Ten Tips for Working with Precision Board

1. Carbide cutters are not mandatory when working with Precision Board since it is non-abrasive.  Precision Board can be cut with standard HSS cutting tools.

 Precision Board tips

2. To maximize CNC efficiency and cutting time, and to minimize dust and increase chips, the Onsrud Router Bit Selector Guide provides guidelines for proper router bits, speeds and feeds.

Precision Board tips

3. After you have primed Precision Board Plus using FSC-88WB Primer/Filler, it is best to dry using a large shop fan. Do not place in the sun, as this will cause it to dry too fast (skin over) resulting in blisters. The FSC-88WB Primer/Filler training video can be seen here.

 Precision Board tips

4. Be sure to prime and paint all sides of your HDU sign because of paint tension balance. Because it does not have grain, it has no beam strength and can be pulled in the direction of the drying paint.

 Precision Board tips

5. When sandblasting Precision Board, set your PSI to about 60, at the pot.  To achieve a larger texture, use higher grit. Similarly, a finer grit allows for finer texture. Aluminum oxide is used most often.

 Precision Board tips

6. If something happens to your sign during the build process, it is possible to fix the damaged surface. FSC-360WB Crack Filling & Repair Putty dries quickly and sands easily, and can really save the day in the event of a mistake.

 Precision Board tips

7. Optimize your leftover Precision Board by bonding and laminating the extra pieces.  Use PB Fast Set or PB Bond-240 adhesive.

 Precision Board tips

8. PB Resin is a 2 part epoxy that paint can be added to. Use on flat surfaces to achieve smooth, glossy surface.  No priming, sanding, or painting needed.  Call for free samples of PB Resin or any of our companion products.

Precision Board tips

9. If you do not have time to rout, or sandblast a wood grain texture, TSF-45 or PB Hardcoat are excellent time saving alternatives for simulating wood grain. Apply both directly to raw Precision Board, eliminating the priming step.

 Precision Board tips

10. If you have a question, call us at 800-845-0745! We offer free technical support and are happy to assist in any way we can.  You can also request a sample of Precision Board HDU or get a quote.

Turning HDU into Bronze Works of Art

 

Santa Barbara sculptor Larry Rankin has been using Precision Board Plus for years to create his bronze sculptures. His career spans more than 30 years and though his abstract works range in size from 6” to 7.5’ tall, he prefers working with large sculptures which can be found in living rooms, corporate settings, sculpture gardens and in front of large buildings and public facilities.

Precision Board Plus is a great material and offers many advantages in my field, says Larry. It’s rigid and light weight, making my sculptures easy to move. It carves and sands easily and it is available in a range of thicknesses up to 24 inches.

Larry also likes the fact that Precision Board Plus can be cut into manageable pieces, making his 3 dimensional molds easier to construct. If Larry isn’t taking wax mold and wants to add texture, he’ll use PB Hard Coat. It’s easy to apply for a versitile texture and tough finish.

Not surprisingly, Larry Rankin has won numerous awards for his art, including Best of Show for sculpture at the 2007 ArtExpo. To see more of Larry’s work or to read some of his poetry, go to larryrrankin-sculptor.com. His work is also currently featured at Lake House Galleries in North Hollywood, CA.

 

Larry’s Tips For Sculpting Precision Board Plus

  • Use a marking pen to draw the lines you want to carve
  • Cut larger pieces with an electric chainsaw, but be careful. Power tools require a lot of control and Precision Board cuts easily, so you may want to use hand tools until you get a feel for the material.
  • Blades from electric carving knives make great carving tools. I wrap tape around the end to serve as a handle. Yard sales and thrift stores are great places to find blades.
  • Use sand paper with foam backing for detailed shaping. It’s very flexible.
  • When finished, seal and paint your Precision Board sculpture to get an idea of what the final casting will look like. This allows you to make any adjustments prior to casting.