Dov’s name plaque

As always the name plaques start with the vectorized design. The lettering was simply typed. For the background I had to build a file using diamonds. The simplest way was to use long rectangles going diagonally in both directions and then use the jigsaw tool to pick out the shapes I needed.

Then I used the distort tool (new in version 5 of EnRoute) to bend up the lines a little.

Then I built a flat relief and modified it using a rectangle with rounded corners to add a dome shape to the top. I would use the same vectors and angle of dome to modify the letter outline a few steps down the line. I then modified the relief once more by adding to it using the diamond shapes as a mask.

My favorite bitmap from the TEXTURE MAGIC Collection called splotches was used to add a little texture to the surface.

The lettering was next, first building a flat relief and then modifying it using the dome tool and using the rounded corner rectangle.

The lettering outline was then nudged up to position in the front view using the up key and then merged highest to become part of the base relief.

Lastly I added the lettering using the bevel tool. The base of he letter (vertical side) was set at 0.15″  

I tool pathed the file using a 3/8″ bit for a 50% overlap rough pass and then applied a final pass using the 1/8″ bit and a 80% overlap. It was then sent to the MultiCam to be routed from a piece of 1″ thick 30 lb Precision Board. Twenty minutes later Pov’s name plaque was ready for the paint process.

There’s still one more name plaque to go. Stay tuned…
-dan

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

What happens at a Sign Magic Workshop?

I often get asked what we teach at one of our Sign Magic Workshops. In this short format it is very hard to describe… but let me give it a try. The pictures will help a lot I’m sure. These pictures were taken at a workshop that was held at my studio in Yarrow, British Columbia, Canada.

The purpose of the Sign Magic Workshops is to share not only our routing ‘secrets’ but also the many other tools and methods we use to finish our signs. We seek to teach as much of the things I have learned and discovered in more than 40 years in this business. The hard part is to do all that in three days.
Everything is provided for the workshop. You don’t have to buy any supplies. We’ll even provide a sketchbook and pen.
We generally have a guest instructor from EnRoute come and give us a hand with the technical stuff. Generally it is Jeff Hartman, one of the authors of the program or EJ Nordurft, product manager for EnRoute. Jeff and EJ know more about EnRoute than almost anybody and both are great teachers too! These are also available in any non-classroom time for one on one instruction, making sure everyone gets their questions answered. In this picture Jeff is showing Mark some of the intricacies of EnRoute. Mark is a power user of the program and brought some pretty tough questions to the workshop. Jeff is working on the solutions.
Through each day of the workshop we give a series of lectures showing various aspects of sign creation from design through the creation of files. My job was to inspire and challenge folks, while the Enroute person takes it on himself to provide instruction about the creation of routing files.
We’ll explore how I do design, where I get my inspiration, and how I pull things together to make our unique signs. We also delve into the various aspects of Enroute and routing on a CNC machine. We take frequent breaks to make sure everyone is alert and awake, able to soak in all we are presenting. It is wall to wall learning, total immersion in a creative world like none other.  During breaks we discuss our businesses, family and other important subjects, getting to know each other and the things we care about.
The shop time is also packed with information. We explore the specialized materials, tools and methods we use daily. Better yet it is done hands-on, with some demonstrations and lots of try it yourself time.
We look at every aspect of our craft, from cutting, prepping, gluing, priming, painting and glazing. Every question is answered as best we can within our experience.
Each student is given a number of pre-routed sample pieces to work on. Some are done step-by-step and others are a here’s the problem, come up with a solution kind of fashion. All materials and tools are provided.
There are samples done in all stages for reference. And contrary to what is imagined, it is all pretty easy when broken down into small stages.
Then it is time for everyone to get their hands dirty by actually doing it themselves. As the students began the painting we keep a close eye on the projects and answer the many questions to make sure everyone is successful.
Everyone gets to try out a variety of techniques.
The sculpting project follows a theme we have done a number of times… ‘B’ is for BUG. Everyone got the same challenge. Use a pre-routed leaf with a letter ‘B’ on it and create a 3D bug to go with it. The results are always as varied as the folks who attended. Every solution was imaginative and GREAT!
When people aren’t busy on their bug sculptures they were painting their dimensional letters and practicing their glazing techniques.
Some students take advantage of the one-on-one time with Jeff or EJ for a private tutorial in EnRoute.
Through every minute people were busy taking endless pictures, looking at the many examples in the shop and studio. Some took the time to browse my library and found some great treasures.
So much more happens through those three magic days, it was not possible to capture it all nor write of it here. It was in a word…  MAGIC!
If you want more information drop me an email or give me a buzz. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
-dan

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Sign Magic Workshop at MultiCam East information

The registration information for the Sign Magic Workshop is now posted by the folks at MultiCam East.  I’m personally very excited about this first workshop on the eastern USA. It should be a fun and informative time. We’ll be working on all kinds of 3D routing techniques and also talking about marketing, designing, and a whole lot more. We’ll also be doing plenty of hands-on work, learning how we do our painting and glazing of the work we do. A little sculpting is also on the menu and it is my bet that each participant will go away knowing they can do a whole lot more than they thought they could going in.

SIGN MAGIC WORKSHOP INFORMATION

The Sign Magic Workshop is to be held in at the MultiCam East Technical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 6, 7 and 8, 2012.  Seating is limited.

I hope to see you there!

-dan

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

WORKSHOP dates set

We’ve set the dates for the next Sign MAGIC Workshop in spring. I’ve been getting lots of enquiries and with so many folks interested in booking already we decided to firm things up well in advance.

The Sign Magic Workshop will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 19, 20, 21, 2013. As always things will get rolling late afternoon Thursday for those already here.

This workshop deals with all aspects of dimensional sign making, including design, fabrication, finishing, marketing and a whole lot more.  Our guest teacher will be Jeff Hartman, one of the creators of EnRoute Software.

More information is available at Sign MAGIC Workshop

The Sculpture MAGIC Workshop will be held a week later  April 26, 27, 28, 2013

This workshop is all about sculpture. It is a hands-on deal with the students welding, creating armatures, and sculpting using fiberglass reinforced concrete and sculpting epoxy.

More information about this workshop is available at Sculpture MAGIC Workshop

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Workshops! Workshops! Workshops!

These days we are thinking a lot about our Sign Magic Workshops. The next one to be held here in our studio is now only a week away. In the shop preparations are in full gear! I’ll be posting some step by steps of some of the name tags I am making for our attendees later today.
Plans are also underway to have a workshop in the Ukraine or perhaps Moscow sometime later this year. I received a copy of the Ukraine sign magazine this morning and noticed a full page ad for the workshop. Unfortunately I am only able to read a few words. 
There is also some serious talk of a workshop on the east coast in the New Jersey/New York area later this year. No firm dates have yet been set for that one. But as things firm up I’ll be posting details here.
-dan

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.