Expert Advice
TIP #6: Can I know the exact height of the return using the Accu-Bend program?
See video: Determining the Height of a Return Using Accu-Bend Software In the Accu-Bend program, you can find the height of a letter with a straight line on the side. Letters like K, B, P, D, N, E, etc. have a straight line on the left side. After selecting your file and Select Contour, the […]
TIP #5: How do I make the serif of a letter bigger, so the letter is easier to build?
There are two tricks that can be taken to make the serif of a letter bigger. For a step-by-step answer, go to our video at https://youtu.be/7v3awrAqhhQ To make the serif of a letter larger, use a drawing software to perform an outline of the letter and then resize the letter. Decide how much you want […]
TIP #4: Router bits can be specific for a material or general-purpose. General-purpose bits do not last as long or cut as well as bits specifically for the material being cut.
Bits for cutting aluminum, such as the Belin 33-476 bits, have been designed to not melt the aluminum at the high RPMs that router cutting heads use. Generally, the maximum cut depth per pass is equal to the bit diameter. Deeper cuts can be made in multiple passes. Misters are recommended when cutting aluminum. They […]
TIP #3: At what point should I make a contour/letter in more than 1 piece?
There is not a correct answer to this question. Some people will bend 300+ inches of material in 1 piece. Others will think 180 inches is too much for 1 piece. To help decide, ask yourself these questions: Is there a good way to 2-piece the shape? Is there a good place for an additional […]
TIP #2: What should I do if I receive artwork from a customer for channel letters that is very messy, i.e. has too many points, open contours, jagged edges, etc.?
First, request a different file format, i.e. EPS or AI. Note: DXF files are usually to scale, but have extra points where bends are located. You may need to perform a cleanup in EnRoute. Note: JPEG files do not work well, as JPEG files must be converted into vector files. Second, perform a cleanup in […]
TIP #1: How to get aluminum backs to fit better into your returns AND trim cap faces to fit better over your returns.
On your back outline, use the fillet tool with 0.0625 radius to round the sharp corners. Using the contour for the aluminum back, create an outline for the channel letter return by outlining the back file 0.020 larger. Do not use the EnRoute feature to round the corners on the return outline. Using the contour […]