[Martin Cole]

ooh James, an hour each :puppyeyes: I hope you charged accordingly

I’ve always found the best way to weed small text is to get someone else to do it 😉 😉

[Martin Cole]

Thank you guys much appreciated

[Martin Cole]

:blushing: s

[Martin Cole]

quote Neil Davey:

By the way Matt, there’s an ‘i’ missing from ‘Builders’ and an ‘s’ from ‘Construction’! :thumbsup:

also loose the apostrophe in sons

[Martin Cole]

That’s a fine job Neil, Lettering and kerning is spot on.:thumbsup:

and nice story remembering the building when you was a kid, I would be well proud

(bet you got through a few pencils writing that out)

[Martin Cole]

Many thanks guys, appreciate your input.

I have since printed some blue and it does seem to have improved so wont tamper with anything.

Interesting Stafford about all being calibrated to black, there lies a lot of my problem it seems.
Black head replacement on the cards.

Good news is I have got the cyan back up and running.

[Martin Cole]

G.. your just a big woos…. 😉

But your right, I need to know if I need to get someone in or if its possible to do.
I know it is really a techy job.. but thought I’d ask

[Martin Cole]

Thanks Phil, will try that later.

I tried something like that last night but couldn’t get it to go

Have you done a head adjustment out of interest?

[Martin Cole]

In cases such as this I find it highly unethical to copy artwork.

I just wouldn’t re-produce someones else’s artwork unless the customer owned it and in this instance I fear they don’t.

It looks like the same old chestnut that someone has done the artwork without confirming the job with a deposit….But looks like they will end up getting the work due to their price quoted.

Not my kind of customer, someone that goes around banding someone else’s artwork to try and save a buck.

[Martin Cole]

Thank you guys,

very helpful as always

[Martin Cole]

Lol.. it is painful Chris…take it for granted until it goes wrong

have tried the head soaks etc to no avail.

original ecosol max inks used

[Martin Cole]

Thanks Chris very helpful , sounds like identical problem.

Every print job I have at the moment is blue…. 🙁

[Martin Cole]

Thanks guys,

I am suspecting the pump but having switched the outlet pipes. You would think it would effect another head.. maybe?

To cap it all, out of desperation I thought id try another damper and i have gone and snapped the f..ing manifold.. 🙁

[Martin Cole]

Stange Hugh :rollseyes: , I use X5 and have a GMS folder

[Martin Cole]

quote Hugh Potter:

Q1.0

Where is the GMS folder? :blushing:

In the draw folder

Corel > Draw > GMS

[Martin Cole]

All the best Hugh I wish you well too 😉

How you doing Phill ? :awkward: :smiles:

[Martin Cole]

Sad news Ewan. its a tough old game at the best of times.

I wish you all the very best for the future.

Rgds
Martin

[Martin Cole]

Funny enough a designer friend of mine emailed me last week to say he has a van inquiry and would I like the job.

He sent the emails over and low and behold it was the same. As soon as I read the words working at sea I looked up your post Phil and it was Mr Durren’s Hire. He had even sent my mate pictures of the van ( don’t know if you guys got the pics aswell)
As you mentioned Phil, he was well p1ssed off that he had wasted time dealing with such a dodgy enquiry.

[Martin Cole]

On a serious note on this subject. A builder mate of mine popped in yesterday with his arm in plaster and bandage.

He fell off a small 4 run step ladder that was on uneven ground and literally snapped in half his forearm bone mid way between his elbow and wrist. It was hanging in the opposite direction it should have been :shocked:

5 hours of surgery to plate it back together 10 weeks in plaster and no heavy lifting for at least 3 months after that.

[Martin Cole]

Top man Iain, always offering to help others out and Carlo I would jump at the chance of someone like Iain willing to spend some time with you.

Vinyl application all comes down to practice and technique as has been said. 3m gold squeegee and some monkey strips is the preferred choice for many of us.

[Martin Cole]

…………

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[Martin Cole]

Thanks guys, Neil thats what I thought it may be but all matching and same set of inks Phill

BUT…after trying for the past hour I have finally achieved the colour, printing from the saved ripped file.
I re-booted corel maybe this did it as I may have changed something but I don’t know what,. a complete mystery 🙁

[Martin Cole]

Hmmm…..

So they make a habit of spelling it wrong as they are two different planes in the pictures above :awkward:

[Martin Cole]

I used to have a Roland PNC900 and 950… now those were noisy plotters, just sounded like they were in pain…
must have been about 23 odd years ago :shocked:

[Martin Cole]

I always use Dave’s method A, done a fair few like this. Method B also a very good idea !

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[Martin Cole]

That is a beast of a film Martyn :shocked: ,

Are they expecting you to match it like for like? It may not even exist anymore.
Your time would be better spent perhaps suggesting a complimenting alternative

Good Luck 🙁

[Martin Cole]

I take it its faced fixed, I would get two people, a ladder each against the wall either side of the sign.
The ladder nearest the gates will need a bit of adjustment ( borrow a couple of boards from Neil :smiles: ) but the side nearer the road looks pretty good… be up in no time

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

quote Martin Cole:

Brillo Pad works much faster! :awkward: 😉

Damm ! I forgot to mention Brillo pads and possibly an orbital sander only as a last resort though :awkward:

Andy Gorman gave the advice on removing marks on vinyl with heat many years ago…good tip… ( do you ever hear from him Rob?)

[Martin Cole]

Agree with John, a gentle heat often removes marks like this

[Martin Cole]

I like the idea of a moan section Denise :thumbsup:

[Martin Cole]

Agree with with above and was going to mention to use steel, preferably galvanized, but costly.
Alluminium could potentially snap at ground level

The few jobs we have done like this over the years have all been with steel posts.

I remember our supplier of posts at the time followed us round the M25 to a job years ago with 6mtr posts on his flat bed which went above his cab because of the length of them.. It looked like a mobile missile launcher.. :shocked: . I was glad when we arrived on site.

[Martin Cole]

Windload Calculator says:

2440w x 3660h panels with a mounting height of 1200 require 3 x 140mm or 2 x 168mm posts.

1800 mount height upwards would require 4 x 140mm posts.

If you have the correct post diameter sunk to the correct depth no extra support would be required imo.
( but i understand the belt and braces way of thinking)

[Martin Cole]

Glad you got it resolved Rich,

out interest who’s footing the bill for the wasted material, time and effort?

[Martin Cole]

ok it could have been a female

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[Martin Cole]

quote Phill Fenton:

Seems a roofer got fined for having a bag of his own rubbish in his van. :-
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/99796 … ncil-waste

That is quite unbelivable… :shake:

A good ol council jobsworth…… send them out to try and make a living working for themselves

[Martin Cole]

Hi Jamie,

I have used those over the years, but not for a while.
Great product, I’m sure SMP used to sell them, alas no longer around, they were brought by Ashby.

Signgeer sell similar https://signgeer.com/fixings/snap-caps- … rint-plugs

[Martin Cole]

If you have a current job which it sounds like you do I would strongly recommend building your business on the side, meaning weekends and evenings. Maybe your all ready doing this as you have a plotter

When you are so busy you cant handle it, then maybe that’s the time to take the plunge.
To leave a job and try to start a fresh is difficult and will take time to build up.

Personal circumstance will come into it, if you don’t have many overheads time will not be so much of an issue.
But it can take a long long time to get up and running. It certainly isn’t plain sailing and many that try cant handle it and will go back in employment. On the other hand it is also very rewarding being your own boss and doing something you enjoy.

Other than the obvious social media, leaflets, Word of mouth is the best form of advertising so a few nice jobs should lead into more and hopefully will snowball from there. I would also recommend a good website.

I agree with David, try to avoid being a ‘busy fool’ and not turn into the van for £99 brigade.
You obviously have experience so use it wisely and to your advantage.

You have this website which is an invaluable source of information to help you along. Many of us oldies would have killed to have something like this when we started up, and never be afraid to ask questions. There are a couple on here that started out and were never afraid to ask questions no matter how trivial and now run very successful sign businesses.

If you do it, as said above be Confident in what you and being young have plenty of drive. ( something you tend to loose as you get older 😉 )

Good Luck

[Martin Cole]

Here, here echoing the words above..

UKSB has been my home page on the pc for many years and I have a read every morning over a coffee before I start work.
An invaluable resource of information for us signmakers. Also loving the app !

Again ,there has been some great banter over the years with some equally great people.

I miss Shane’s posts, who is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable people I have had the pleasure to meet. Looks like his business is flying down there in Oz.

All credit to you Rob..you’ve done well my man :thumbsup: :claps: :claps:

[Martin Cole]

the van got a lot of attention

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[Martin Cole]

White space would be defined as negative space, just as important as the wording in good design

foamex for a shop sign is a no no, unless if its going in a frame and the minimum would be 5mm.
Vinyl lettering straight onto the substrate is fine but go for an ACM rather than foamex.

[Martin Cole]

quote Colin Crabb:

Cut them up with handsaw – bingo! small enough :smiles:

Exactly what I do… :thumbsup:

[Martin Cole]

Again its a NO,

I’m sure once done both parties would regret it, especially the customer once his mates etc tell him how naff the pictures look.

Word would get back that You done the job and You should have advised him better. Not worth tarnishing your name for IMO

Bad news sure travels faster than good news

Similar scenario to Hugh

[Martin Cole]

Thank you Guys, most helpful.

I did suspect the ACM might fail eventually in the salt water.

I don’t think I’ve made a sign on GRP for about 12 years.

[Martin Cole]

I take my hat off to you Neil .. :praiseyou:

that is a beautiful bit of work and all done at that low level…wow :shocked:

[Martin Cole]

Love those, especially the last one on the rough stone :thumbsup:

always nice to see signs different from the norm

[Martin Cole]

Very nice, top draw work Neil

I really would consider giving up the hairdressing and going full time now 😆

[Martin Cole]

Wonderful selection of work Dave as always..and also a lesson in how to make ‘Brush Script’ look good :thumbsup:

[Martin Cole]

Morning Derek,,

EPS attached

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VIRS.eps

[Martin Cole]

Welcome to the boards David, good to have you here.

[Martin Cole]

I’m also very sorry you had to close down James, I think it shows how vulnerable all businesses can be.

I seem to remember being the first to see your new premises, some fantastic machinery and admired you for trying to stay ahead of the game investing in new technology.

You’re a descent guy with great integrity as has been said and I wish you all the very best for the future.

[Martin Cole]

Cant see why the sign needs replacing personally 😉 :awkward:

Chisel..Wire…Kango… don’t p1ss around with chemicals any damage will be covered by the new sign

[Martin Cole]

Welcome to the boards John, Nice Intro.

I remember hand painting banners and using a projector for logos etc, those were the days

[Martin Cole]

Another one in the mix..

I have used Grafityp TR101 for over 16 years now .
Unless client specifies any special frost this is what I always use.

[Martin Cole]

Welcome to the boards Paul,

A good community with a wealth of knowledge.

[Martin Cole]

Strange, Ive had 2 or 3 orders from this company with no problems, all around the 40-50 quid mark
I only posted their link on this site the other day for knifeless tape :awkward:

[Martin Cole]

quote Robert Lambie:

Use anyone, they could be made with cardboard and sellotape and nobody will notice! 😆 😉

😆 😆 😆

Out of interest how big are the letters Martin as nearly 300ft up :shocked:

Would have to throw Appelec in the mix, they have always made mine, not quite the size your after though

[Martin Cole]

Cheers Shawn,

I did finally manage to find it….it was a tricky one :awkward:

[Martin Cole]

Plenty of discussion on printing on reflective on the boards Myles.

For what you want to achieve printing on reflective is the way to go!

Hugh is your man as he does a lot of this

post483134.html#p483134 ….. post from not long ago

[Martin Cole]

Seen this a few times over the years where the lettering has been masked to re-paint.

seems Incredible that some painters mask around lettering rather than get new graphics.

That is shocking though :shake:

[Martin Cole]

I get mine from:

https://www.signmaterials.co.uk/vehicle-wrap-tape

free shipping at the moment aswell

I much prefer this to Wrapcut, beautiful for going round curves.

[Martin Cole]

Blimey, your well snowed in there Phill.. is that today?

Had a couple of days off but in today.
So far the forecast for next week is looking heavenly compared to this.

What a shocking week its been, cant remember it being so cold in a long time :puppyeyes:

[Martin Cole]

quote Iain Pearson:

When the client doesn’t want to see any visible fixings or “Rails” between lettering, we use this process and have yet to find fault with it. Clean lines, no visible fixings [emoji106]

I can see the logic in what your saying Iain and a great method it is…
but it seems in Hugh’s case its the amount fixings the client is concerned about not so much the fixings to be hidden. And if using the clear letters first your drilling just as many holes as you would just using the actual letters.

Unless your talking about using this method on rails.. in which case I’ve totally miss understood you 🙁 🙁

( I meant Big Head fixings earlier..not Fat Head :awkward: )

[Martin Cole]

quote Hugh Potter:

thanks guys!

Had a nice call from Ian Pearson this morning who came up with a very good idea for mounting in situations like this… essentially a clear acrylic letter, 5mm smaller than the letter on top, fixen the clear on first, using mortar if need be, and then bond the letters over the top.

I don’t quite get that, or am I missing something :awkward: . Why the need for the clear letters if still going into the mortar,
Cant you you use fat head fixings on the actual letters and bond into the mortar if need be.

I have to agree with Phill though, you have to laugh where the customer knows what they want but are telling you how to fix them up.
Ive had similar in the past, and if a letter should come down they’re straight on the phone.

[Martin Cole]

I like it James and should drag in some business for you.

Couldn’t resist a dabble though :smiles:

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[Martin Cole]

Also very interested to see how these perform Warren

[Martin Cole]

Not bad Tim, have you not got any interesting work to show us though :smiles:

Top draw as always, makes all our work look so dull 🙁

[Martin Cole]

quote Stuart Miller:

Do you know if you can sign fram with the picture frame shaped edges, to match an old pub sign?
As that would do yes.

Have a look at stockframe Stuart

https://signgeer.com/categories/stockframe-14

[Martin Cole]

quote Dan Osterbery:

Hi Luke,
I am failing to get them to understand they will be able to see all the guts, because of the angle of the wall. :bangshead:

Dan

lol..good luck Dan… customers aye :awkward: :shake:

impossible job without seeing any wires etc.

[Martin Cole]

Martyn, your correct a correx / foamex template would make fitting a lot easier especially at that height.

I don’t do a lot of fitting these days, getting too old 🙁 never found lightboxes a difficult fit though.

[Martin Cole]

IMO,

Definitely a scissor lift , providing the ground is nice and flat.

The box would have to sit on top of the cage as I doubt it would fit inside.
I would firstly fix a batten (if your able) for the box to sit on to ease fitting.
2 man job, 3 always better weight permitting..

If your uncomfortable with the fit, (H&S..etc) sub it out

[Martin Cole]

Agree with David..

If vinyl is in stock, no brainer

If it was a one off and had to order vinyl in, (knowing you’d have to buy 5mtrs) I’d print it.

Interesting question though, just a lot of variations to consider

[Martin Cole]

Hi James,

I think they have just introduced this, definitely magnetic.

https://www.perspex.co.uk/products/alum … ltishield/

It has been a while, will get down to see you again soon.. :thumbsup:

[Martin Cole]

Morning James,

Perspex distribution do a galvanised steel composite panel, called ‘Multishied’

it has a magnetically receptive 0.25 steel skin… says me reading it from the sample on my desk :smiles:

Is this the kind of thing your after?

[Martin Cole]

Well done Martyn, but definitely a lesson learnt..

That’s a horrible job, looks nearer 200 small windows.
These things are sent to test us so we don’t make the same mistake again.. :awkward:

[Martin Cole]

I can see a couple of bubbles in that John…… 😉

[Martin Cole]

Nice job Ewan, hope you used a 5-7 year minimum vinyl on those :smiles:

Something I did years ago….Not wildly strange but different from the norm…

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[Martin Cole]

quote Hugh Potter:

for a 2440×610 £1550

Bit steep Hugh….no wonder your loaded 😉

[Martin Cole]

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all our fellow signs makers…

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[Martin Cole]

quote Phill Fenton:

Just imagine – one day you go into the lift and the door closes behind you and won’t open again :yikes:

No one would ever know you were there or what had happened to you :awkward:

😆 😆 😆

Is that not your worst nightmare :awkward:

Have a good time is Aussie Phill :thumbsup:

[Martin Cole]

quote Daniel Evans:

Wow

I also have a sneaky storage area in an out of use lift, I’ve opened the lift up and put a cabinet in front of it, just looks like a cabinet to anyone looking but I removed the shelves and backing and you just walk through to the lift, had it for 7 years and not one person has noticed.

That is one hell of a secret hiding place

One of the best things Ive read on the boards, what man on here wouldn’t want one of those :smiles: :thumbsup:

[Martin Cole]

Good find Glenn…

Martin btw not Colin :smiles:

[Martin Cole]

found this one Glenn…

http://www.road-signs.uk.com/post-calculator.shtml

[Martin Cole]

Hi Glenn,

Hope your keeping well.

You Probably need a wind load calculator, if I’m understanding you right.

This will tell you what sized posts are required, I know Ashby do one and worth a google for others.

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Very clever David, I like that :thumbsup:

personally I always use a mtr of old vinyl taped to a tube which I attach to new prints, done it for years.

[Martin Cole]

First time Ive used WS for these aswell

I’ve always used Ashby but this was such a massive job I decided to get a another quote and WS won hands down.

[Martin Cole]

Hi Kevin,

Try, William Smith Group.
01833 690305

Just had 2 pallets of ally panels posts turn up from them :awkward:

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Try Appelec Mike

http://www.applelec.co.uk/

[Martin Cole]

quote David Hammond:

Currently enjoying a celebratory drink in Soho.
.

Ahh, I love Soho, I could show you a few places round there, you didn’t know existed :shocked:

Congratulations and I admire your persistence in taking it to the courts and deservedly getting the result you wanted.

Not surprised the other party didn’t show and as Kevin says getting the money could be tricky.

I had a case many years ago (not sign related) where we took someone to court won 6.5k and getting paid was a nightmare but persisted it went to arbitration and eventually we got paid.

[Martin Cole]

Well done David for perusing it this far and look forward to the outcome on Monday.

It’s not in court No1 in the Old Bailey is it? I’ll book my seat in the public gallery :awkward:

[Martin Cole]

Excellent little demo, well done Hugh :thumbsup:

Nice Wellies btw :smiles:

[Martin Cole]

wow! :shocked: you had it bad Phil, I’m surprised that wasn’t on ‘News at Ten’.. 😉

I was so convinced the world was coming to an end I shoved everything I owned on Ebay.
Woke up this morning to clear skies and have spent all morning de-listing everything.. :smiles:

This was early evening Stafford… it was very eerie mid afternoon in not so sunny Essex

[Martin Cole]

Not me gov :rollseyes:

I bet there was rollockings behind the scenes on that one 👿

Not a good day for the PM 🙁

[Martin Cole]

😆 😆

Perhaps I should have an open day like the fire stations do and people can just come in have a play around with the equipment.
I’m sure the guy who phoned up thought he was going to do that.

[Martin Cole]

I had a phone call the other day…….

Hi do you do logos for cars?

A hesitant Yes, what are you after?

I just need to some logos

right..do you have anything already done..artwork..ideas to go on..anything??

No they are for taxis

Right ok,

I need to sit down with you at your computer to come up with something.

Right.. email me or give me some kind of brief and I’ll give you an idea of cost.

what to do a logo !!!

Yes !!

puts the phone down on me

:puppyeyes:

[Martin Cole]

😆 😆 don’t talk to me about getting old, I’m feeling the aches and pains now 🙁

😎 sun must be on its way as it seems to have left here.

[Martin Cole]

quote Neil Davey:

Thanks Chris and John.

I’m OK Chris, how are you? I’ve been lurking in the background :smiles: Can’t seem to load an avatar at the moment tho!!
I got quite fast at those shadow boards after the 8th one :smiles:

Who’s Chris…?? I know its been a while Neil 😆 😆

I’m doing well thanks, pretty busy down here in sunny Essex.

all the best MARTIN

[Martin Cole]

Great work Neil, :thumbsup: … loves the saws.

Good ol shadow boards, I do a fair few of those….in vinyl though 😉

Hope your keeping well, long time no see…

Martin

[Martin Cole]

Not the same G but with a bit of work would be ok if its just the one word you need ❓

Font is SERP in signlab

Hope your all good my man and staying nice and busy

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[Martin Cole]

I always used to use Banner box many moons ago Ewan, always gave me a good service.

looks like they still do them https://www.bannerbox.co.uk/print-servi … -finishing

[Martin Cole]

Their called panel locks.

I wouldn’t know where to get them now

A company called SMP used to sell them although Ashby bought them out a few years back now so may be worth contacting them.