posted
What really makes you decide when to use either 1/2" MDO whatever substrate you are using actually, or 3/4" I'd like to see what you all think about this
------------------ Ron Blake Rapid Signs Pittsfield, MA Spiccoli44@aol.com
Posts: 25 | From: Pittsfield, MA | Registered: Feb 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Ron.....just my opinion...but I like 1/2" for temporary signs such as real estate and 'coming soon' type signs.(I always have a couple on hand painted and ready to go) The main reason is 3/4" is heavy and hard for me to move around! but....I always use 3/4" for permanent signs. (doesn't bow as much)
posted
Whaddya think about me dangling my own sign, a 1/2" MDO, about 40" by 26" off a sign post quite a few feet in the air, mostly so I can get it up myself and be lighter to carry up, also, thinking I may wanna do the sign over again anyhow, does anybody else think this way?
------------------ Ron Blake Rapid Signs Pittsfield, MA Spiccoli44@aol.com
Posts: 25 | From: Pittsfield, MA | Registered: Feb 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
The thing to me is not the thickness of the sign..Really at the size demensions.. A good strong frame or backing is what you need. But still in truth you also need a product that is incapsulated it in a clearcoat that will weather over time.....
Raven/2001
------------------ Raven/2000 Airbrushed by Raven Lower sackville N.S. deveausdiscovery@sprint.ca
Posts: 4327 | From: Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have to agree with Cheryl, 3/4" is what I use on a more permanent heavy duty sign and the 1/2" for sandwich boards and job site signs, etc. It was originally designed for pouring concrete forms for upright preformed walls in the manufacture of warehouse buildings and just happens to work beautifully for signs.
------------------ There is nothing new under the sun. What will be has already been and has been will be again. Daniel R. Perez Daniez Dzines Fresno, CA daniez2001@yahoo.com
Posts: 299 | From: Fresno, CA, USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I use MDO 1/2 inch for starting a fire, and 3/4 inch for keeping it going. I repainted a piece last summer for a client that was at least 18 years old and it was better than any new pieces that I have seen. I'm starting to use more heavy grades of aluminum and adding wood and HDU accents to avoid the cold look if that makes any sense. I'm not ordering any more MDO unless the winter hangs on. Bronzeo
------------------ Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801
Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Guess I have to be Mr. Different here. I use 1/2 inch mdo almost exclusively, and have had only one sign warp somewhat and that was a 2x4. Also, I use only two sided material. I like using the 3/4,but until a problem arises, I'll probably stick with the half inch.
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Signs&Grafix 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101
posted
1/2 inch for single sided 4x8 or smaller, 3/4 inch for paneled signs over 4x8, and double sided signs. Starting to use more aluminum and aluminum laminates, though.
------------------ Tim Whitcher Quality Signs & Design 107 E Adrian St Blissfield, MI 49228 qualitysigns@cass.net
Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Essentially, if it's to be installed against a wall or supporting surface I'll use 1/2" MDO... or if it's about 24x36 or smaller. Otherwise I always use 3/4". I guarantee my work, and having eaten one or two in the past, I err on the side of caution.
------------------ Mark Smith Ampersand Signs & Design EstiMate Sign Estimating Software www.ampweb.com/estimate 1-888-304-3300 Hailing from beautiful Asheville, N.C.
Posts: 724 | From: Asheville, NC, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Lotta great replies, I guess in the meantime I'll use the 1/2" and then if I notice she warps, it'll be time for a new sign, I don't want my own look to get stale anyway, this will give me incentive to change my look from time to time, eh? Thanks for different outlooks, what a fantastic site!!
------------------ Ron Blake Rapid Signs Pittsfield, MA Spiccoli44@aol.com
Posts: 25 | From: Pittsfield, MA | Registered: Feb 2000
| IP: Logged |
quote:I use MDO 1/2 inch for starting a fire, and 3/4 inch for keeping it going.
I thought I was the only one with unresolved feelings of hostility toward MDO. I must have been paddled with it as a child, but the memory has been repressed.
Three quarter inch MDO does make good shelving. Dibond doesn't.
I just happened to dig out a half sheet of 1/2" MDO that I had buried in a pile of lumber in a shed. I'll bet it was close to 10 years old and it was so much heavier that a new remaining half sheet I had. If I had a scale I would have weighed them. It had an extra ply and I'm sure they were all fir while the newer one is obviously a softer wood. The old one was also much smoother than the new one which had a hint of wood grain to it and the occasional ripple cross-grain. Interesting illustration as to how quality of MDO has deteriorated. I know we've had this discussion before. I'm showing these pieces to my supplier the next time I need MDO.
Happy Signing......Marty
------------------ Marty Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4
posted
Good timing on this subject...I'm doing a 4x8 this week and was wondering the same thing. This will be installed against a cinderblock wall. 1/2 inch then?
A
------------------ Adrienne Morgan Splash Signs www.splashsigns.com "Rainkatt'
posted
Here's what I do...........3/8" to 1/2" mdo, framed with 3-horizontal stringers, bolted to the 4"x4" post. Keep the stingers about 3" in all the way around and you won't see them. NEVER bows or warps this way. I would never install a 4'x8' without the stringers. I use 3/4" if an install calls for mounting the material at the edges if it's less than 4' across. I frame it in if it's longer than 4-5'.
------------------ Robert Thomas Creative Signs In Beautiful Naples, Fl.
Posts: 965 | From: Bonita Springs, Florida USA | Registered: Feb 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Here's what I do. 1/2 inch = small fire and 3/4 inch = big fire. With heating prices going astray these are great values. Make great signs in the form of smoke signals.......Just playin here. If we gripe enough about the qualities of this crap, maybe someone will get the signal. From me it will be smoke signals and smartass posts. I just want to see some quality , Bronzeo
------------------ Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801
Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic