WELCOME!

It is hard to believe that it was almost ten years ago I witnessed a CNC router in action for the very first time. I was fascinated and simply had to have one! Although I had been in the creative end of the three dimensional sign business for most of my life I didn't really know what I would do with one of these machines - but I just knew it could do fantastic stuff.

Along with the CNC router I discovered the wonderful material called Precision Board and the glues, primers and other companion products they offer. Since then we have gone through many tons of the material using it in most signs and projects we tackle. This journal will chronicle our many adventures both past, present and future. I'll talk from the perspective of someone who pushes these products to the creative limit on a daily basis. I'll be adding to the stories two or three times each week. -dan

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Making the idea 3D

I built the 3D files using EnRoute Pro software. To save routing time I decided to built each side of the sign in two layers of 1" thick 30 lb Precision Board. This would make the sign almost 4" thick when it was all glued together. The compass points layer was routed using only a 3/8" bit with a 90% overlap. This made the file run pretty quick.
While that file ran I created the second file. Because of the fine lettering I would use a small 1/8" ball nose bit to route this piece. Because it had a much smaller area than the first piece a small bit didn't take too long to route.
While the MultiCam was busy I cut the steel and welded up a stand, pole, and an interior frame around which I would laminate the pieces.
Stay tuned for the next installment...
-dan
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