posted
about a month ago i started a post asking for suggestions on how to make a curved sign. i ended up using Dibond, and i'm very happy with the way it worked out.
At the time, it was suggested that i could have a machine shop with a roller press form the curve in the Dibond (2'x8' piece, with about a 12'' radius bend). I couldn't find a machine shop that would help me out for less than $75, plus a lot of my time picking up and dropping off the material... and no guaranty i'd like it.
Instead, i fastened four small metal d-rings to the back corners, and used stainless steel wire ("aircraft cable") to pull the piece into shape. The tension curve is perfect, and i think it might actually give the piece more strenght (as a tensile structure) than the rolled curve would have. Since its a sign for a bike shop, the cables look like bike gear cables, so it fits the application as well as giving some interest to the back of the sign.
Oh, and i used pre-finished blue dibond and Gemini formed letters, so i didn't even have to coat out the board or cut the letters. Letters and Dibond cost $225 (and i still have half a sheet of Dibond for the next job). Sign was $750 installed.
I'll post a picture when i get them back from my lab.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
well, i'm careful to list which questions are beginner level, and which aren't. i'm now an expert a THIS sign. the next one... i'm still a beginner.
Victor -- right now, the Dibond still springs back. i'm guessing (!) that after a few days/weeks in the sun, the plastic will warm up and conform to the curve. call it a "slow heat forming". it might not "set" all the way, but (just a guess) if the wires snapped i'll bet nobody would notice the difference in the curve (except for a dangling wire).
i forgot to mention -- their old sign was a piece of 2' x 4' x 1/2" plywood -- the 2' x 8' Dibond was twice as big and weighed half as much. i love that stuff!
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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