First, it seems that HDU is something of an anomaly here is Western Canada, I've been calling everyone I could think of to find this stuff locally. No one seems to stock it, and several don't even understand what I'm asking for. Having said that, the suppliers 'down east' (Ontario, Quebec) have been wonderful to me and I will purchase from there if I can't find a local supplier. (I try to support local business when I can... ) Do sign makers out here in the 'wild' west not use HDU?
Next question, is there a preference for one 'brand' over another? (Am I allowed to ask that?)
And finally, is there a preference for using 18lb over 15lb or does it simply depend on the application? Just seems to me that 18lb would be preferable in most cases.
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Since I am just a little south of you I couldn't be of much help with a supplier, but I can comment on the density.
We use 15# for the majority of our work. At one time we experimented with 18# and 22# for backgrounds that were to be sandblasted. The more dense the material the longer it takes to blast, but more detail is also retained. If it is to be seen up close we will use either 18 or 22, but 15 is fine for distant viewing. The more dense HDU also produces a smoother finish with less work.
For cut out letters and scroll work we use 30# which produces a really smooth finish. Normally, we just cut out the letters with a scroll saw, blow off the dust and paint. If you are planning on doing any carving I would suggest a lighter weight (18 or 22) because the 30# is very dense.
HDU also is available in 40#, which looks and feels like stone. I've never used it, but have a sample. It's used around golf course and such where more abuse would be common.
Brands used vary with the individual. At one time we used Precision Board almost exclusively, but now we are using more Sign Foam III. I don't see a lot of difference other than the SFIII produces less dust when you are sawing and it seems to have a slightly smoother finish. These are the only two that I have experience with.
We use 1.5" thick material for our blasting and either .75" or 1" for cut out letters - 4" to 8" tall and panels and scrolls. Recently we cut some 24" letters and used 1.5" Sign Foam III (18#).
[ March 24, 2005, 09:28 AM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hey Dallas, If I were asked, I guess I would be partial to Everwood. No really, as far as choosing a particular density of HDU, there are a few basics to know. 10lb is typically used for interior jobs (ie. cut out logos and letters for walls and showrooms). 18lb is normally found in high traffic areas (Golf Cources, Putt-Putt Cources, Theme Parks, etc...). 15lb can be used for most everything else. It is stable enough and very workable for most exterior applications. As for higher densities, price and availablity make them not very practicle for use in most sign projects. You'll end up paying 2 or 3 times as much for 30 or 40 lb material and have to wait several weeks to get it since hardly any distributors stock anything over 18 to 22lb on the floor. Most have 15lb 1", 1.5" and 2" and a few sheets of 18lb and occasionally one will stock 10lb if they have people using regularly. On to distibutors in Canada. Derusha Supply in Stanstead, Quebec and Canadian Sign Supply in Ontario can ship to most destinations thruout Canada. Feel free to call me if have additional HDU questions. 864-288-2482 John Meeks
-------------------- John P Meeks The Sign Shoppe, Inc. Everwood 200 Brozzini Ct. Greenville, SC 29615 864-275-5140 Posts: 44 | From: Greenville, SC | Registered: Oct 2004
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I want to have Everwood here at the International in Minnesota for us to try out and see for ourselves. I am also getting samples from all the others. I think this will be a great place to experiment as we will be carving , blasting, glueing and anything else you can think of to do with Materials in the sign industry.
John, Please respond to my email and I would REALLY like to use your product on a job here! What Raymond said is right on the money.
I use more Precision Board as they support Letterheads.
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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Hi Dallas, First, both Everwood and Precision Board are Letterville Merchants. Both are great products. Most places will ship for free on orders over $1000. GE Polymers and Shapes carry Precision Board, I wish someone out West would carry Everwood. We already send far too much money out East . Seriously though, I do prefer to shop in the Western Provinces as much as possible.
[ March 25, 2005, 12:50 PM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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I've used Everwood on the only two jobs I've done and I think it's easy to work with and the 15lb allows good detail. This picture here is the first job I did using it. It also has applique letters and the cupola bonded with West Epoxy Systems . It's been outside for two years and looks great!
Good luck
-------------------- Chuck Gallagher Pro Graphics Signs by Design Cabool, MO 417.962.3291 "I grew up in Letterville" Posts: 776 | From: Cabool, Mo. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I get my HDU from East West plastics and they have locations all across Canada
-------------------- Glenn Thompson Tell-Tale Signs Williams Lake, BC sign@telus.net (250)398-7446 Posts: 201 | From: Williams Lake, BC | Registered: Dec 2000
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Everwood, SignOfoam and Design Board have always been very generous when I've asked for materials.
Each have minor qualities that do make each a little different.( I glue up the 4 brands in 2" strips side by side for folks to instantly compar them regarding carvability) Which ever is available to you will determine your production system. In that respect, they will all perform very well.
If you own a cnc router.....FLATNESS becomes a big issue. There is one brand that has a bad reputation in that respect (Don't Ask!).
Just my 2 cents.
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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. Seriously though, I do prefer to shop in the Western Provinces as much as possible.
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