CNC Stand-off lettering on harled (rough) walls

[Martin Pearson]

Yer, it’s not my favourite job lol what sort of size are the letters??

I have done it by putting the letters on a rail which I think looks bad but customer was happy to do it that way.

You could also fit them to a board and make a sort of feature out of the board or the way letters are most often fitted direct to the wall.

It can be a bit difficult drilling the holes, I have used a hardboard template in the past which helps a bit, when you fit the cups leave them as loose as you possibly can as this will also help with any misalignment.

If possible I try and remove the stones where the hole is to be drilled to help stop the drill being thrown off and I normally try to drill a small pilot hole first.

[Stephen Murray1]

Hi Martin

Thanks for the advice mate, much appreciated. The letters are about 100mm high for the smallest ones on standard plastic locators. when using a paper template the drill tends to hit a stone and slip off kilter thus the hole being in the wrong place and I can’t see behind the template waaah! Between the logo, the strapline and the web address there’s about 200 holes – the joy!

[Mike Grant]

I hate seeing signs on runners, ugly as sin. I have done one last week and still have to do the other side of the building. Rough as a badgers!!!! I drill my template as best I can and mount the letters carefully. Then you have to go back and fine tune everything. Some of them I had to chip away the stone to sink the fixing and others I had to space out buy using another cup cut to the right length and fixed with a longer screw. Yes it does make the job take twice as long but more satisfying to look at. They won’t be perfect but anyone looking at them from the front won’t notice them not being all level, a far better finish than the runners.

[Stephen Murray1]

Hi Mike

Thanks for posting. I was thinking (this could be a bit rough) of using a small SDS bit and thus forcing whatever lump of stone is behind the mark on the template out of the way or into smitherines – and filling the hole with an appropriate rawlplug? Bad idea?

Cheers
Stephen

[Martin Pearson]

Stephen as I said before try and remove the stones where the holes are to be. Makes the job longer but can be done by fixing the paper template to the wall then where the marks for the locators are cut a semi circle with a scalpel, fold out the way, remove the stones behind it and fold back into place. When drilling the holes I always start off slowly with the hammer action turned off. This will allow you to drill a far more accurate hole. Once you have the hole started where you want it you can switch in the hammer action.

Mike I hate seeing signs on rails as well and try almost anything to avoid doing it but on one or two occasions I have had no choice.

[Mike Grant]

I will try and take some pics on my next outing. It was dark when I packed up so no pics taken. The wall is a stone one not pebble-dashed. 😮

Oh almost forgot, mark you fixing plan with a big X so when your drill bit goes wandering off you can still work out where your drill bit should be!

[Stephen Murray1]

Thanks guys

The advice is very much appreciated. I’m going to attempt to get it done tomorrow if it’s not cats and dogs, so wish me luck! I’ll post some photos if successful.

Cheers
Stephen