Making a Wooden Sign with a router | First time making a sign 

*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*

Sir, I have been working with wood for over 60 years and I think this is great work. Well done on producing an excellent video, clear commentary and a beautiful sign to boot! I have watched this video a number of times, not only to see someone willing to try and teach himself how to do something, but also to hear that remarkably likeable accent you have! I wish you well in woodwork and in life.

Great job! I did what you did and made a wood sign with our family’s name on it and gave it to my parents. They loved it! They hung it above their front door. My sign was rough and my first time using a router but since it brought smiles and happiness to my parents I consider it to be a success. Perfection doesn’t equate to success. What you do for others does.

Who are the 261 people who disliked, voted thunbs-down? What is not to like about this guy? He's super honest and genuine. He did a good job for his first time.

I been using routers for 30 years, all I can say is GOOD JOB. I recently got a Harbor Freight trim router myself. After using my 3/4 horse, 1 1/4 horse and 2 horse plunge routers, suddenly routing got fun again. That lightweight little sucker is lots easier to control.

Ive been woodworkin for many years and that was a fine job. Lots of people wouldnt have even tried. 👍

Thank you for being one of us first timers! I love your honesty! I am now confident enough to give this a try.

Sir all I can tell you is that I’m honor and thankful for you to share your work, it’s an 100% organic job, that nobody can’t away from, much obliged to you and look forward to see other videos of yours, God bless

... Believe me, I make signs for a living and none of them come out perfect. Your sign looks great and I would proudly display it in my shop. Even those that are cut, routed, painted, or printed, have plenty of flaws. This type is actually my favorite.

You did an excellent job for your first time making a sign. Well done!!!

I've just bought a router for the first time and your video was terrific. Nice commentary and making me more confident about my first project. Love your accent! I'm Aussie BTW. You did a good job on your first sign.

Awesome job! This is exactly the type of video I'm looking for for people like me that is doing it for the first time. I've come across too many videos where they say its easy and when they start they have a $20,000 machine, plainers, and gizmos. Lol. Thanks!

Use a straight router bit on your letters and they will come out smooth!

If you hadn't have said it was your first time i don't think a lot of people would know any different. A Great job well done.

Good stuff - it just goes to show you can produce something great with pretty minimal kit. I did something similar for my house sign 6 weeks ago. Differences: I used a hardwood (Oak) as it was less "splintery". I made my design on the computer, printed it out 100% and then stuck the paper onto the wood - afterwards, it was just sanded off. The other thing I did was to use flat bottomed bits and poured black resin into the lettering rather than painting. Don't let anyone diss you for what you do - just 'cos you aren't using Festool kit or a CNC doesn't matter as most of the comments show. I do wish the health and safety brigade would resist the urge to lecture though!

For a first effort, and self taught, I say bravo. I have been wood working for 30 some years, and I cannot begin to tell you how many tips and tricks I I have learned since watching RU-vid. I like your channel for your honesty. There is a learning curve to everything. I have made a couple of signs, but I'm about to up my game with a cnc. Please keep putting out content and ignore the wood worker police.

You hit it right on the head with your last comments, it is relaxing and satisfying puttering around and teaching yourself new things, whether it is woodworking, music or gardening. For your first attempt, and freehand at that, you did an amazing job. Now, I have to try that!

Don't take any notice of people who do thumbs down they don't show you the scrap box , and cnc machines are for computer people not craftsmen, nice job mate I am a retired carpenter 71yrs ,52yrs on the job I live in Wales UK well done again.

One of the most inspirational 1st time woodworker videos I've watched for a very long time. Great effort, thanks for posting 👍

As soon as you said, “If I don’t know how to do somethin,” I go ahead and try to do it anyway and teach myself,” I instantly hit ‘subscribe!’ I do the same. My motto is, “There’s always a way.” Excellent job on the sign and the video! Thanks for sharing!

Good job, never listen to NEGATIVE!!, Always try, even if we screw up !.

I think the key part of this video was when you said you had fun making the sign.. Someone in their workshop having fun.. It doesn't get much better than that..

Wow great job! I’m just seeing this 6 years later! Love that sign! That’s what my Grand Children call me Popo

I am the same as you my friend self taught. And I like seeing real videos of people having a go, good on you my friend 👍🏻👍🏻

There will always be HATERS! Without someone like you putting out a video like this, I would never try. I bought the same router at Harbor Freight today and can't wait to try it. I wanted to watch a few videos first. Rain is coming for a week so the perfect time to learn. You're sign looks great.

I think it looks great! A CNC looks like a CNC did it. There is a certain character to hand made things!

YOU ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD FOR BEING YOUR FIRST TIME DOING A WOOD SIGN. BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

There are many buyers that appreciate handcrafted work over the CNC "handcrafted" look.

Hi. This is just the video I was looking for! I’m a more ‘mature’ lady from England, who has just bought her first palm router - an inexpensive one, similar to yours. I also wanted to dabble with making a sign or two, and your video answered ALL my questions in one go! Amazing. Nice job on your sign, by the way. Hope I can follow your lead and do as well as you did on the first attempt! Cheers, Cathy xx

“I’m pretty sure I’m gonna get ‘hammered’ by the people who do this all the time.” Don’t let them ‘cut’ you down. 😜

Brother.... Im a sign guy. This is your first attempt?!!! Its great!!!! Ignore the critics. You obviously know what you're doing! Good job!

Great job. Several months ago I bought templets from Rockler and a couple of trim routers but I haven't found the nerve to try making a sign. After watching your first sign I am ready. Thanks for the inspiration to try something I have never tried before.

Thank you Sir. I’ve had the exact same router in my shed for about 2 years, been hesitant to try it. You just gave me the courage to try it out.

The greatest woodworker started out with the word ( WANT ) . To want to make something out of nothing is an achievement in itself. So what you have done is what the great woodworkers in the past and present did (WANT ) . I to wanted to watch what someone else was making weather it be beginners or professionals and you have achieved that benchmark and more. So keep with it and you will be a great woodworker.

Good for you for giving it a shot AND for making a video of it. The sign is great!

Turned out awesome...good job Bought me the same router...for small jobs...& the lil woman suggested I make signs...confidence & inspiration built in me now 👍

I just bought the same trim router at HF. You, sir, have inspired me. Thanks!

This is gold the bloke has the attitude of success

I bought a Plunge Router and have had a bit trouble working out how to use it so I bought a trim router so now I am going to to out and try this myself, thank you for the idea

Popo, What a great job you did with the scrap piece of wood. I love your comments and the way you convey your the building of your sign, you have a gift with the way you teach and a real pleasing way of speech. Thank you for sharing this video, quite inspiring.

Awesome, thanks for sharing

Don't worry if someone critiques it! Take what they (The good!) say & learn from it! I personally think you did an AWESOME job!!! Actually your painting, sanding & staining process helped me with a project I have in te works!!! Thank you!

You did a great job! Well done. I bought one also. I used a small round over to route thick wall PVC. It works so well, so smooth I barely had to sand at all. Thanks for this video.

Like everything in woodwork you learn constantly. For a first attempt, that was great.

I realize this is 3 years old, but thank you for making this video. I'm going to give it a try with a new ryobi plunge router. Your sign came out great!! I can only hope my first try looks even half as good as this.

You hit the nail at what you said at 7:46. I also do signs for that reason and have sold a few on ebay.

Well done. This is exactly how I have done things. We all gotta start somewhere. That Trim router and bits have already paid for themselves. Looks great, have fun.

That’s a mighty sign if you ask me. Heck, now I want to go and make one myself! Thanks for sharing!!

You have give me the confidence to try and make one for myself!! Looks good

That's what wood working is all about my friend, enjoying and expressing yourself. Very nice job!!!

Strong work! I like that you just jump in and give it a go! Another way to darken the letters and sides is to burn them with a blow torch. Great work. Enjoyed the video!!

I looks good and you did it yourself that’s what’s important. The more you do the better. I just picked up the little router. Thanks for the video.

GLAD to see someone that willing to admit that they don't know everything as for critics there is always going to be people that are negative.

Thanks for the video. I just took over teaching a woodworking class. I never got into sign making or using a router till I started teaching this class. In truly enjoying my new career. I was a police officer for 13 years till an injury forced me out. My initial plan was to reach criminal justice at boces and another person was hired. During my interview it was mentioned I had some construction experience and dabbled in making toy boxes and other small wood workibg projects. A few weeks after not getting the position I had originally wanted I was offered to teach high school level woodshop through boces for kids with varying issues and delays. I jumped at the chance and have been learning as much as I have been teaching. I search for videos on different projects where the person breaks things down or gives ideas. Your video was short and to the point and appreciate you making it so that in turn my students may learn and be engaged. Thanks again

I thought it looked great. I am the same, have to dig in and figure it out. Great job. Thanks for the share

That's AWESOME!!! I've been trying different ways to make signs and my husband has the same router you do but just upgraded to a fancier one and I've been wanting to try this technique so now I can use his old one and start playing around. I'm so happy I found your video!! Thanks 😊

I think you did awesome and your honest genuine personality is a hit and refresher. Keep the videos coming.

I rather watch somebody do something for the first time because I'm looking to get started. Thank you..

I like what you did with the paint and stain. I love working with wood because every piece is unique. No project will ever look the same. Great job on your sign. May need to make one for myself

I think it looks great, free hand your very good. Thanks for the advice and great video.

I wasn’t loving it until you put that last coat of stain on, and then it became really nice. The imperfections give it character, and the black is a really nice contrast. Great job fir your first time. Thanks for the video

The fact that you’re learning and happy to just have a go, and share ! is enough for me. Good or not it’s all fun in learning. Good effort fellah from over the pond ✅

Commenting 2 years after you’ve put this vid up and I’m subscribing for your humble laid back attitude - it was so refreshing compared to some out there. Awesome work on the sign btw.... !!!

This is what I’m gonna do! I just found some carving router/stemmed bits I’m also gonna try out. Thanks for posting

Looks great! Thanks for making this video. I bought the same router and was a little intimidated because I’ve never used one before. Your approach has given me the courage to jump in and try it!

That is one good looking sign man. Who cares what others think. If you like it, that is all that matters.

That cove bit gave it a hand-carved look, and it is perfect! You are an artist.

I want to thank you for taking the time to video this. Great job and thank you again.

One of my best mates is of the last “timber specialist” to learn the aspects by hand, nowadays everything is machined, he’s told me many times that it really doesn’t matter what your skill level is as it’s a natural medium and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I beg to differ, he pisses me off with some of the pieces he shits out with laxative ease, It’s true though, your enjoyment materialises in what you create, Nothing wrong with self taught, nice work! Yours truly Dirty timber sniffer #3

Thanks for sharining, think I will try this looks like a fun project to experiment with- Good Job

Looks good to me, and I like your attitude towards it. That's what will get you where you want to be. Thanks for posting it.

Rough and ready - love this guy!!!

Looks awesome PoPo! Just starting myself and watching videos to get tips, thanks for being willing to put this out there. Nicely done.

Looks Great POPO! No one should ever let someone tell them differently! I know this video is older but I am just now seeing it! So, Again Nice Job Bud! 🤝

One of the funnest things about any hobby experimenting and screwing up! Learning from others peoples and your mistakes (: and sharing them with other enthusiasts (: 👍🏼

It’s amazing I’m going to try doing a sign for my church..been planning it for awhile..and you have inspired me to go for it..I’m 76 years old but I’m crafty..I cut with my scroll saw but I have never used a router..but I do have one..thank you for this wonderful video.. you did a beautiful job❤️

Heck , I think you did a good job . I'm like you , I'll try anything myself to. Way to go

I think it’s great. Thanks for sharing I’m making a garden bench for my daughter I’ll use this way to put her name on it

Good job....very humble too.Thank you

I've made my kids misc wood things long ago. lookin back the things i made really not too good. my kids loved them then and still do. keep on enjoying what ya do

Very good for the first time congratulations

Looks great for first time thank you for sharing

Beautiful Job. I love it. Thanks for sharing

Bought one the same routers last year from HF for Formica tops. Worked great think ima get some bits and try a little signing myself. Great job thanks for sharing. Good on ya!

Fine first job. Been makin signs for years the router way. You did fine. You have great skills. And Harbor Freight has good enough tools for this.

great video. TY for sharing. at least you had the balls to do it.

Great job! Love that you did it freehand! Who needs a darn router stencil!

I'm about to try this myself. I hope I can come CLOSE to what you did! FANTASTIC!

I would be absolutely thrilled to have done what you have done. Great job. I have one of those little routers, and I think I will try to do something nice like you've done.

Just borrowed a table router for some cabinets my wife and I are going to make so started looking at you tube videos today. I am so impressed by your willingness to just do it! I'm sitting here worried about doing things perfect and having the right equipment....I'm heading to harbor freight right now and buying the router and making me a sign for my front driveway! It will be a Salmon... Thanks for the inspiration...

And POW, just like that a sign maker was born 😉excellent video just what I needed about to go down to my workshop with my palm router to see what I can come up with, got a feeling it won't be as good as this, but like yourself I like to just get 'stuck in' and see what turns up, thanks again for sharing 👍 👍

Well done. I bought a router yesterday and can’t wait to have a go. Looked fun. Got some good tips from your video 😊

Good video and good attitude towards learning and experimenting. Thanks for uploading this.

Not getting it perfect gives it personality

Great job! Your ingenuity is evident!

It’s not bad at all!! I’m now encouraged to give it a try and see what I can do! Thank you very much.

I want to make something similar for the man cave. Yours came out terrific, for mine I’ll go with a lighter or natural stain. Thank you!

Great looking sign. Looks better than some of the stuff at Hobby Lobby. I've had the very same router sitting, collecting dust for almost 4 years. Bought it while browsing stuff at a big tent sale event at Harbor Freight, just because it was cheap. But after buying it, I became a little intimidated, since I had never used one. Now I am inspired! So I am going to rout the $h!t out of something! Thanks for the video!

Looks great.....has a rustic look I love it.

Great job! Thanks for sharing. At first I thought the bottom of the letters looked a little rough, but it really gives the sign a hand carved look.