So, what are the differences, pros and cons on sandblasting cedar vs redwood for exterior signs in the northland?
------------------ Dana Aaron Sign-A-Saurus Nevis, MN ICQ# 37949659
When you're swimming in the creek, and an eel bites your cheek, that's a moray!
Posted by Tim Dawes (Member # 1234) on :
I have blasted signs in both of these woods and don't have anything bad to say bout cedar. It is cheaper than redwood but it does not have the same grain pattern that you rw does.I f you finish it the same way and build your blank well it will do very well.
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Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
True enough, cedar will sandblast,and it will give you a saleable product...but it is not nearly as stable as redwood and will shrink as it dries and expand when it gets wet,it has more of a tendancy to warp and the slabs don't stay together well.Now all of that having been said, if you wish to take the time and create a good structure to support the slab you can get away with it but don't try to get the same money for it as you can get for redwood,more often than not cedar will let you down,(it has a tendancy to split and splinter as it ages)redwood does not. Redwood is harder to get and costs more but to me it's worth the effort and there's a lot to be said for having happy customers too. When a customer here insists on cedar I always recommend routing it instead.Cedar (I think) is superior to redwood when it comes to making routed signs,we make our slabs by bolting them together on a substructure of treated yellow pine (without glued joints)just butted. Just one mans opinion but,"it werks fer me it'll werk fer you"
------------------ Monte Jumper SIGNLanguage/Norman.Okla.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Monte, what kind of cedar do you use for routing? I have routed hundreds of redwood signs with very clean sharp edges. Cedar always splintered on me and the grain resulted in capillary action, pulling paint from the edges of the letters right across the surface. I quit routing cedar after a few frustrating attempts.
Dana, as far as sandblasting, I agree with Monte. Cedar is not quite as stable and has a different look. Cedar does not grow big enough to get verticle grain planks and it contains alot more knots than redwood. It still makes a nice sign but redwood should command a higher price over cedar, not just because of wood cost, but also longevity and percieved value.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
