Things You'll Need:
- Electric router
- Router bits
- Wooden boards
- Sandpaper
- Saw
- Paint or stain
- Paintbrushes
- Table
- Clamps
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Step 1
Cut a board into the shape and size you want for the finished sign. Leave an inch margin for the router bit to run around. One-inch-thick board is ideal for making decorative or informative signs.
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Step 2
Select a router bit and attach it to the electric router. Most routers have either plastic or metal chucks or screw clamps to hold the bit in place. Choose a decorative router bit designed for edging.
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Step 3
Securely clamp the wooden board to the work table. If the router bit reaches the table, stack a piece of scrap wood under the sign board before clamping. This will prevent damage to the table.
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Step 4
Plug the router into an electrical socket and position the router bit in the center of one side of the wooden sign board. Press the trigger or on button of the router, holding it firmly and evenly by the handles near the top. Be sure the flat plate guard at the bottom of the router is flat against the wood.
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Step 5
Move the running router around the outside edge of the wooden sign board to create an attractive edge. Push it in two direction down adjacent sides to create neat corners. Turn the router off or release the trigger while holding the router still near the wood. Wait for the bit to stop before moving it away.
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Step 6
Draw the words you want on the sign lightly with a pencil on the flat surface. Use a ruler or straight-edge tool to make them neat and even. Letter stencils also can help.
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Step 7
Change the router bit to one that cuts an even groove straight down into a piece of wood. If you removed the wood from the table to draw in the words or designs, secure it to the table again with clamps. Position the router over a letter and turn it on. Do not move the router until the bit has dug all the way into the wood. Then slowly move the router around the letters until the entire sign is complete.
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Step 8
Paint or stain the routered wooden sign as desired. Avoid getting globs of paint in the carved letters. Allow the paint or stain to dry thoroughly before hanging the sign. Picture hooks or wire can be attached to the back or top to make it easy to display the sign.
