I’m relatively new to CNC cutting and have been approached to replicate a vintage motel sign on a smaller scale. The task isn’t what I’d envisioned, you know, simple cuts through metal with lettering changed to keep all the part intact. The job looks like a combination of cutting, welding, powder coating and who knows what.
What skills/tools would it take to do this job well?
What questions should I be asking the potential client?
Would you take it on?
Best to look at the images attached. Image 1 is the client’s artwork.
I don’t do layered signs at all, but that is how I would approach this.
I also don’t do paint work so take my suggestions with a grain of salt as there are many members here that are great at both.
To simplify the process, I would make the “brown” background as one large piece. Maybe even out of aluminum to keep it overall lighter.
The outer edge, or better yet the black border, would be another piece as well as all the letters and symbols. Those would be attached via E6000 or 3M double sided tape, depending on how large it is and where it’ll go.
Making the process even easier on CAD, I would make multiple sketches in Fusion (that’s what I use) and copy/paste that background to the new sketch to form my outer layer. Then the same with my font. This way I can make separate post process files as needed and move parts about for the best nesting possible. This is assuming I keep to the aluminum background and steel letters since you’ll be cutting out of two different sheets.
Lastly, I’d probably make use of those “caps” used to cover bolt heads to replicate the rivets shown at each corner.
I have done several like this it doesn’t look to complex at all.
My approach is to do the cad in a single file. I included hole at connection point so they are all in line. Then do a separate cam file for each layer that includes the needed holes to connect. I stack the semi finished pieces in order and tig weld all thread to the outside layer and grind smooth. Then take apart and finish as desired.
@gotsowell we would love to see you attempt this project. Layered pieces can be intimidating at first. Just take it one layer at a time.
Here is a 3 layer I recently finished.
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