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My First In-House tray sign job. and it was a big one!
Hi, chaps.
So since running on my own (13 yrs) I haven’t made or installed a tray sign. However previous to this when I was employed I have fitted a few. Anyway, I decided last month to try and produce one with a hand router, used brackets for corners. I think it turned out pretty well. So I decided to push it a little and have sold the idea to a new shop I’m doing. Just wanted to run through the job with you and would be grateful for any feedback. So it’s going 5m up underneath the jysk sign. Wall is concrete. Going to use a scissor lift but not sure about basket size or extension as yet. Was going to make it from one sheet of 3mm Dibond 1500*3000. 50mm aluminium angle top and bottom (not sure on brown plugs or anchor fixings?) As I always work alone thought the tray would be much easier to fit instead of a panel, as long as the basket is big enough.So really my concerns are: are screws and plugs acceptable for the angle or would you use anchor fixings, and is this size of the tray a good idea? Or is going to joining 2 at 1500mm a better idea.
Thanks
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10 Replies
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Looks spot on Martyn, we do loads like this, not keen on the idea of you fitting alone though, I much prefer someone pinning the tray to the wall while another gets a fixing in each corner. You should have a groundsman when using access equipment for safety anyway. Can’t you get a body for half an hour to assist? Brown plugs every 2’ will be ok, really fast to install a single piece tray, if it can be done in one without a join, I’d always go for that.
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Thanks kev. I see what your saying about the safety, I do cone off the area and compared to what I’ve done in the past I’m being sensible with this job. No ladders involved 😅. Brown plugs it is then, I thought anchors were a bit ott as there’s no weight really
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Well done Martyn, looks great mate.
I agree with Kevin on the one man install. Always better with two, even just from the safety aspect. But hats of you for your commitment to your work. There is not many out there who tackle things like this alone.
If you don’t already use them, you should consider buying “Glass Grips”.
I have been using these for around 20+ years and I wouldn’t be without them, and that’s me working with someone. You are on your own, so you require all the help you can mate.
These are pretty cheap and come in both metal and plastic.
They also come in single, double, triple and quadruple versions. I have tried them all other than the single, I wouldn’t consider single.
You can take a single sheet of 10×5 composite up in a cherry picker with no problem at all. even when a gentle wind hits the sheet, it’s easy to handle. positioning is also easy with these as you are comfortable holding the sheet from the centre rather than trying to pinch the edges of a sheet with your fingers.I have also used them for hoisting larger composite sheets up with ropes in a cradle fashion with a dolly wheel fixed to the building and 3-4 Tripple suction claps holding the sheet with the guys in the cherry-picker hands-free. it takes the weight and all else out of their hands while they concentrate on operating the cherrypicker and making the fixings.
Like most things, there are limitations.
* The grip must hit a 100% flat surface for a proper grip.
* The 6-inch circle grip pad must be on a bit of composite or a bit of vinyl. it cant be half and half or the grip will lose its suction on the tiny step of vinyl-to-composite.* when you apply the grip, the section each 6-inch suction circle is on, must have a quick wipe with your hand to make sure there isn’t any dust etc. that will prevent a proper function grip.
* When applying the function clips, make sure the sheet is flat to the wall or flat on the ground. if it’s curved against the wall, again, it will not have full function grip due to the bow in the sheet.
I am just pointing out the obvious because It’s easy mistakes to make.
I prefer the metal ones but are harder to come by and more expensive. I have half a dozen sets now. both triple and quadruple but prefer the tripple ones.
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Great shout on the glass grips Rob, have to say I haven’t used these for decades and forgot all about them. I will hunt down a set 👍
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i know we all have the jobs that require us doing them alone, but i always prefer a lad with me just in case. well done Martyn, that cant have been easy!
@rob glass grips. I have amazon opened right now buying some. great idea! 👍
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Just an update on the post, it had a happy ending. The tray turned out well and with the help of my new trusty glass holders I got it installed. Also I had another post regarding the white, I laminated it all in the end due the white matched. Thanks for your input guys it really helps
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Martyn Heath.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by
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Well done Martyn good job, sign looks great and glad the white matched👍
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great to hear Martyn and thanks for coming back to us on both jobs to let us know how you got on, mate.
Glad the grips worked out for you, they do allow you to manoeuver the panels much easier.
I normally add 4 grips on a large panel even if only needing two as it allows you to change your grip and move easier with several holding options. easier on the fingers too as your not trying to pinch the panel lifting and holding it. -
Nice result Martyn. I think sign trays are so good looking and stylish. Here in NZ its a mission to get people to spend the extra money for a tray. Most people are happy with a sheet of ACM on a wall.
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We’ve tripled the amount of sign trays recently, since start of this year. “It removes the screws from the face of the sign, as it’s attached at the bottom, top and both sides”
Either that or people have more cash to burn. Always attach a photo of recent ones we have done to.
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