Side job

[John Mihich]

I do this for a family. For each baby I make 4 name signs. I think I have made about 20 different names now. This one the boy is named Neely.

[goaliedad]

Very nice.

[MsNomer]

Cool, but I can't read it because of the wood grain.

[John Mihich]

Oak is not my choice. This family has been doing this for years. I replaced the person who was doing this before. He used oak so I just continued. I saw a picture of one family room where they have dozens lining a shelf near the ceiling.

[wood2woodknot]

I've done similar with 1/2" and 3/4" (1" nominal) poplar with good effect and easy to work. Easily dyed or stained if needed. Grain is usually not that strong and often negligable. Looks good with just Arm-R-Seal or clear poly wipe-on.

[Richard D.]

I also find the grain distracting. The leg of the "N" looks delicate with the short cross grain. Neely is going to get teased a lot in school.

[John Mihich]

Once they get to their homes they are never touched again. This family has had some really unusual names. One of the houses I saw pictures and they put led lights behind them - created a shadow affect.

I never worried about grain patterns - I just grab what wood I have available. You guys are correct that the grain in the picture looks distracting. In person - not so much.

They are fragile - but I have glue. I think of the 80 I've made (I think) I have broken 2 in the shop. The best wood would probably have been 3/4" plywood.