Edge Bonding: A PB-Fast Set walk-through

Out technical staff at Coastal Enterprises has received questions frequently in regards to using PB-Fast Set for edge bonding. Here is a quick step by step picture aided explanation of how it’s done.

This sample of PBLT-15 was cut into two pieces. Our goal is to use PB-Fast Set and bond the halved pieces back together without any gaps or separations.

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What you will need for this bonding project is PB-Fast Set, a spray bottle with water, paper towels or a shop rag, the Precision Board needing to be bonded, clamps that will fit the measurement of the Precision Board (we used pipe clamps), and a working space large enough to accommodate the project.

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Place the two pieces of Precision Board in a way that the edges you want to bond are facing “up” or on top. You will distribute the PB-Fast Set on ONE SIDE of the two edges leaving ¼” of space away from the edge allowing room for the PB-Fast Set to expand. Spread the PB-Fast Set uniformally using a tongue depressor or brush.

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With the spray bottle of water, mist the other edge needing to be bonded. This will activate the PB-Fast Set causing it to set up and secure the bond.

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**NOTE** At the point of contact between the two edges being bonded, you will be on a bit of a timer. You have 4 minutes of working time, so you must work quickly to use your clamps and align/connect the edges.

We used pipe clamps to connect the two pieces. You may use any clamps you like that will securely hold the two edges together for a seamless bond line. Wipe excess adhesive off for an easier clean up.

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At this point, you must allow a full 30 minutes of time to ensure the bond has fully cured. Once cured, sand the excess to a smooth finish allowing for a clean and tight bond line.

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PB-Fast set requires no mixing, works well on wood, metal and most other materials. It’s easy to cut, carve, sand or machine, and cuts cleanly.

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Find out more about PB-Fast Set and our other companion products here.

The Artists Who Happen to Make Signs – The Angry Bull

I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase “taking the bull by the horns.” Well Xpressive Graphix takes the phrase to a whole new level. Creating a sign for the Angry Bull Saloon is a prime example of what the artists at Xpressive Graphix are capable of while following their motto: Expect the unexpected.

First being approached with the idea of rebranding one of Zanesville’s favored local saloons, Tony Rose, David Mattingly and the crew at Xpressive Graphix used their expertise to take this project above and beyond. Using Precision Board Plus, these artists were able to craft a sign that would stop any passer-by in their tracks.

The design created by Xpressive Graphix.

The design created by Xpressive Graphix.

Using PBLT-18, this sign is layered perfectly. Actual 19th century barn wood was mounted on a steel frame as a backing for one of the craziest bulls you’ll find on a sign. While the lettering and outline were routed on a CNC, the bull itself was HAND CARVED by Tony Rose. The hand carved bull was mounted using 100% silicone while screws where placed to hold the bull until the silicone set. The surly demeanor was captured perfectly and the Angry Bull Saloon is now the proud owner of an amazing sign using Precision Board Plus!

19th century barn wood and the steel frame.

19th century barn wood and the steel frame.

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The Angry Bull Saloon by Xpressive Graphix, Zanesville, OH.

Tony and the team are doing an amazing job showing what Precision Board can become. Visit them at their website or catch Tony on his twitter to see what they can do for you.

“He who kills with one leap…”

A well-known company in the theme park and display business, Monster City Studios (MCS) of Fresno, California, has been in business for over 15 years and produces high quality advertisement displays. Using Precision Board Plus, MCS has begun a new project that took Coastal Enterprises by surprise.

A geometric Jaguar is quite the odd concept, yet MCS has been able to give a realistic touch to this piece. Routed out of PBLT-30 for durability, this Jaguar head weighs almost 100 pounds! From the tip of the nose to the back of the head measures 19 inches, the base of the head to the top is 21 inches, and the width is 16 inches.  Following up with great hand-detailing, it’s no wonder it will be one of the main displays for a new mall being built in Arizona. With a coat of resin and paint, the Precision Board will be brought to life!

Fresh off the Frog 3D CNC

Fresh off the Frog 3D CNC

Cleaned up with hand detailing

Cleaned up with hand detailing

The finished design waiting to be coated and painted.

The finished design waiting to be coated and painted.

Pictures don’t due justice for the true enormity of this piece. From head to tail, the replica is 8 feet long and the rock base it is sitting on is 16 feet long. The word ‘impressive’ comes to mind, but so does ‘intimidating’ as the power of this animal is captured really well. Here are a few more pictures and a video of the product in process.

Click here to watch the jaguar’s legs being machined

The Jaguar's paws

The Jaguar’s paws

The legs and feet being attached

The legs and feet being attached

The structural support for mounting the Jaguar

The structural support for mounting the Jaguar

The rock that the Jaguar will be mounted on

The rock that the Jaguar will be mounted on

The piece is to be placed in a new mall being built  in Arizona and rightfully so for one of the jaguar’s natural habitats.

A sketch of the finished product.

Monster City Studios has been a fan of Precision Board Plus for over 3 years now and will continue to represent the product to it’s fullest.

 

 

Letterheads: Keepers of the Craft – 40th Anniversary

For generations, men and woman designed, carved, lettered and painted signs by hand. In today’s world, machinery is taking the lead in signage with its ability to mass produce or “set it and forget it”, but what about the flowing subtleties and unique touches that lead to a top-notch sign? Letterheads ‘Keepers of the Craft’ are all about keeping traditions alive and Coastal is proud to be a part of the 40th anniversary.

This special 40th anniversary will be held, appropriately, at the American Sign Museum in a few weeks on September 24th through the 27th. This four-day event will offer two days of formal workshops – aka, Letterhead University, and two days of informal sessions such as panel jams, murals, impromptu demonstrations, and more. The workshops offer a range of topics with an emphasis on traditional techniques and design.

Coastal Enterprises has sponsored the Letterhead Meets, with Precision Board HDU, since the early 90s, and still to this day, we are very honored to be part of it. Kellie Miller will be in attendance for all 4 days of Letterhead40, and besides having a table, she will be available at the workshop offered by Noella Cotnam and Shane Durnford, “Letter carving and Then Some”. She’ll be there to help with any and all questions regarding HDU and finishing products (Primers, adhesives, texture coatings, etc.). This is a 2-day class offered on the 24th and 25th among the 28+ classes available, but time is of the essence as these classes fill up quickly.

If you don’t have time for the workshops, stop by Coastals table for free samples and demonstrations.

Online Registration ends on September 10th so be sure to register ASAP!

Letterhead40 Registration

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Noella Cotnam, 2009. Don’t forget to sign up for her carving class co-taught with Shane Durnford.

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Cam Bortz – Callander, Scotland, 2006

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Stewart McLaren, Brenda Daley, Mike Meyer – Winter Muster, 2004

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Mozeppa Muster, 1999

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Terry Colley – Callander, Scotland, 2006

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Bring a piece from a past letterhead meet to share with others and place on the 48ft display shelf!

Check out their website, www.letterhead40.com, or look for them on Facebook! You’ll find more details about the meet and see more pictures that will give you an even greater appreciation for the craft. Hope to see you there!

 

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na… Batman! With West Coast Customs

“I am the reason criminals breathe easier when the sun rises.” – Batman.

A powerful statement from Batman, Arkham Knight is the only appropriate way to introduce this beyond impressive piece of work from West Coast Customs. Made from Precision Board Plus, these artists were able to create a life size Batmobile that is currently traveling around the world on display.

Using PBLT-10, West Coast Customs machined this 15ft wide, 23.5ft long, and 9ft tall Batmobile that was first displayed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, 2014. While stunning to the average viewer, it is even more impressive knowing the intricate detail that went into this piece. With the Batmobile currently on show in Germany, this piece will “ahh” the public for many years to come.

Here are some of the process pictures that give you an insight of the artistry involved in making West Coast Custom’s Batmobile.

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Batmobile on display at E3 in Los Angeles.