Cabin Sign Collection: Eagle, Loon, Dragon

                CABIN SIGN COLLECTION

MATERIAL & PREPARATION

• Suggested woods: Poplar Soft Maple Cherry Cedar Redwood

• Workpiece size: approximately 5.5" x 16"

• Cut the blank to length and make sure it is reasonably flat before securing it to the CNC.

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

Tools

• 60° V-bit for lettering and detailed artwork

• 1/8" upcut end mill where required for clearing, roughing, or perimeter cutting

Feeds & Speeds

60° V-bit: Feed: 40–60 IPM Plunge: 15–20 IPM Carve depth: 0.08–0.12"

These are starting points. Adjust for the wood, bit, machine, and particular workpiece being carved.

WORKPIECE SETUP

• Workpiece size in Easel: 16" x 5.5"

• Zero at lower-left corner.

• Review the cut settings for each workpiece before carving. Different signs may use different artwork, lettering, and cutting operations.

FINISHING

After carving:

• Break sharp edges with a sanding block or 1/8" roundover bit.

• Sand lightly to remove fuzz from the V-carving.

• Paint the carved lettering and artwork. It is OK for paint to extend slightly onto the surrounding surface.

• After the paint dries, sand the face of the sign to remove excess paint and expose clean wood.

• Apply stain and/or your preferred protective finish.

CUSTOMIZING THE DESIGNS

These workpieces are intended to be starting points.

• Duplicate a workpiece before modifying it.

• Change the text to your cabin, cottage, ranch, or family name.

• Replace or reposition the artwork as desired.

• Adjust font size and spacing to fit the new wording.

• Verify all cut depths and toolpaths after making changes.

NOTES

• Standard 1 x 6 lumber is particularly convenient for these designs because its actual width is approximately 5.5".

• Poplar engraves very cleanly and is inexpensive.

• Maple and cherry make particularly attractive signs when the natural wood grain will remain visible.

• Cedar and redwood are good choices for a more rustic appearance.

• The individual workpieces are examples rather than fixed designs. Experiment with names, fonts, artwork, wood species, paint, and finish to make each sign unique.