Hand-routed lettering
Larissa Huff doesn’t let a lack of a CNC machine get in her way. All it takes is a good router, the right bit, and lots of practice.
Sep 16, 2022
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Podcast listeners might remember, a few episodes ago, when Larissa Huff casually mentioned that she routs lettering on signs by hand—no templates, no CNC. Larissa uses just her favorite 3-1/4 hp. router, a 60° V-bit, some carbon paper, and her steady hand. My mind was blown, and a few weeks later, Larissa was in the new Fine Woodworking shop/studio to demonstrate her technique.
There were a couple of key things that I learned from her that day:
- I really need to stop thinking of the router as a caged beast that must be restrained at all times.
- There is always a trick to be learned, even in the simplest of techniques.
- There is no replacement for practice.
In this video, Larissa demonstrates two letters, one with a serif and one without. As you’ll see, it is certainly a technique you’ll want to practice before applying it to a finished…
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Comments
Great video!
Wow! So glad you made the video. Larissa really has great skills and techniques
This is such a great video. I did some lettering recently but this video cleared up some things that I was doing wrong. Thanks!!!
Kudos Larissa! I've wanted to create a four number sign for our home. Seeing you work I'm eager to try it soon. I especially like your tip to pull the router towards your body and rotating the work piece which allows more control.
You need a much steadier hand than I have. :-)
Nice video.
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