Routers Do It Better

As router capabilities continue to grow, so do your possibilities as a designer and sign-maker. For instance, router manufacturers are progressively increasing the size of their machines’ cutting areas (some exceed 12 by 12 feet), which means bigger projects–and profits–for sign-makers. Also, many of the systems on the market are dual-function systems, meaning they can perform routing and engraving tasks.

Even if a machine has unattended-operation capabilities, a savvy sign professional remains the key component. Our featured sign-makers were happy to display their projects and share their tricks of the trade.

Using a hand-held (non-computerized) router from Hitachi Ltd. (Tokyo), Edwards Sign Studio (Gaylord, MI) created this scrumptious, two-sided, 3-by-5-foot carved sign. The background is sandblasted 2-inch Sign Arts Products Corp.’s Sign