What's the best material for a shaped aluminum sign

[Parthenia]

Most of my orders are just square or rectangular and I cut the alumalite with a jigsaw. The city wanted a shaped sign so this is what I came up with but now am looking for advice on how to cut it or what would be a better substrate. I think I have loaded the attachment for you to see it...first time attempting to do that! Thanks for any help1

 

[tattoo.dan]

I use max metal and a jig saw and file. Works great for these parts!

 

[OceanShoreGraphics]

I use Alupoly and a trim router

I use a product from Peidmont Plastics called Alupoly. A generic version of Alumacor, same stuff as Max Metal from Grimco. Runs about $50 for a 4x8 sheet of 1/8"(shh, don't tell my customers)
Cutting it with a trim router with a 1/4" bit cuts like butter. almost no filing needed, except for where you slip a smidge and need to smooth out the curve. I use a pad sander (like those B&D corner ones) to smooth out the rounds. I have even gone right into the vinyl border and didn't wreck it like can happen with a jigsaw. BTW, both tools I use are 19.2 volt cordless and one battery will do a whole sign.

 

[player]

You could jigsaw a plywood one, then router the aluminum using the plywood as a guide for the router bit.

 

[Gino]

Materials are all almost alike. Not much difference worth discussing. Pick one and run with it. Find a local shop or vendor with a CNC machine and have it done right. Jigs and eye/hand coordination is not gonna work, if you're not used to it.

 

[Marlene]

make a pattern from old vinyl for the shape and cut some dibond with a jigsaw

 

[Parthenia]

Forgot to say it is two sided and they are going to mount it on two posts so it will have a full front but back sign is narrower because of the posts.

 

[WhiskeyDreamer]

I'd create two single sided signs and have them sandwich the posts between.

I'm not sure the size you're looking at for these, but I'd suggest 1/4in Omegabond or DiBond and I second Gino. Find a router for this. Nice smooth edges and professional look compared to a jigsawed sign.

 

[fixtureman]

I route those style signs for a couple printing of companies around me. Should cost much for someone with a CNC

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum. .080 Have a CNC route it out.

 

[J Hill Designs]

+1 to using 2 single sided panels. the 'back' side will look stupid and cheezy with the posts on the edges of it.

depending on size, ACM or 1/8" aluminum. I wouldn't personally use .080

 

[SignProPlus-Alex]

What kind of budget we are talking about?
Why not go dimensional?
How big is that sign?

 

[eahicks]

Doesn't say size, but I assume fairly large. 1/8" Aluminum, CNC routed and then powdercoated.

 

[Johnny Best]

If you do not have a lot of experience using tools to cut shapes, this might be a little hard to do. But you have to start somewhere, so take your time and with some of the suggestions provided it will be an adventure. Good luck. I like to do most of the work myself and not sub out work. I think the art of sign making should be carried on and hand made signs look so much better than cookie cutter looking signs.

 

[Parthenia]

Size is 4' x 8'. Budget is $500. Two sides but back is just a phrase with no graphics.

 

[player]

Forgot to say it is two sided and they are going to mount it on two posts so it will have a full front but back sign is narrower because of the posts.

You're sure this is how it should be done? Who is responsible for designing the structure?

 

[Billct2]

A single sheet of dibond/ACM isn't sufficient for a sign that size.
Especially between two posts.
The budget isn't enough for what it needs.

 

[player]

3/4" double sided MDO but I wouldn't do it for $500...

 

[Jillbeans]

I would cut a mask on my plotter, apply it to b-bond from Glantz (a little over $50 a sheet but no ribs) Cut it CAREFULLY with a new blade in your jigsaw (cuts like butter)
Rasp the edges (you may need touch-up paint)
It's OK to mount as described with just a phrase on the back.
Love....Jill
PS
Your layout needs some work..no arching a script, lose the modern canoe graphic if using the other graphics...try something in a similar style.
Tighten your kerning in PARIS.
PSS
Be aware that at that size, the sign could "kink" in a heavy wind.
.080 would be sturdier, but your cost would increase as you'd have to get it CNCd.

 

[HDvinyl]

Doesn't "Welcome to Paris" sound better than just "Welcome Paris" ?

 

[Pixels Are Bad Mmmkay?]

Don't let people discourage you from using a jigsaw. I use a jigsaw for these types of things all the time. I make a pattern from some cheap interior vinyl and then just try to keep my cuts within 1/32" - 1/16" of an inch from the edge of the pattern. After I cut it with the saw, I use a palm sander with 100 grit sand paper and sand the edges down all the way to the edge of the pattern. Then go over it with some 150-200 grit and you will have nice clean edges. I could cut and sand a 4' x 8' sign like this in 30-40 minutes.