I don't do any original backlit signs, but I do get asked to replace faces with new graphics now and then.
So I use the original faces as patterns for sizing etc.
I am wondering about a couple of things.
How many of you glue full length hanging strips and how many just use spaced strips? (you know, about 9" strips spaced apart) and why?
Do you always glue bottom strips too??and why??
Do the bottom strips just have to do with wind exposure on larger faces, to stop the face from buckling in??
How do you align/clamp and keep them all aligned perfectly?
Do you use a "guide/straight edge"? If so, what is it made of?
How do you stop the cement from seeping onto the face?
What kind of clamps do you use to clamp the hanging strip while the cement cures/bonds?
I haven't had any problems/failures in the past but I am also not totally happy with the way I do it. Just wanting to get some input from those more expeienced.
Any and all comments are greatly appreciated..Thanks
[ June 19, 2005, 09:06 AM: Message edited by: Dave Grundy ]
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
I use plastic glue and small bolts to attach my hang rails. I don't use any on the bottom. I use full length strips because I feel that it is stranger and less chance to hang up on anything.
As far clamping goes, I use hand clamps.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
Same here. One long strip with just at the top. Nutin worse than trying to fit a panel and have it hang up while yer on a ladder. I use one known straight factory cut edge as a guide to make sure it is square. I use plain old spring clamps. Cut the bottom of the panel so the whole thing just hangs from the strip. Gives the panel room to move as it heats up during the day.
Posted by Robert Carney (Member # 2016) on :
Full length strips vrs short strips.. for every space between a strip is a pressure point on the face making it easier to break the face when handling it before its in the frame.
I always glue on top and bottom strips, making sure that the sign face is going to hang on the top strip in the frame. New glass should always face with the arc outwards. I see a lot of people do it the other way and looks like the face got sucked into the box.
For glueing the strips on I use methyl in a syringe bottle and cloths pins as clamps. I will put one cloths pin on the end of the strip to hold it while I run the syringe down the side (using the edge of the glass as a guide)then put the rest of my cloths pins on.
I always double my strips. Does anybody else?
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
What are these strips you are talking about? I've never seen them.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
When done properly, you won't see them!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Ok Si. I've never seen them on any I've taken apart. There are none on any new signs I order. So what are they and what do they do?
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Dave,
Hang rails are used on larger faces to keep them off the bottom of the cabinet. It also allows for expansion and contraction of the faces.
On smaller faces, this isn't much of an issue but on bigger ones, it can become quite noticeable. No sagging, no waves. That's what they are all about.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Dave...Hanging strips are glued along the top edge of faces so that the face hangs straight down rather than resting on the bottom of the frame and buckling inward or outward.
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Dave, That's beautiful, dude!
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Thanks for the feedback guys.
Robert...Never thought about the clothspins idea. I have been using those cheap spring clamps from Canadian Tire but they are a little overkill. With a ready supply of clothspins I can see how you can apply the cememnt and clamp as you go.
I have seen about a 50/50 ratio as far as full length and short strips. I can see where the short strips can cause pressure points.
I think maybe part of the reason for bottom strips is to stop the bottom frame from bowing down and letting the face out lift out of the channel before the frame is attached to the can. And that can be a pain in the butt when the installer is 25' in the air trying to fit the frame into place. Remember, I only do face replacements so the can is alway already up on the pole.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Thanks guys, now I get it. I've only worked with smaller signs, only 5' x 12' & down. What size does this become necessary?
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Dave...I would think anything over 3'x5' should have em. I have never seen a single one over that size that hasn't had them.
4x8s , 5x10s they SHOULD have hanging strips.
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Dave call me, I've been in the electrical side of things for 25 years...I think I can help.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Bash]](graemlins/bash.gif)
Ok Si. I've never seen them on any I've taken apart. There are none on any new signs I order. So what are they and what do they do?
