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How To Make Wooden Signs With A Router? | Beginner’s Guide.

Making wooden signs from wood can be a lot easier than you think. With a little patience and a little determination, some effort and a few tools, you can make some useful signs for your business.

Using a router when making wood signs are the best way to go because they allow you to cut out shapes quickly and easily without having to use any power saws or other equipment that could damage the sign itself.

The only downside is that it takes time to learn how to do this properly so if you don’t have much experience using routers then I would recommend starting off by learning about them first before trying to start cutting anything out of wood.

The most important thing to remember when doing this project is safety.

Wear safety glasses and follow safety procedures when making wood sings You should also wear protective clothing such as gloves and goggles.

You will need:

  1. A piece of plywood
  2. Router bit set up for 1/4 inch thick stock
  3. Wood glue
  4. Sandpaper
  5. Drill bits
  6. Screwdriver
  7. Hammer
  8. Safety goggles
  9. Gloves

Here’s how to make wooden sign with a router

Step 1: Designing your sign

First thing first, you have to draw out what exactly you want on your sign. It could be anything from an address to a name.

Draw it out so that you know how big it should be. Also, if there’s any text involved, write down all the letters and numbers. This way, when you start cutting, you won’t forget something important.

Step 2: Cutting out your letters

Now comes the fun part! You can use either wood or plastic for this step. If using wood, choose one of these woods: pine, cedar, redwood, etc. For plastic, I recommend PVC.

The reason why is because it has a nice finish once cut. Once you get started, just follow along as we show you in our video tutorial below.

Step 3: Sanding down your letter

Once you are done cutting out your letter, sand off the rough edges by hand until smooth. Then apply some stain and let dry.

Now, repeat steps two and three for each side of your sign.

Step 4: Attaching your wood plates together

To attach your plates together, simply glue them up. Use wood glue since it will last longer than other types of glues.

Let it dry completely before moving forward.

Step 5: Staining & Finishing up

After everything dries, give your sign a good coat of clear varnish. Clear varnishes come in different colors like black, white, brown, etc.

Pick whatever color you prefer. We chose black here but you can also go with another color too. Give it at least four coats.

Afterward, add some finishing touches such as decals, stickers, chalkboard paint, etc.

Tips for working with the router for wooden sign design

Working with the router for wooden signs can be tricky. It’s not always clear where to cut, and there are lots of variables to consider when making the cuts.

When cutting wood using a router, there are two main issues to keep in mind – depth and width.

Depth refers to the distance between the base of the bit and the surface of the material being worked upon.

Width refers to the distance between two parallel sides of the bit. In other words, if you want to cut out a hole, you would set the bit at a certain distance away from both sides of the material.

If you wanted to cut a slot, you’d set the bit closer to one side than the other.

There are four different types of bits used in routers, each suited to a specific purpose. The first type is the straight bit.

This is used for general cutting and shaping. Next is the plunge bit.

This is used to create a deep groove. The last two are the dado bit and the rip fence. These are used to create channels and slots.

There are several tips that you can follow if you wish to enjoy working with the router. Here they are;

  1. Always start off by using the straightedge guide. This way, you will know where exactly you are cutting.
  2. When you cut through the wood, try to avoid making deep cuts. Instead, just focus on shallow cuts.
  3. Use the fence whenever possible. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting burned while doing your job. 

What are other wooden sign ideas?

Wooden signs are an excellent way to promote your business. They are also economical and versatile.

A popular type of sign includes a board with letters attached to it. These signs are mostly used outdoors and are often painted bright colors.

Other types of signs include wood cutouts, metal signs, and banners. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks. 

Here some types of signs and layout design using piece of wood

  • Wooden sign for business sign

Wooden sign ideas for business purposes are very useful because they help people remember what products or services you offer.

They are easy to install and maintain. You don’t need any special tools to build these signs.

All you need is a hammer and nails.

You can use this kind of signage anywhere – inside or outside your store. If you plan to put it indoors, then you should choose a location near windows so that customers can see it easily.

  • Country-style or home-made signs

This type of wooden sign are professional layout designs which are made up of pieces of wood glued together.

These kinds of signs are usually designed as a whole unit. However, you may find them broken into smaller parts like lettering, numbers, and images.

The most common materials used to construct country-style signs are plywood and MDF.

Plywood comes in various thicknesses depending on how much weight you expect your sign to bear.

  • Fancy sign

Fancy and funny signs are great ways to attract attention. People love seeing something unusual.

However, fancy signs require more time and effort when compared to regular ones.

It’s best to hire someone who knows his craft well to do such work. Otherwise, you might end up spending too much money without achieving anything worthwhile.

  • Formal signs

Formal wooden sign are perfect for businesses that want their name to be seen everywhere. Such signs are usually large and bold. It helps to get noticed quickly.

If you’re looking for formal signs, then you should consider hiring professionals.

  • Fun DIY wood sign

This type of wooden sign are one of the best and easy wooden sign ideas The only thing required to create fun DIY wooden signs is creativity.

All you need to do is take a picture from somewhere online and print it out onto paper. Then glue the image onto a piece of wood.

Afterward, paint over the entire surface of the sign. Finally, add details like words and pictures.

  • Fun pool sign

Fun pool sign with finishing paint are another good idea if you have a swimming pool at your place. This will allow visitors to know where the pool is located.

Another benefit of having a pool sign is that it attracts potential clients.

  • Primitive signs

This type of signs are made from piece of plywood. Using correct size of wooden piece allows you to achieve an attractive primitive look.

A lot of people prefer primitive signs because they give off a rustic feel. They also provide a unique appearance.

  • Simple wooden sign

Simple wooden sign are simple yet effective way to promote your product or service. These signs are inexpensive but still classy enough to catch the eye of passersby.

  • Regulatory signs

When making regulatory signs you have to use a plunge router, exact size of wooden board and drill bits. You must ensure that all holes are drilled correctly before gluing the boards together.

  • Wooden sign frames

Framed wooden signs are very popular among business owners. Framed wooden signs come in different sizes and shapes.

They are available in many colors and styles. Some even include glass inserts.

  • Customized wooden signs

Customized wooden signs are ideal for small shops and restaurants. Customized wooden signs are created according to customer needs.

  • Summer wood sign

When making a summer sign you can used a sign carving techniques with exterior paint using flat paint brush or any paint sprayer. This summer wood sign are suitable for outdoor places.

You can choose between natural color or bright colors. If you don’t want to spend so much on this kind of sign, try painting them yourself.

What is 1820 2-HP plunge router?

A plunge router is a type of woodworking router in which the bit moves down into the work piece. This allows for deeper cuts than those made using conventional routers.

The most common types of plunge routers are:

  • 1820 2 HP Router – A standard plunge router designed by Woodcraft Industries Inc., UK.
  • 2 HP Plunge Router – An upgraded version of the above mentioned model.

How does a plunge router work?

Plunging involves pushing a tool through material while rotating its axis. In other words, plungers move forward as well as rotate around themselves.

In order to cut accurately, plunge routers require high precision.

Scott Buckley

Scott Buckley

I'm Scott, a Woodworker by day and book geek by night. I love making things out of wood. While I have and still, on occassion do, work with metal and plastics, I find them to be cold and somewhat boring. Wood is warm and I feel close to nature with it. I started TeachMeDIY.co.uk as a means to help like minded creative folk to answer burning questions. I hope you enjoy reading and learning, and always feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions!

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