Hi y’all, I’m trying to build a new donation sign for a Cedar Ridge Preserve, a natural space with trails in the southwest corner of Dallas. The current donation sign is really faded and most folks walk right past it. Would anyone be interested in helping build one? I have a general idea of what I’d like it to look like, but I am also open to any and all ideas. What’s the best way to get started? Thanks for all the help in advance.
Could you give a few more details? Like the size, materials and design ideas you already have.
Yes, currently there is a post with two signs on there. The post is about 5 feet tall. One sign is a metal where I printed out and laminated a qr code with some sentences about the importance of donations. The other one is a wooden one where someone seemed to woodburn a cedar tree into it along with the word “Donate” and a arrow pointing to the donation box right next to the post.
I was hoping to replace the two signs with one larger wooden piece that’s 1.5 feet wide and about 4-5 feet tall. I have some cedar pieces that can potentially be used for this project. Is it possible to cut with a router some nature-related designs and a large “donate”. Underneath, I was thinking of laser-engraving a medium-size piece of metal that could potentially resist fading from the sun longer than the current set up. This is where I would want to include the donation qr code and just some quick information on the preserve. What do you think? thanks for responding to my post by the way
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I have been wanting to look for a way to make outdoor signs for NPSOT and other non-profit groups. This is kind of something I envision, I have other projects so i haven’t researched more of it, but check out their website for some inspiration. I like the idea of a Woodburned design. I have no experience with printing or outdoor signs, but i thought of maybe DTF or dye sublimation and a uv resistant cover or coating. Like I said I don’t have experience with this but it is something that’s on my radar. I hope people with experience can share some knowledge with us.
Can we make something similar at DMS?
A laser engraved sign was also another idea i had, we have a big Thunder machine, @SWA teaches laser classes regularly to get you signed off on the lasers. I recommend the tumbler class so you get signed off on all the lasers.
First thought it that the ideal tool is the CNC router, however, the resolution is limited by the smallest bit you can use so sharp corners are an issue. Possibly a better choice than the CNC Router is Big Thunder the laser. It has a base of 62 inches by 39 inches and resolution is great. Should give you sharp lines. However you ARE burning the wood rather than cutting it so there would be some cleanup and you might want to further blacken the engraved words and images for legibility. That also means applying a protective coating even though it’s cedar.
The QR Code is relatively “easy”. That’s a powder coat piece and most of the powders are UV resistant. That how I would go about it but if someone with greater knowledge wants to chime in, that would be appreciated. If you like I can meet with you and talk about a layout. If I can’t help you I might be able to point you to the right person.
I hike there often and their donation sign is easy to overlook. The preserve is managed by the Dallas Audubon Society under contract with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. Any modifications of the current signage would need to be approved by one or probably both entities. I’d reach out to them to see if there is interest in having their current signs replaced with donated signs designed and fabricated by DMS. If yes, I could probably assist in some capacity as I’ve designed signs professionally and had them fabricated and installed by 3rd parties. I have a fabrication source who would probably advise on materials and possibly an installation source who may lend advice. Since we don’t have a paint booth, finishing something like this could be a logistical challenge.
QR code can be burned into the wood the same as the rest of the sign, with the laser, and depending on the size of the QR we could also personalize it more as well.
If you’ve already got the piece(s) of wood you’re looking to engrave, and already know what you’d like it to say/general design, I can assist with the software/laser side of things.
Also, if you happen to have extra pieces of wood of the same quality we can run a test array and see what depth you like before running the actual piece.
I’m available most of the time after 5:00pm, other than Tuesdays, and most weekends.