Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 10, 2004 05:08am | #1

   Those are the only ones I've ever seen.  For more freedom, you might consider a router pantograph.  For instance http://www.vermontamerican.com/products/productdetail.htm?G=158476&GRP=169301

   
   

   ---

   Edited 6/9/2004 10:09 pm ET by JAMIE_BUXTON

1. 
   limeyzen | Jun 10, 2004 09:24pm | #3

   Thank you.  Looks like a strong possibility.

2. 
   corners | Jun 10, 2004 05:37am | #2

   Go to a sign shop and get them to layout the text/font you like and cut it in vinyl. Stick this to some 1/4 mdf and cut it out with a suitable saw then sand the edges. If done carefully you now have 2 patterns - inside and outside. Can be cut with a router collar guide if the text is big enough or a pin router like the Lee Valley item if the text is smaller. You could also stick it to the wood you want and cut around it freehand - carefully! 

1. 
   limeyzen | Jun 10, 2004 09:25pm | #4

   Good idea and I may use it in conjunction with Jamie's input.  Thank you.

1. 
   lawrie | Jun 12, 2004 07:19am | #5

   Don't forget you have an entire library of fonts right in front of you. You can print anything you want in the font of your choice from your computer (in Word, for example) and transfer it to your surface by tracing, cutting out and pasting, etc. If the font is not large enough you can enlarge it on a copier or convert the text to an image, enlarge the image and then print it. You can also print black on white or white on black, depending on your transfer preference.

3. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 13, 2004 09:20am | #6

   I realize you are looking for existing templates, but if you are willing to undertake the hassle involved with making your own, as the previous post suggests, the web is a treasure trove.

   Do a search for "fonts" and you will see what I mean.

   Here is one example, considered one of the best in the graphics industry, the P22 Foundary:

   http://www.p22.com/products/flw.html

   They carry several Frank Lloyd Wright fonts, which are among my own favorites.

1. 
   limeyzen | Jun 13, 2004 06:48pm | #7

   Thanks to both you and Lawrie.  Loved the Frank Lloyd Wright examples unfortunately my fine motor skills (or lack thereof) and newness to woodworking do not encourage me to have faith in my ability to reproduce templates. Thus my interst in the "lazy way" out.  But I have found a local picture framer with a laser cutter who may be able to help.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 13, 2004 08:11pm | #8

   Tell me more about the picture framer with the laser cutter..........

   Could he, for example, take a computerized font system and use it to carve an inscription on a cabinet door, etc.?

   Edited 6/13/2004 3:46 pm ET by nikkiwood

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 14, 2004 12:38am | #9

   Yeah, a laser can do that.   You can send him a text file or a graphics one.   I have a gift certificate which is about 4"x5", and get it done for about $5.   Look around locally, or google on "custom laser engraving".

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 14, 2004 12:44am | #10

   Thanks ..... I learn something everyday around here.

   Gezuar............

2. 
   MBL | Jun 14, 2004 06:42am | #11

   Friend,

   Could you post the web-site address? Do you know how deep the engraving or cutting he makes on wood or sheet-good?

   Thanks.

   -mbl-