we do MAYBE one lighted box every three or four years. I just don't get calls for lighted signs. But, today, I had to go look at a building that an existing client of mine is moving into...and out front, is a two-sided lighted box, suspended between two posts, landscaped, etc.
The faces left with the old tennant last week it seems, and I don't know if they were flat faces or panned. So my question, for those of you who do this type of work is:
A two-sided, 72" wide, 24" high x 10" deep box, with two 6' tubes in the center. Do I need to consider panned faces for this application, or should I be able to use flat faces (which I can get locally, faster). It's not a money issue, rather a time, and an "I-just-don't-like-screwing-around-with-this-kinda-stuff" issue. I've had a couple of other area shops offer conflicting opinions.
The faces will be whatever type of white is recommended, with translucent red and black graphics, if that makes a difference.
So I wait, with baited breath, for some feedback.
THanks in advance for the help.
Keep on keepin' on,
Posts: 465 | From: / | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted
Use flat 3/16"white translucent Plexi..and you should be ok with 10" box..however a pan face would eliminate any chance of seeing the lamps. Shep
-------------------- Arvil Shep' Shepherd Art by Shep' -------- " Those who dance are thought to be mad by those who cannot hear the music " Posts: 1281 | From: Mt Airy NC | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
I don't see why flat wouldn't work just fine. I do about the same amount of light boxes as you mention, but I have done flat faced cabinets 30" tall with just two tubes in them. Does the retaining frame have proper tracks for sliding in your acrylic face?
If it was any reassurance for you if you could find out what the previous tenant took with them, did you attempt to track them down to bother them with a quick question?
posted
Like Shep said, only I would add an alternative price for lexan, so the customer realizes that regular acrylic can be broken. That way there are no surprizes down the road as far as the customer understanding what he is buying. But the flat face will be alright lighting-wise, with a 10" cabinet. Don't go cheap and get anything less than 3/16" if using the acrylic though. That's all I can think of, Brian........
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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And if your going to Pan the face you now have twice the depth and I would go with a Neon inlay for brightness or Re-ballast it for 3 lamps with Bright White lamps.
[ November 06, 2003, 06:39 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
-------------------- Stephen Deveau RavenGraphics Insinx Digital Displays
Letting Your Imagination Run Wild! Posts: 4327 | From: Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000
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Brian, If the colors are black and red, I just use HP vinyl, it seems to work just fine. Remember that lexan is a bit thinner but much stronger. I price the plex sign first then add the total cost of the lexan as an upgrade, they usually willing to pay the extra. Try to have your supplier cut it to size and pay the extra fee! These are very quick an easy money.
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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Flat panels white 3/16 plexi. The two lamps are industry standard (1 lamp per foot) and put in 2 new daylight lamps.
-------------------- Dennis Veenema The Sign Shop Dresden, Ont. but what do I know anyway...I've only been doing this for 20 years! Posts: 368 | From: Dresden, Ont.,CAN | Registered: May 1999
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Brian I think 10" will eliminate the need for a pan face Id use lexan.. Garston will sell ya a full sheet I buy from Commercial Plastics... 195 LaGrange Ave Roch.....254-5800 800-724-4364 They will cut you a piece of what ever material you decide to use they have all kinda neat stuff and good advice The guy from Ward's works there now...
I just wasn't sure if a 10" box was deep enough for flat faces.
I always use polycarbonate, versus acrylic, just for MY piece of mind.
Mike, I use Commercial Plastics all the time. Unfortunately, Gary has gone, but I still get lotsa great service from them. (although, they aren't "Commercial" anymore, they're "GE Polymer and Shapes"...) And yes, I followed the fabricators there from Ward's when they closed down whenever that was..hadda be 10 years now.
Again, I thank you all for your expertise.
Keep on keepin on.
Brian
Posts: 465 | From: / | Registered: Jan 2000
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