How to Engrave a Wood Sign Using a Fixed Mini Router
Unlike full-sized routers, which are cumbersome and sluggish, or plunge routers, which are expensive and complicated, the fixed mini router is the ideal tool for lightweight cosmetic jobs like sign engraving. You can easily customize a wooden sign by engraving your company's logo, family name, address or decorative design. Even if you have limited woodworking experience, the fixed mini router's intuitive design and ease of handling make it an ideal tool to help you complete your project.
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Instructions
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Lay the sign on a large, flat, stable surface. Clamp the wood in place at regular intervals with C-clamps.
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Draw or trace the pattern for your engraving onto the wood using a pencil. Remember that because a fixed router cannot be plunged into the middle of the wood, the engraving must begin at the edge of the sign. For this reason, cursive styles work well for engraved lettering using a fixed mini router. If you would like to incorporate separate design elements in your sign or want to avoid a visible router entry point, you can patch and paint the sign once the engraving is complete.
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Place the router against the edge of the sign. Check that the blade is set to penetrate no less than one-quarter, but no more than one-half the thickness of the sign. Adjust the blade according to the protocol for your particular machine.
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Turn on the router. Begin engraving at the preselected entry point, and work along the pencil lines to cut your design. Work slowly and try to move in one continuous line. Avoid pressing the router down too hard onto the wood, or pushing it forward -- use only medium-light pressure. If you need to stop the router in the middle of the job, pull the router out before restarting the blade to avoid kickback.
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After the engraving is complete, turn off the router and unclamp the C-clamps. Invert the sign and shake out the dust and shavings. Sand any rough edges with medium-grit sandpaper.
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Fill and paint any undesired entry points from the router using wood filler and latex paint, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply wood stain or paint to the inside groove of the engraving to highlight your design.
Always take appropriate safety precautions when working with a router. Pull back hair and wear safety glasses and gloves.
