posted
I had my wife order some letters from gemini with everything wrote down that I needed execpt I didn't write down pattern. So I didn't get a pattern now they can't send me a pattern unless I send them the letters back. So my question is what is a good way to make a pattern so I know were to drill and keep everthing straight.
-------------------- Jonathan Harvey Harvey's Signs and Designs 214 N. Main Newton,KS 67114 316-283-2424 (no telemarketers) Posts: 63 | From: Newton, KS | Registered: May 2006
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Here's what I do in that situation: On a long workbench, unroll a piece of heavy Kraft paper just about 6" longer than your fascia that you intend to mount the letters onto. On that Kraft paper, lay down the letters and adjust them so that the kerning (spacing) is optically correct. Trace around each letter with a dark pencil, and remove the letters. Now insert the studs into the letters and paint the tips of the studs that will be inserted into the wall. Replace each letter in turn onto the paper so that the painted stud tips mark their proper position onto the paper. You can then mark the centres of each drill hole with a cross-hair, reinforce your pattern with masking tape top and bottom, and your drilling pattern is good to go.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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Sometimes it's hard to get everything lined up correctly with 2" or 3" studs. In those cases, cut some shorter, say 1/2" and do what Ken suggested. You can also sharpen them and push down, thus making a small hole marking the stud position.
If you are installing on a rough wall, tape your pattern to a piece of scrap plywood or wafer board and carefully drill the holes in it. On the jobsite, use the hole closest to the center, drill it and set it with an anchor that can be removed, level the board, set other anchors at each end, and then drill the rest of the holes. Going through the wood will help keep your bit from walking.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5099 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Look in the back of Geminis catalog. I think they have the pattern making process.
instead of painting the end of the studs put a peice of cardboard under the paper and press down on the letter poking a hole in the paper. Carefully Remove the letter. I then circle the hole with a red marker. I have done tons of letters this way. Quick and Easy.
I don't mess with short sharpened studs but I see that being an good way to do it. Use Daves suggestions for rough service....
Tape up pattern and start drilling.
-------------------- Mike South ABC Glass & Signs, Inc. 1415 Main Street Miles City, MT 59301
abc@midrivers.com 406-234-1234 Posts: 167 | From: Miles City, MT | Registered: Mar 2004
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Thanks Alot we'll see what works for 16ft of lettering
-------------------- Jonathan Harvey Harvey's Signs and Designs 214 N. Main Newton,KS 67114 316-283-2424 (no telemarketers) Posts: 63 | From: Newton, KS | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Jonathan, I've forgotten to order a pattern a time or two, but I had the layout of the lettering on my computer, with matching font... I just cut the lettering on some old weird off-color vinyl, reverse weeded the letters and then did like has been suggested. I layed the vinyl out on the carpet, lined the letter up with it's proper spot, and lightly tapped on the top of the letter (with stud already screwed in) to mark the holes. The stud left a nice indentation/hole and I took a sharpie and circled all the spots.
Made a nice durable pattern.. the letters turned out great.. all spaced right with perfect alignment.
PS.. I didn't use the sharpened studs either, just the ones that came with the letters... worked fine.
[ October 25, 2007, 02:46 PM: Message edited by: Jon Jantz ]
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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I have a bunch of studs that I have cut off about 3/4" long and have sharpened them to a point on a grider. (usually 4 to 6 will be more than enough)
After tracing the exact positioning of the letters on a piece of white Kraft paper lay the paper on a piece of komotex and take one letter at a time screw in the studs... then place it over the traced letter ...square it up with a 2" square piece of material (plex metal or cardboard ) them simply press the letter firmly into the paper.
When you remove it you will see the indentations in the paper...I also "target the indentations by using a circle template then crossing the indentations with a pencil about 1" long and 1" high thru the drawn circle. (this is important incase the pattern rips while drilling, you can still find center and direct the drill to where it has to go.
This takes a few minutes longer but will save you a lot of time on site.
This method is dead accurate (longer studs will cuase you some grief in accuracy since they tend to splay out in different dierctions).
Also if you use white Kraft paper take the time to border it with 3/4" masking tape so when you get on site wind will not tear your pattern.
[ October 26, 2007, 08:12 AM: Message edited by: Monte Jumper ]
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
Set the letters in position on paper, trace the letter, then set the studs in the letters. Push the studs into the paper. Put a piece of cardbord under the paper so the studs make an impression.
Tell the wife to get 'er together next time!
-------------------- Michael R. Bendel Bendel Sign Co,. Inc. Sauk Rapids, MN Posts: 913 | From: Sauk Rapids, MN | Registered: Jul 2005
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