Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have been able to quickly and easily create several signs in the last few days since purchasing this. It does work quite well, but you've got to use a lot of extra clamps to keep the templates from moving. The little thumbscrews that are used to "clamp" the sign in place are really only good for setting the alignment of the template. They are way too loose and weak to keep the thing in place when a router is moving over it - not even close to holding it down. Plus, if you're using the full-length extension on it for wide signs, the center tends to flex back and forth due to another weak set of thumbscrews that barely hold the thing together.
So, what I do, is use a set of about 4 good clamps at various places along the template to keep the entire thing completely rigid and solid. As I move the router along I have to move clamps to keep them out of the way, but it's no big deal. That being said, there is another version of the SignCrafter template that I've seen sold online which has different end-brackets. It comes with brackets that are designed for clamps, and the kit even comes with low-profile clamps.
For the price, the SignCrafter is a great deal! The letter set is missing some things that I think should be included, but as best I can tell are not even available anywhere. Such things as punctuation (question marks, exclamation marks, etc., and other things that a signmaking kit should have like templates for arrows and other markers. I think I'll try fabricating my own templates to fit the kit by using a scrollsaw and some 1/8" plexiglass.
Oh, and you'll definitely want to use a 1/2" box core bit for the 2.5" letters. Anything smaller and the letters come out a bit thin looking. The kit comes with a smaller bit - I don't use it. Similarly, you'll want a 1/4" bit for the small letters.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Milescraft 1206 SignCrafter Signmaking template kit with TurnLock
Using your router to engrave wooden signs is easy with the TurnLOCK sign making jigs. TurnLOCK technology means you can mount/dismount your router within seconds without tools! Clamp the frame to a piece of wood, layout your letters, adjust the holding frame to center the text, tighten the integral clamps and youre ready to rout your sign.Just add your wood and routing skills for professional results.The SignCrafter includes: 7" diameter clear base plate with centering pin.5/8" TurnLock bushing molded of durable resin, 3/8" diameter core box carbide-tipped router bit.Self-clamping bars for boards up to 12" wide, four metal rails with joiners for boards up to 36" long.Up to 18 letters can be used at once, 2 sets of 1-1/2" and 2-1/2" horizontal letters and numbers - 164 in total!
