Larry Jenkins Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 A couple winters ago, I made my neighbor and his wife an "initial plaque" because of his help blowing out our driveway all winter. I just made set number four for folks we know, and I thougt I would share some of my crazy design and build techniques for those who may want to venture into abstract things. Here's two images of what I'm talking about. Then I'll describe the steps for your consideration. The first image shows the front side of the initials plaque. All three initial are raised, using a 1/2"diameter x 3/4" long dowel stanchions recessed into the initials using a Forstner bit, 1/16" deep. There are no plans. Ever. I just grab some 1/4" plywood and sketch some initials on it. Three rules. The last name initial is always the biggest. The man's first name initial is always second. And.. The woman's first name initial is always first. (What's new?) Each initial is hand drawn and rough cut out on the bandsaw. Proportions are somewhat important here to ensure a nice looking result. Then, using the proper size Forstner bits, cut each small corner where the initial "curves" meet to ensure a nice smooth arc. Then, using a small diameter drum sander in your drill press, finish sand the piece prior to painting. I use three different colors of latex paint. Colors your choice. Image two shows the backside of the plaque. The top two stanchions have holes in them to hang the plaque on nails. The bottom one on the "C" is a stabilizer with no hole. The bottom, tapered pin on the "S"is another stabilizer. I like to "stagger" the initials using the spacer pin locations to maximize the exposure to each initial. This kind of project will embrace your creative "juices' to the point where you can make just about any design you want. Have fun! Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Brink Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Larry; Might just have to make a set for our house. Simple and easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Jenkins Posted March 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Just let your imagination run wild! Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Moody Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Nice Larry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Nicholls Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Looks cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 I really like the 3-D effect of the layers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Jenkins Posted March 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Thanks, Lew.. You are so right! I didn't get the full effect of that in the images, but know that each initial is separated by 1/2". Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 15, 2017 Report Share Posted October 15, 2017 Bringing one up from the archives! Great initial project Larry! I know Larry does not visit here anymore, but I was cleaning up the archives and just though I'd bring it up. Cal 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmealy Posted October 15, 2017 Report Share Posted October 15, 2017 Yeah, what happened to Larry Jenkins? I remember him from WOOD forums. John Morris 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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