Engraved Wooden Sign

[Keith Outten]

This is the sign Aaron and I made this week for Ken Salisbury's woodworking show display. It is made from alder, the center logo is cherry and is set into a 1/8" deep hole so that it is just slightly raised above the surface of the sign. Overall dimentions of the sign are 10" x 13" x 7/8" thick and it is engraved on both sides. The lettering is engraved almost 1/32" deep and the plaque was given a roman ogee edge treatment on both sides. Finished with 3 coats of laquer and power rubbed with Johnson's past wax before the engraving was done.

Ken hasn't seen this sign yet, I'm sure that by now he has already left Alabama for the 5 Barns Picnic so I'm posting the picture of the sign to share with everyone before we surprise Ken at the picnic.

I had hoped to have time to build a wrought iron stand for this sign but time ran out on me this week.

I have cross posted this message to the Power Tool Forum from Laser Woodworking for the benefit of those who don't read other forums.

[Terry Quiram]

Keith

I am pretty sure that when you present this to Ken you will shock him into silence.

Terry

[Keith Outten]

You know I didn't consider the possibility of Ken losing his voice, maybe I better have a Bud Light ready in case we need to revive him :)

Thanks for the kind words Terry, this sign really is a beauty. As always my photography skills are lacking, the picture doesn't do the sign justice and I'm sure Ken will be pleased with the sign.

[Don Farr]

Keith the sign is absolutely beautiful. You guys do some amazing work. I know Ken will be very proud of it.

By the way. I got the motor yesterday for my lathe project. Since I can't go to the picnic maybe I can get started on that this weekend.

[Dan Bussiere]

Keith,
I haven't met Ken yet, so I hope this beautiful sign doesn't lull him into too much of a stupor, because I want to get the full flavor of his personality! I mean, Saturday morning when I arrive I don't want to think you guys have been stretching the truth about him! All I saw was a quiet man with his mouth stuck open! So, for me, bring 2 Bud Lights! He may need them both! In case you don't get my silly humor, GREAT SIGN!
Dan

[Bob Lasley]

I don't think you could shock Ken into silence for more than 10 seconds if your life depended on it, well, unless you told him the Bud Light brewery exploded.

Very nice sign and I'm sure the ole Reb will love it.

Bob

[Lee Schierer]

You may make an old man cry. Ken will be very pleased I'm sure. Great looking sign, I'll look forward to seeing it and meeting you!

[Mark Hulette]

Keith & Aaron-
:cool:

Outstanding and very classy. You're gonna make me want one of them lasers before it's all over! :eek:

[Ken Garlock]

Beautiful work. Both of you are to be congratulated.

One question: didn't the paste wax "mess" with the laser work, like burn, smoke, tint, whatever? :confused: Just asking because I don't know....

[Ron McNeil]

Wow! What a beauitful sign. I'm sure Ken will be very pleased. Sawmill Creek sure is a great place to be a part of.

Keith and Aaron the sign is so neat. Also, while I'm in an appreciative mood I would like to thank both of you for being there when the Pond was drained. Thanks

[Ron Smith ... Richmond, VA]

[QUOTE=Keith Outten]This is the sign Aaron and I made this week for Ken Salisbury's woodworking show display. I had hoped to have time to build a wrought iron stand for this sign but time ran out on me this week.

I knew that sign would look great when you showed it to me in your shop. I told my wife I would have to work with you and Aaron to make one up for my shop when I build it. Excellent job.

Ron

[John Miliunas]

You guys do some wonderful work! I can't see any single way that Ken won't be completely star-struck by that beautiful piece! :cool:

[Todd Burch]

Is this any better?

[Jerry Todd]

Keith & Aaron, you guys did an outstanding job. What a beautiful sign.
Jerry

[Keith Outten]

Ken was surprised when we gave him the sign, I hid it in a denim bag and gave it to him when we arrived. His eyes lit up and he was very appreciative. We had a great time working on Ken's sign, it was a very enjoyable project, maybe in time we can complete the job and get the iron stand built...hey I want one of these for my shop as well.

If you ever have the opportunity to meet Ken in person be advised...Ken is Rough and Gruff on the outside but the nicest guy you will ever meet. Everyone calls Ken a "Character" which probably is the best way to descrbe him. After several hours of conversation with Ken I found him to be an interesting storyteller, a retired Coach that adores kids and a kind soul that loves life and woodworking...and will go out of his way to help anyone.

Thanks again to "The Old Rebel" for putting up with Aaron and myself over the weekend. We truly enjoyed your wit, humor and friendship.

[Keith Outten]

Thanks Ken,

We use laquer and apply a paste finish before we engrave plaques. The laquer actually protects the surrounding area of the wood from smoke damage when we engrave. The paste wax is used as a medium to rub the plaque and smooth out the laquer finish. After power buffing the wax layer is actually very thin and doesn't have any effect on the burning process. After engraving we simply wipe the plaque with a wet sponge, the smoke left on the surface wipes right off.


Beautiful work. Both of you are to be congratulated.

One question: didn't the paste wax "mess" with the laser work, like burn, smoke, tint, whatever? :confused: Just asking because I don't know....