[Vince Francis]

Thanks Steve

Lets give it a go! Thanks once again

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hi

Most will make the grain vertical, its something that Pearce Signs have always made them. The advantage is that dirt & water flow down the letters, not build up in the fine grain.

However, if you ever order satin letters, always state how you want the grain, as some companies will go horizontal, and that’s only to save on materials

Vince

[Vince Francis]

quote :

Hugh, i joined after a tax investigation, one which left me with an accountants bill well over £15k to clear my name

I have also had the same done to me, that’s why i joined them.

I have used the legal advise many times, and for the cost of joining, you cant complain. I found them really helpful.

I always say to anyone who asks, join. Legal advise & insurance against tax investigations are more than enough reason to join. You really cant go wrong

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Looks really good, and for your first one, looks like you have been making them for years

Like it

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Sorry, I did not see the later size.

Thanks Dan, chains no probs at that size. Also a bit easier to fit!

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hi Brian

I would advise using strong fixings rather than chain. How many sections will the light box be supplied to you?

[Vince Francis]

Hi

I would recommend using something stronger, such as m20 studding, and fix into a solid beam. Is this going to be supplied in 2 sections? If so, I would advise fixings either side of the joints, as this is the weak point of the box.

If you could supply a basic idea of what the box will look like, section detail would be better, then we may come up with other ideas.

Hope some of this helps

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Could you show a cross section (side view) for us. Do you want to stand off the satin from the perspex, then stand the perspex off from something else? What part do you want to light up?

Is this internal?

If you show as much info as you can, sorry i am trying to get my head around this

Thanks

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hi

Are you looking for these letters to stand off from a light box? How big is the 3mm stainless section going to be, as you may not need to use 3mm. Can you post a picture of a basic design you may have, it may help knowing how you want to create this

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Well i get all sorts sent to me, so getting used to all the imperial stuff now.

The metric for the old 8’x4′ is 2500 x 1250mm, i think they rounded this up so all the sizes are to understand, as 10’x5′ is 3000 x 1500mm. Due to the difference in size, most sales people at stockists will say 2500mm if you say 8′.

Thats in my experience

Vinny

[Vince Francis]

Have you tried FKMoore in Ramsgate. They do a small locator, but they are brass though, but can be glued on

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hi all

Autosol is great for polished letters, we normally get ours from ‘Halfords’.

Rob, the cleaner you used was ‘Shelia Shine’, which we find excellent for satin st/st letters

Hope this helps, please ask on here if you have any problems

Regards

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Well here is my two pence worth.

I as a boss try 2 make life as easy for my workers as possible. I have a great team here, who because I am flexible, so are they. By helping them, they then give me their best, which then reflects in the standard of work produced etc etc

Most of all though, I treat them well, as without them I don’t have a business, and good workers are not easy to come by these days.

It does seem that there is more to this, to treat you this way. If all else fails, move to the UK and i will employ you. Although they are a great bunch here, they are so damn ugly Lil

As its been said, you do have rights, don’t let him walk all over you

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hi Neonman

I also agree with Carrie, im not a lover of LED’s, the light that you get with Neon, I find to be better. LED’s have thier place, such as small letters, but large scale work, I do not think LED’s can complete.

Another factor, large letter work, I find LED’s can-not compete on price. I think that as LED’s are the new ‘buzz’ word with designers, they are specifiying them as they are new, and thats why at the moment they are being used so much.

Vince

[Vince Francis]

quote :

Vince, you mention to use “opal backs

Carrie, its something that has just been bought to our attention, that by using an opal, or applying a frosted vinyl to the backs, reduces the amount of spotting by LED’s.

[Vince Francis]

Use opal poly in the backs of the letters, to prevent spotting.

[Vince Francis]

What colour is the background? Some colours work better with others. Are you lighting onto a tray?

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Shane

I didnt know, better safe than sorry though. It will probably mean that someone will try it now though lol

[Vince Francis]

quote :

apart from that that BMWs pulled out on it

How annoying it missed! lol

[Vince Francis]

I agree with everone, looks great, any more and it will look cluttered.

If the letters do get damaged, you could always fit them back to the panel, so they cant get anything under them! Or wire them to the mains! Guess thats a little extreme lol

[Vince Francis]

There was a case locally to me, with our council you have to be registered to clamp anyone, its probably best to check in your area. There are large fines to those who dont. This may not be the case everywhere

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Sintra® is the brand name for Alusuise Composites’ rigid PVC (poly vinyl chloride) foam board2

Do you use anyone such as Amari or Cox plastics, they may be able to help. I guess its some kind of foamex

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Carrie

I dont know what you mean lol

[Vince Francis]

Thats where a really good accountant comes in. Ask anyone in your area, thats the best way of getting a good one. Where in the country are you? Ask on here if anyone knows a good one.

I know that my accountant saved me loads on my tax, and does an A1 job on the Company one. I had never heard of him, until someone said try these

Vince

[Vince Francis]

quote :

I can tell you about the Porn sites Rob lol

Has it anything to do with sheep though lol

[Vince Francis]

Hi Lee

I have been telling everyone about this site, its amazing how much you can learn from here. All i would say is, never be afraid to ask, sometimes someone knows the answer lol

Have fun

Vince

[Vince Francis]

:rofl: nice one

[Vince Francis]

Would love the time off, but alas… im in at some point! Not that it bothers me, but its gonna be cold in there! No heating has been on, and what with this stuff they called snow down here! Gonna be chilly.

[Vince Francis]

Hi Paul

For a 1st attempt at this, looks really good, hats off to you

Vince

[Vince Francis]

It was very good for my credit card company lol

[Vince Francis]

I got shot of AOL a long time ago. They had this nasty habit of converting files clients send to us, into something else if it did not understand the format!

We had real problems opening them. Apart from that, it puts all sorts of files into your system, that when you try to uninstall AOL, it takes ages to hunt them out!

[Vince Francis]

quote :

The ones I use now are more flexible but can be prone to cracking after some years

These should not, as they are poly, how strong are they Russ. Did they send any spec details with them, such as weight they can take etc

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hugh

I had that one this morning.
What was worse, a friend had been using my mobile, and dont know the girl he was calling….

So i fell for it

lol

[Vince Francis]

Thats far to addictive lol

Great site

[Vince Francis]

I think someone has too much time on their hands lol 😳

Also listed http://www.kessler-design.com/conspiracy/

[Vince Francis]

No probs

Thanks for everyones help, at least i tried

All the best

Vince

[Vince Francis]

So there is no why you can open or see the file?

[Vince Francis]

PRM File

Thats when i click properties, its a new one to me. The file was on a disc given to me that is about 3-4 years old. Im not sure if its some kind of CAD file.

[Vince Francis]

quote :

dont know what you mean vinnie, havent you ever heard of standing up for yourself mate? be a man, put her straight, tell her to get off her ar$e and do it herself!!! be a man!!!

I said that, and she hit me again lol

Bless her, putting up with the Sign life lol

[Vince Francis]

She does now after reading this lol

[Vince Francis]

and there’s more…….

---

Attachments:

[Vince Francis]

Hi

If the stainless you are using is a standard 0.9mm thick, the weight is approx 7.23kg per metre. The span you say is roughly 3000mm, height? about 500mm? Even with returns they will not be that heavy.

Failing that, you could always use a polycarb based opal, they at least will not come off! lol

Good luck

Vince

[Vince Francis]

I take it that it is a road sign? Have a look here

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/signs_index.htm

Vince

[Vince Francis]

There was a doc on not so long ago where they interviewed someone who was employed by the FAA. What they said shocked me. We all hear that flying in really safe, but… its how we read into the stats, and how we are told they are right.

Mile per mile, yes it is safe, but journey by journey they are not. How many cars are on the road at any one time compaired to planes?

COMMERCIAL JETS;
>
> FOR ONE YEAR:
>
> (for a mode of transportation)It’s number of deaths per year DIVIDED
> BY the number of vehicles in that mode TIMES the avdg number of hours
> per year each vehicle is in service:
> AUTO;
> 54,000 deaths per year (avdg figure for past 10 years)DIVIDED BY
> 80,000,000 cars in service TIMES (3 hrs per day avdg per car TIMES
> 365=1095)OR 80 MILLION times 1095= OVER 80 BILLION car hours.
>
> 54,000 Divided by 80 BILLION= (A PEWNEY, ONLY) 1 DEATH PER 1,481,000
> CAR Hours
>
> AIRLINES:
>
> 200 deaths per year (avdg figure for past 10 years) DIVIDED BY 3000
> commercial jets in service TIMES (8 hrs avdg flight time per day TIMES
> 365= 2920) or 3000 times 8 times 365= 8,760,000 jet hours
>
> 200 DEATHS divided by 8,760,000= (A WHOPPING) ONE DEATH for only
> 43,800 airplane hours!
>
> Figure it out and you’ll see the car is much safer!

Airlines dont like having stats shown this way! Not sure i see why lol

ps I wont fly unless i really have 2!

[Vince Francis]

Just had this emailed 2 me

Sheer brilliance lol

(hot) (hot) (hot)

[Vince Francis]

I can see that it could be a good idea, this is not a new idea. Other countries have been doing this for years. Its just the questions dont seem apt!

The Canadian test asks things like:

Name the Governor-General of Canada
The Party in power federally is
other federal Opposition Parties and Leaders are
Name the province’s etc etc

Which seem more useful info than, what do you do if you spill a pint!

Or my test would be:

How much are 20 fags?
How much is a pint of beer?

Far more important for every day life lol

[Vince Francis]

quote :

This just proves our current leaders need to be booted out of office. Not that there is a viable alternative mind you

You have not read the Monster Raving Loony Party Manifesto then have you! lol

[Vince Francis]

I want to know who wrote this book they keep refering to! Sounds a great read!

[Vince Francis]

You could always laser cut them, that leaves a really good finish (not waterjet though).

Or, another cheap way. Cut the panels and scrap them clean, then apply clear varnish. Try it on an off cut first, but you can get away with it

Vince

[Vince Francis]

I’m surprised they not asking for it to be in Braille!

Should’nt laugh, the way things are going they will lol

[Vince Francis]

I think anyone can make a sign, and make a good job. I think where there needs more regulating, is Sign Installing. After all, they can still be very dangerous.

[Vince Francis]

quote :

he was just okay actually….(ducking about now)

nothing to do with that, everyone has different tastes, i cant say i like all his stuff. But Beck & Stevie Ray equally as good, in their own styles.

I have a so called claim to fame… I have done gigs with the man who developed the smell for Persil washing powder…. Hows that for fame lol

[Vince Francis]

Have you Excel programme? Its not hard to set up something on there

[Vince Francis]

quote :

there are many note worthy guitarists who all play different styles, its hard to say just who is the best

I agree, the styles are so different. I’ve seen Clapton Live, but i only like his Blues, Hendrix (this not gonna be popular lol), i dont really like his music, but his playing ability can never be argued. Its all about personal choice.

One thing which is true….. You all want to play soooo loud!

[Vince Francis]

I used to do many a gig till i damaged my ear drum!!! Playing the Trumpet and not hearing, not good.

Played with some rally good bands, some of you round Camden way may have heard of this group “Wolfie Witcher & his Brew”.

I still play in other bands, just as long as they are not to loud!!! lol as if

[Vince Francis]

This may help for layout:

http://www.ford.com/en/goodWorks/fundin … nsor_2.htm

Or try these:

http://brandsoftheworld.com/search/?que … d_id=85841

[Vince Francis]

mmmm thought so

sorry guys, just trying 2 be helpful lol

😳

[Vince Francis]

Hi

I bet im not supposed to post this……but..

(mod-edit) admin@uksignboards.com

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Hi Mole

I have to say, this is a common problem through out the industry. Until a while ago, we had the same problem, I have to say only on flat cut letters. What are the fixings? If they are locators these should be soldered on.

We had a rep from the glue company in, who in turn sent samples off to be examined. This is what we found, and may be of use to others.

The problem all comes from with what you wipe the letters down with before applying the glue. After you rough up the area, with angle grinder etc, most, like us, used thinners on a rag to clean up any bits left over. The problem is the rag! Although you can-not see it, a fine film can be left over the area which the glue then may not stick to. The film may be the nylon breaking down, particules of soap powder etc etc…

We were advised to use the blue rolls you see at petrol forecourts to wipe away any residue. We changed over to this a while ago, and found the glue no longer fails. So i hope the above is of use to anyone else having this problem.

On built up letters though, as i have said, these should be soldered into place.

Regards

Vince

(hot)

[Vince Francis]

quote :

first picture is a true pic but a fake story

But coming out of the states, you know it could be true lol

(:)

[Vince Francis]

Thanks guys, im back in the office tomorrow, i will give it a try

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Can you post any kind of picture? There are several ways you can do this, but can depend on the design etc…..

If you do, can you put as much info on it as poss

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Only in America…….

and we not far behind!

Thanks Rob… but see your point lol

(hot)

[Vince Francis]

I agree with Andy, to me its something that can-not be manufactured

[Vince Francis]

quote :

methly chloride , chloroform

Is this now not legal to use in the UK, think it is. Good stuff though lol

[Vince Francis]

Peter, im never to be taken seriously lol Im that loon i refered 2 on the other forum (hot)

I do understand that at a time like this, with everyone running high emotions, it is easy to point fingers. I am still to understand what is the aim of all of this? What is going to be achieved? After all, London has such a varied mix of race and culture, that if it is aimed at us ‘Westerners’, how do they know that fellow Muslims have not been among the victims? There i go, pointing the finger myself!

[Vince Francis]

[quote]they dont really sign up to die for their country[/quote

Peter, they may not want to sign up to want to die, but they are in no illusion that they may have to make that sacrifice. I was in the T.A. for 7 years, and when i joined, i was told that even though i was ‘only in the TA’, i would be joining the Army, paid as a soldier, and would, if called upon, be expected to fight as a soldier. Many have been to the Gulf already, and more to go. After all, they do train you to kill.

[Vince Francis]

Welcome to the boards.

From top end of Alberta!!! Rather you than me. I once went out with someone who was from Fort McMurry, as you say a tad cold up there.

I spent a year on Vancouver Island, and loved it (better weather lol)

Have fun on here, as we all do, and hope you keep up with some of the loons on here lol

🙄

Vince from a warmer Kent Coast

[Vince Francis]

quote :

i wouldn’t call my self rascist, but am fed up with many people using it as a all out clause..

Could not have said better myself!

[Vince Francis]

33 dead! Guess no-one really needs to say more. I feel for all those involved.

I know its been said, the emergency services were 1st class, i don’t think they get praised enough in times like this. I always wondered if all the pretend scenario’s were just for show, well i was totally wrong, it proved today just how well trained they are.

I just hope mindless thugs don’t start a race thing. Just because there are Muslims living here, it does not mean they are in agreement with mindless murders of innocent people. I am not sure what they hope to achieve? Never has acts like this over time ever broke the spirits of the public in this country!

I hope those responsible are found soon, only fear is our Justice system is not harsh enough!

Only my thoughts

Vince

[Vince Francis]

How long does it take to do a sign like this, it looks very time consuming.

As always, looks really good! You can always tell work that someone takes pride in making (well i hope you do lol)

[Vince Francis]

quote :

£1500.00 a year

Well mine is not quite that much. I have a list as long as your arm on it, including 3rd party damage for our fork lift! They cover business interuption loss, as a few may remember what happened to us not long ago. Our cover is for more, fire, theft etc etc etc etc…. There are 16 of us, working machines that can cause serious injury, and a spray shop, which also equates to potential risk due to the flamable’s

You do not have a very good quote there.

[Vince Francis]

Hi Mike

Call the National Farmers Union, they saved me a fortune

[Vince Francis]

*rofl*

[Vince Francis]

I’m getting worried bout this southern and france bit! Im only 23 miles away from em, and what does that make me!

So talking of sheep, which us from the south are not famed for. My family is from Wales, and they def are! lol.

quote :

My family Descent is from Ireland (O’Geary

So anyone gonna mention the Irish?

[Vince Francis]

(drink1)

Welcome from planet thanet

Thats more like cheers up there lol

[Vince Francis]

and he saying hello, i think! lol

Im Vince and im from Kent

What u a drum major of?

[Vince Francis]

quote :

The only reason i buy genuine products, is the after service

can you tell that to Sage then, who want you to sign up to a service agreement, and like its been said, they keep changing the programme, so you have to keep buying! Clever on their part.

Also it has been pointed out that how many people download, or buy pirate dvd’s? I know so many, its quicker to count those who dont. I agree the price on many of these programmes are way overpriced, and they keep changing the formats, and the upgrades again are expensive.

Finally to my point though. When everyone talks about ownership and rights to designs. How many are being traded on the forums? How many have asked do you have this artwork etc etc….. Some one has the rights, but they have designed them, but we all see this as helping each other, which i am in full agreement of.

I know people who have started up, bought equipment off someone else, they may not know what they have bought, if the copies are real or not, so it is hard to be judgemental to those who also may not know. I think to educate would be a better option, hey, im still learning all the VAT laws, that they say i should know!

It is as said, a grey area after all.

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Peter

What if he was given the programme? Not saying it was, but if you read just before? Only another outlook on it

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Im not an expert, but are you using AOL?

We used these for a short time, and if they dont know or use that kind of file, they convert it!

Not sure if they still do

Only a thought

Vince

[Vince Francis]

Good luck 4 the future. I hope things turn out for the good soon

Vince

[Vince Francis]

quote :

2440 x 1220 is about £100 a sheet

Peter, where are you going to get the sheet at this price?

Vince

[Vince Francis]

quote :

Most plastics supplied to the sign industry should be “self extinguishing”

Only if it class 1 fire rated, such as a polycarb. Most plastics sold, and used in signage is not. That is because it is difficult to form and shape poolycarb.

If it is a product that requires spraying, there is a paint that can hold temps up to 600 deg. If you need the info on this i can post it monday for you.

Vince

[Vince Francis]

quote :

but you’ll never be wealthy being a signmaker!!

You aint kidding, and with a partner!!!! NO CHANCE lol

[Vince Francis]

:appl:

Congrats

[Vince Francis]

quote :

aint that the truth !!!!!

You aint kidding…….. 🙄

Where’s the tears though lol

[Vince Francis]

Not sure of the temp, but my computer didnt like it, had to shut it down after 1/2 hour, thought it was a plane taking off!

quote :

If you think its hot in your office, have pity for poor old glassbenders standing over gas burners all day. Believe me its been a tad warm

I know what you mean, but i felt sorry for our sprayer lol now that is hot.

He just finished some powder coating, opened the oven door, thats when i left! 🙄

[Vince Francis]

If you unsure about the item. Ask to pay on collection, if he is ok, then there will be no problem, and you can check it out beforehand.

[Vince Francis]

quote :

Because the beaches look like this.

Fair point mate, and very valid lol

[Vince Francis]

Well impressive, is it all done free hand?

(never seen anyone attempt work like this before)

[Vince Francis]

Well i thought it was written for me! lol

I pinned it up in the staff room, one guy thought it was for real!

Guess u must all think i employ some really stupid people after the guy who was gonna turn off the power with a stainless pole (re – flood and main 3 phase board).

😳

[Vince Francis]

:no1:

Please tell me why people want to live in areas like this? lol

And Marek, U MOVED THERE!

Still warmer than here though

[Vince Francis]

quote :

the ones from china are really poor quality, the printing and glaze finish are very rough compare to the English ones

I also agree with what you are saying, but at the end of the day, the customer does have a choice, and there is a market place for cheaper products.

I do agree with Guy 100%, what we need to watch is the pricing war against cheaper imports. That is where the problem will be in the future. You only have to compare this with the big sign companies over here fighting petrol fore-court work. The only winner is the client, as prices are driven down.

Vince

:drama:

[Vince Francis]

I know this is a serious subject, but at the end of the day, it is still difficult to be a supplier from another country. Several companies have already tried to crack the UK market. One major company from Spain tried and failed, although they supply in France and Germany.

I have seen good imports, Gemini letters from the US, but they still have made no major impact in the UK market. The main problem being the good old UK Sign deadlines, or lack of! When you rely on getting goods, with imports, you can never say when you get them, and thats all because of clearing Customs etc.

I have requested information from this Indian company. Good quick reply, it seems they are made the same as here, same materials ie grade of stainless. The only thing you can-not count on is quality. My letter makers have 4 years training, most have been to college. I can only assume that is not the case there, as it is hard enough to get on here!

So, although i am interested in what they have to offer, i am not in anyway worried about the impact they may have, after all competition is already out there. True cost of signs have been in effect, been coming down for years, so this is, pardon the pun, the sign of the times. Look how much wide format printed goods have come down.

Most clients like knowing who they are dealing with, and meeting them, that will be the biggest barrier for them to overcome. How many of you complain about call centres? The language barrier can also have a big impact.

So ends the sermon for the day, now bring on the beer! lol

(:) (:) (:) (:) (:) (:)

[Vince Francis]

quote :

Yearly wage upto £4000 which equates to £40,000 over there

So what are we doing here then????? C ya all

£40k for working in a call centre

[Vince Francis]

I play the trumpet, and can buy a brand new one from India for £10.00. Guess as mine cost £1,500 i can see that the quality is gonna be good *rofl*

I think i will buy one just 2 see, but it looks so well made???? A hint of sarcasm there maybe? lol

(hot) (hot)

[Vince Francis]

I will give them a call

Thanks for that

Vince

😀

[Vince Francis]

Looks well smart, nice job

Vince

(hot) (hot)

[Vince Francis]

Thanks once again everyone, we are in full production once more. Took a while, but at least all the machines are working again.

One large weight off my shoulders!

Vince

(hot) (hot) (hot)

[Vince Francis]

Yeh i can understand your posts lol.

I just wish i could have taken a screen shot, as i have a wager with friends on it, but i dont know how to do it. Its all pure luck! A mate claims 95, but i dont believe him 🙄

We have dried out thanks, loss adjusters coming in tomorrow, and i hope they are ready. We are still without all major machines, and not looking forward to the back log catching up! Which im already getting the calls. 🙄