I would like to do a sign carving and was wondering if A) any of you have done this before? B) Is there any good books/info I should start with and C) Do I need any special tools? like a certain chisel or knife?
Are there templates for large letters or should I print them and trace them?

Thanks in advance,
Spud

I've never carved one, but if you make a blank up with redwood, cover it with mastic, exacto knife carve the letters out, then sandblast, then paint the lettering gold. that is a easy way of doing it.

There is a sign maker in Scituate Ma. whos name escapes me, I will try to find it........anyway he used to have classes on sign making/carving! I had thought of taking one but never got around to it. I will try to find the name.....he has a website also!

Kukstis.com is the website and he still offers classes! I may have to take one!

I'd print out a stencil, then use a dremel with a router guard to give you the same depth on all letters and use it only to do the center of the letters. Then a fine chisel to do the sides of the letters at an angle and make it look hand carved.
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alot of it is done by CNC these days. ShopBots are everywhere, I would enjoy carving one though, the traditional way