Ray's Woodworking

All Guides - Start Here

Beginning

Tools

Wood

Sign Designs

Methods

Background Guide

Reminders

Be sure to make enough room for the 90 deg by:

• Lowering the profile bit and make another deeper cut
• Follow the outside edge of the first cut, not in the same groove
• Stay to the outside of all previous cuts
• Tight areas = 60 deg bit which doesn't cut as wide
• Use larger routers if possible, but small routers do ok on shallow or small signs
• Do not go deeper than 1/4 inch unless specific projects
• As you get used to it, move closer to the line
• High spots = not deep enough, circles too big or over sanding
• Large circles can leave more high spots
• Low room? use dimple effect on small letters or insides
• Profile bit creates lines. Do not try to eliminate the line! stay away.
• Draw the cloud first, then cut the cloud next, then outside of the letters, then insides
• Deep 90 = nice step along the edges. smooth cuts beginning to end keep the steps intact
• Deep cloud line ensures an even step around the cloud
• Again; circles as patterns for texture are governed by high spots

Background Effects

Dimple effect:

• Small patterns & tight spots
• Whole background? plan on 4 - 5 hours = gifts

Standard Background:

• 90 bit - use large circles; small circles remove too much wood and leave no contrasts
• Keep textured bottoms, not smooth to reflect light and show depth of cut

Power carving with a flexible shaft:

• Uses rotary burr bits
• Scours out wood in a hurry
• Contours in the wood are flexible and designable

To emulate the effect with a router:

• 90 deg to draw horizontal lines following the top rule lines
• Lift router after each pass
• Remove material between letters horizontally, NOT CIRCULAR
• Lines between letters do not have to line up
• No high spots; Make sure there is no material between the lines
• Make sure one line does not run into the next. Keep lines separate
• Lines can wander a little bit but try to stay parallel
• Following the grain is ok