Full Version: Difficult or Impossible?
From: Zonas [#11]
21 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 22 Jul 2004
I was just checking out your engraving forum and saw your posting. Caught my interest. Wanted to make sure I understand the 'facts'. The limo has a wood insert (on arm rest) that they want you to label switches on. After you are done they (or you) will cover with a resin (assuming high gloss). Couldn't you use any of the 1/32" thick material (I visualize a gold) cut and engrave, this thin of material bends very easy, if any shaping necessary use heat gun. Use any adhesive that will work with wood/plastic, then apply a thick resin coating that will give a smooth finish. Am I thinking to simple?
Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12]
22 Jul 2004
To: Zonas [#11] 22 Jul 2004
Zona,
It's not a wood insert. I just used "arm rest" as a descriptive term. It's kind of a combination arm rest/switch panel with a traverse rod for a curtain built into the right-hand side. The whole item is made of wood.
I see what you're saying about the thin engraving stock. It would probably work, except the look we're going for is printing right onto the wood.
After I've done my part on these projects, I never see the final installation. I have seen the completed silk screened panels and they're very impressive.
I spoke to the owner of the company yesterday. I said that the vinyl lettering should work, but mentioned the idea of the lettering wrapping around the curve of the arm rest may not be very easy to read.
The guy was very pragmatic. He said, "It's what the customer is requesting and we'll give him what he wants. If he doesn't like it, we'll make as many as he wants to pay for."
Makes sense to me :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
www.engravingetc.org
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13]
22 Jul 2004
To: JHayes55 [#10] 22 Jul 2004
Joe,
I'm happy to know you have a variety of tricks up your sleeve. Those are good suggestions.
Thank you for offering to try the job. Looks like my buddy is going to be able to do it. He'll REALLY be my buddy if he can :-)
I doubt he likes this kind of task any more than you do, but he seems to enjoy a challenge. I'll let you know how this one goes, and if possible, post some pics.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#14]
22 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13] 22 Jul 2004
David,
I guess this is another example of where the "Stunt" in Stunt Engraver comes from. I hope this turns out well for you!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#15]
22 Jul 2004
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#14] 23 Jul 2004
David,
These are the kinds of jobs that I sink my teeth into. If I can't do it, I usually have someone who can.
A while back, I received (what I consider) a huge compliment from the owner of this company.
He said, "The reason we call you, is no matter what kind of marking challenge we present, you walk in and instantly know what to do."
What he doesn't know, is I have a secret weapon. Other than my own knowledge, I can draw on a vast pool of collective knowledge represented in the Engraving Etc. forum members.
Shhhhhh!
It's our secret :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Myyk [#16]
22 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#15] 23 Jul 2004
From: Sei (SEIMA) [#17]
23 Jul 2004
To: Myyk [#16] 23 Jul 2004
One thing to consider with paint would be what sort of clearcoat they're using to seal the thing, and what chemicals are involved. We've had an issue in the past where we produced a rather nice, large wooden sign. When we clearcoated it, the solvents in the clear broke down the paint we'd used to fill the letters, leeching out streaks of color and ruining the piece.
Sei
From: Rallyguy [#18]
23 Jul 2004
To: Myyk [#16] 23 Jul 2004
This is an excellent suggestion............. You could apply the mask and take it to an automotive spray shop....they could shoot the color coat, remove the mask and clear coat with a basecoat/clearcoat system. It would be durable and look as good as an automotive finish.
Brian G.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#19]
23 Jul 2004
To: Myyk [#16] 23 Jul 2004
Great minds (not mine) think alike.
When I went to drop the piece off to the vinyl guy, he was on an errand. I was in a hurry that day and couldn't wait around.
The silkscreener is close-by and I left the piece there. When the screener and vinyl person put their heads together, the "mask and paint" method came to mind.
This time around, we're proceeding with the vinyl lettering (I think).
I emailed, this morning, to see if the experiment was a success. Haven't heard back yet.
Thank you for your suggestion. It's a jewel :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20]
24 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#19] 24 Jul 2004
As evidenced by this photo, my friend, Greg Turner of Greenleaf Visual Image Group, in Pasadena, CA didn't think this job was impossible or particularly difficult.
He was able to cut .125 letters in Helvetica!!
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 24 Jul 2004 by DGL
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#21]
24 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20] 24 Jul 2004
David,
It looks like your going to pull off another one. The resin coating shouldn't have any impact on the vinyl and/or adhesive.
We all need to register this in the old "for future reference" file.
Thanks for sharing!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#22]
24 Jul 2004
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#21] 25 Jul 2004
David,
Yeah, it was another of those "Never let them see you sweat" moments :-)
Greg assures me the resin will cause no adverse reaction to the vinyl/adhesive. He's had experience in that area.
I wish to thank the forum members for their valuable input. This was a very interesting and informative thread.
I just love it when a technical question is answered before our very eyes :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 24 Jul 2004 by DGL
From: Sei (SEIMA) [#23]
26 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#22] 26 Jul 2004
You know, it might be kinda nice to have a showcase board, basically dedicated to images of bizarre jobs or stylish designs where we can show off and discuss the trials and tribulations.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Sei
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#24]
29 Jul 2004
To: Sei (SEIMA) [#23] 29 Jul 2004
Sei,
Your wish is my command. I've opened a new folder where we can showcase our accomplishments.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
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