Making a Split Initial, Last Name Sign

This week I made myself a Split Initial with Last name sign. I have been wanting to make something like this for sometime. So I will try my best, to show how to make this. Sometimes it is hard to write down instructions on how to do certain things, that's why I have included the video. I myself can watch someone or video, and make more sense of it.

You will need the following:

CNC Router, I used the X-Carve CNC

Cad/Cam Program, I used Vectric Aspire

Red Oak wood 15" long x 7 1/4" wide x 3/4" thick

90* V-Bit

1/8" Endmill Bit

Clear Gloss Lacquer

Paint brush

Minwax Golden Oak Stain

Black craft paint

Sander with 220 grit sand paper

Rustoluem Clear Gloss Finish

Sawtooth hanger

Tack rag

First thing I done was choose a font for my Initial, I choose Adobe Caslon Pro Bold. Then I created a box for the last name. Created a couple of lines, above and below the box. Then used the trim tool to edit the vectors.

Check the video out, for more detail instructions.

I then switched to the Toolpath side, first doing a V-Carve with a 90* V-Bit on my last name. Then done a V-Carve with a flat depth of .08 inches deep, using a 90* V-Bit and a 1/8" Endmill. Done a profile toolpath for the lines, on the vectors. Then preview all the toolpaths, to see what it should look like.

Watch the video for more details.

Next I installed my piece of Red Oak, in the CNC router and carved.

Then I applied a coat of clear Lacquer over the lettering, after doing some light sanding in the lettering.

Let the Lacquer dry for a hour or two, before continuing.

Now you can paint the lettering, I used Black craft paint with a small brush.

Note because we used the Lacquer, we don't have too worry about getting outside of the lines.

Let the paint dry overnight before continuing.

Now sand over the entire piece until it looks good. Also sand the edges of the board. Then blow off with a air hose.

After wiping down piece with a Tack cloth, I stain the Red Oak, with Golden Oak stain. Let the stain set for about 10 minutes, the wipe off the excess.

Now allow the stain to dry overnight

Now spray a couple coats of clear.

Note to get a real good finish, apply a couple coats at first, let that dry for a couple of days, then lightly sand with 220 grit sand paper, and apply another coat.

Now I installed a Sawtooth hanger on back for easy hanging.

Now hang up your sign and enjoy. I hope you like this Instructable, and hope you learned something from it.

Thanks for checking it out.