Chigger Chomper - Sign

Darren Wright

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Springfield, Missouri
Some of you remember my co-worker's, husband's project a year or so back, the Chigger Chomper...
chiggerchomper.jpg

They take it to local parades about every weekend now, I offered to make them a sign for it. So been playing around in VCarve and this is what I've come up with so far...
chiggerchompershield.jpg

He asked if i could do it as a circle, so this is the first version of it.
circular chigger chomper.jpg
 
He is happy with the new design. I'm just thinking though the cutting process as I may do some painting along the way along with some masking to make things cleaner.

Leo, I remember you mentioning a 3M mask that you use. What is the "model" number on the mask? I'm looking to cut through the mask and do some fill painting in some of the engraving spots for a cleaner look. May have the machine trace out the "chigger" with a pen so I can do some fill by number painting before engraving out his profile also. Will it be safe to mask it off without worry of removing the fill painting when removing the mask?
 
I went to a sign supply store and set up an account with them as though I was a professional sign maker. I order most of my sign making supplies from them.

I ordered "avery paint mask" to be used on a router. Well they don't sell Avery, but they have Arlon Cal-Mask White 002 - so that is what they sold to me. To date I have used about 100 feet of 24" wide Cal-Mask and it has worked fine. I bought another roll of 250 feet - should last a good long time.

There are a number of name brands. Just make sure it is removable, and made to be cut through with a router. I think most are.

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https://www.inventables.com/technologies/adhesive-vinyl-paint-mask

http://averyvinyl.com/A1828-S-WHITE-PAINT-MASK-1828-AVERY-PAINT-MASK-A1828S.htm

http://www.sesignsupply.com/search....m=001&HideFld2=Any;VINYL;ARLON;Any;arc;C-002;
 
1) Sand to 220 - block sander - smooth and FLAT
2) rattle can shellac - 2-4 coats
3) sand 220 just to get smooth and FLAT - don't remove all the shellac
4) apply mask - slow and careful
5) Route
6) I sand top of mask with 220 to get the fuzzies out
7) Clean the grooving with toothbrush - exacto - file - anything
8) rattle can shellac 2-4 coats
9) Spray paint - I like Krylon - read the directions or you will get wrinkle finish
10) let aint dry 24 hours
11) remove mask - single edge blade is your friend
12) I use single edge blade to scrape the entire surface to remove paint fizzies
13) sand 220 with block
14) wet sand 600
15) automotive rubbing compuund
16) Paste wax

Hey look at that - only 16 steps this time - wonder what I missed?

I go through much of the process in this video - sorry about the bare feet and lack of safety.
I will do another video but more politically correct someday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6yjr2pjilI
 
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