I have had two customers request channel letters recently with the LED instead of neon in them.
I was wondering if anyone here order these type of letters for their customers. My customers both have someone to install the channel letters, I just need to find a reputible company to supply them.
I have talked to two companies, but would like to know if anyone here has a company they work with and prefer for this type of signage.
Thank you for your time on this subject.
Pam
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I order a sample kit from, I believe, Permalight. I have been wanting to do channel letters with LED but are in the same boat as you.
Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
Gals
We have been making our own for many years. It is very simple to do...guaranteed.
Permlight has a great product and they are easy to attach.
I can help ya get started making your own...
basic equipment:
letter brake (MOST IMPORTANT) shears (you can get material in channel width) welder or rivot hand router or better and a couple of hand tools.
If there is interest in demonstrating this, I can plan to attend a meet up north and demonstrate making them...
Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
Oh
That instruction can include making raceways, but they do require a bit more welding since the box needs some stiffness. we use 1" angle and skin with aluminum.
Posted by Pam Eddy (Member # 1858) on :
Thank you for the replies. After 20 years of hand lettering, there is still so much to learn about signage.
Robert, I was on the roof of the building these letters need to go on. The old channel letters are still there and I see what you mean about some hand tools, welder and router, but what about installing the modules and connectors and such? Do you do the electrical part too? I really don't think I can handle making channel letters, but would like to see how it is done sometime. I have had very little experience with welding(and if I get a brake and a shear, I will have every stock guy in the neighborhood here to use it for their car bodies, LOL).
Right now, my customer needs the letters soon for this project, but I have another customer interested in 48" tall letters for next Spring. That gives me more time to learn more about the channel letters. I did read the article in July Sign Business about LED channel letters, and see a list of places that do channels, but I was hoping someone could tell me who they deal with and how well they like their product and service.
Thanks again to both of your for your replies.
Pam
Posted by Dave Utter (Member # 634) on :
I've never used them, but Gemini's channel letters look interesting to me. They only go up to 24" though. and you have to install your own LED's. Gemini You will have to go to the "Sign Professionals" part of the website, and then email them for a username and password. they will send it right back. Their letters are made of cast polymer, and are probably a no braner to work with.
edit:"send" not "wend" I have no idea what a wend is. hehe.
[ August 14, 2003, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: Dave Utter ]
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
Its Been a year or so since I have done them But we used the Gemini Helv Letters on a project and were very Pleased. As for the LED we use the Slone brand LEDs.. They worked good, at that time though you bought them in sticks and you had jumpers that connected them all to together and you could cut them on a chop saw at certain intervals. The building owner specs wouldn't allow raceways so we had to attach the letters directly to the building and wire everything behind the wall in the attic.. (That was pleasant in July) Last time I looked they still looked real nice and the customer is still pleased. Especially when he gets his utility bill every month. I'm looking forward to trying the new Flexible LEDs that are now available
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