Creating a CNC Sign from Start to Finish — Design to Cut

Creating a CNC Sign from Start to Finish — Design to Cut Walk through a complete sign project — from blank board to finished piece. This covers the full workflow you'll repeat for every sign. Step 1 — Material Selection Thickness: 19–25mm for wall signs. Flatter grain = cleaner carve. Step 2 — Surface Prep Sand to 180 grit before mounting. Flat stock = consistent cut depth. Step 3 — Design in Vectric Aspire 1. New project → set material size 2. Import or draw text and artwork 3. Use Node Editing to adjust letter spacing 4. Add a border/frame vector if desired 5. Preview in 3D view Step 4 — Toolpaths Pocket toolpath — clears large background areas 1/8" flat end mill, 0.5mm DOC, 40% stepover V-Carve toolpath — text and detail 60° V-bit, feeds per material above Profile toolpath (if cutting shape) 1/8" compression bit, full depth, tabs at corners Step 5 — Cut Order 1. Pocket first (removes bulk) 2. V-carve (adds detail) 3. Profile last (releases part) Step 6 — Finishing 1. Remove from machine, pop tabs 2. Sand top surface lightly (220 grit) — don't sand into carves 3. Blow out carved channels 4. Stain or paint if desired 5. Apply a topcoat (wipe-on poly, lacquer) 6. Add hardware for hanging Common Beginner Mistakes Zero at top surface (not bottom) — always zero at top Too deep V-carve on thin stock — set flat depth limit Forgot to convert text to curves — text can shift if font not found

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