0 Y0 as a start point, with X87 Y0 as and end point and 12" as the set height.

Then offset your inner radius to the outside for your fluting toolpaths and outside diameter, which was 5 1/4" for me.

I offset the first fluting toolpath 5/8" from the inside, then the rest 1" from the last.
This puts the last toolpath 5/8" inside the outside diameter of 5 1/4"...

Clear as mud? Its actually quite simple once you get the inside radius # determined.
I'll be there tomorrow and can take more pics if necessary....

Here is an arched opening Michael Mezalick , one of the presenters at the Aspire Camp, did recently. Beautiful work.
I commented with a link to a website that describes the math a little better.
You may need to register to see his pics, but it is worth doing, as it is outstanding.

http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=20015

BTW, this example, posted by Gary Campbell on the CAmaster Forum, is what I'm trying to get to with my sign design for my suppliers wall...

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...psb86a2629.jpg

Great design. I look forward to seeing it painted too!

Jack I think that is image is linked to another forum and not Darren's if I read his post correctly.

I see what you are looking for now. The model in a direction of the CNC Cutting will be the challenge if the business is in metal cutting. You may have to build your own model from scratch. The rest of the sign principles I have no doubt you can whip out fast.

You are correct Pete, not my design, but I'd like to use it as a jumping off point.

The company I'm looking to make this for does no metal cutting.

If you can form the 3D model around their business direction that would really set it apart. Not only for them but also you.

Pete, can I email you what I have so far, for an honest critique?
If so, PM me your email address.
I can't figure out how to upload a crv.3d file here...

Darren, not to change the subject, but do you remember your cut rates and speeds for solid surface off the top of your head? I've got a real quick job I got to do

Not exactly.
I cut it at a lower RPM and faster IPM than wood.
The idea is to cut at low RPM and fast speed to keep heat out of the bit, which melts the plastic onto the bit and your kerf.
Don't let it scare you. Its easy to get right.

Thats ok I already cut it. I have a single flute insert bit I use for solid surface, I just kinda matched the PC router speeds I use and rough guessed the feed rate, worked out beautifully, I've never had solid surface melt on me except when overheating it for a bend, gets kinda stringy in a flash. Now I gotta do the buildup here in a few minutes, sucks because its an oval table, uses alot of extra material and is a pain in the butt.

Daren, take a look at http://enrouteadventures.blogspot.com/ there are a lot of inspiring signs and "how to" articles. It's for Enroute software but Aspire should be able to use same techniques.

Thanks for posting the link, Paulo.
I've followed Dan Sawatsky for years.
I'd love to take one of his classes sometime.

Ditto on Dan's classes...one day....

Lets make it a mission to coordinate Bruce.
Be a great chance for us to finally meet....

Excellent idea Darren. If/when my MM makes money I'll squirrel bits away for the trip/class. Also want one of his texture DVD's, would be nice to know how to use them :)

How is that design coming Darren? I liked what you had so far. Any changes or progress?

Funny you should ask Pete.......
I took the concept you saw to them on Friday because I was picking up material anyway, and all they want a simple oval with their logo and CNC Services, two sided, to hang in their front window.
They are making their own radius millwork display, and I'm sure I'll have to do something for them on that.

NOW, the rest of the story..... I liked the design I shared with you also, and I've been thinking the woodworking portion of my company, Absolute Basement Finishing needs to spin off into an independent company to pursue more work on its own.
So, I present to you ABF Wood Concepts.
Heres where I am so far, just Vectors, not toolpathed yet.
I'm thinking the oval will be Corian with inlaid epoxy, the curved portion will be a piece of 5 1/4" fluted casing with inlaid prism letters, and the rest is still up in the air.
I'm still open to criticism and suggestions....

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...psd235dac7.jpg

I did a quick shallow v carve on the vectors so I could save as a jpeg preview image to upload to Photobucket, that's why you see red toolpath lines.