Hello! I want to make wooden Tree Orchard name signs for outdoors

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#1

Hello fellow makers! Metal work is more my thing but I want to make some signs for a community group, Open Orchard, who plant trees around West Norwood. They are name signs for each orchard and would be outside.

Any tips on how best to make such a sign really welcome; type of wood etc, how to fix into the ground. They need to be weatherproof within reason (yep I know its wood so they won’t last a life time!) and I want to carve out letters so the name doesn’t disappear after a couple of rainy days. But alternative suggestions welcome!

Thanks,
Kim

In response to advice so far…
@lasertechs and @CNCtechs any advice welcome specifically about this signmaking project as to the best machine to use for lettering (if I didn’t handcut the sign) - laser cutting vs CNC - I haven’t been inducted in either so don’t understand the fine detail of what each can do. Dimension limitation and wood type limitation would be an issue.

#2

What do you think about CNCing the letters or names on untreated oak? Yes it won’t last forever but ( maybe some wood expert can give you better advice)… Do they have anywhere area their are where they can source the wood locally? So you will use the local wood ( even if not oak) to make their signs

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#3

Oak is a bit hard to come by but I suppose its a case of trying and seeing what works best in terms of weathering

#4

B&q sell it and you can cut it to measure in the makerspace

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#5

Although i believe that it is more expensive then buying it for a timberyard

#6

I’m happy to cut to measure some oak from my wood hoard which I’m aiming to reduce.
Have a fair few other species kicking around also.

DM if interested, can also just sell a couple of pieces if you wanna DIY it!

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