Country Crafts Depot

This guide is written to show you what type of wood I use to make the letters and characters on the personalized handcrafted names. The types of blades used and the work that goes into making these name plates. Also, the types of fonts used in order to make the job a little easier, especially if you have a large order.

Type of Wood

For the Letters, I use 3/4 inch Birch Classic plywood that have no more than 5 layers of wood in it. There are some sheets of plywood that have over 8 layers and when the letters are cut, the top layer chips off since it is so thin. You then have to start all over and you will have a lot of wasted material. A 4' X 8' sheet of Birch Classic is expensive and runs between $50 and $65, but you don't have to start over as much. This type of wood looks good stained or unstained and is strong and durable. 

I use 1/2 inch Birch Classic plywood for the characters but I have found that since the characters are not as intricate as the letters, the pieces usually do not chip. I have tried using regular plywood but the paint does not stand out as much as it does with the Birch plywood. These 4' X 8' sheets run in the $35 to $46 range.

Blades

I use Flying Dutchman Spiral blades. A lot of woodworkers prefer not to use these types of blades because they are "hard to control". If you take your time and do not force the wood into the blade, you will find these types of blades pretty much the same as regular blades. I use a size 3 spiral blade for the letters and characters and a size 1 or 2 for my wooden portraits which are cut using 1/4 inch Birch plywood.

Drill Bits

In order to make the inside holes for the letters and the characters, I use a 1/16 inch drill bit. This size is big enough for the size 3 blade to pass through to cut out the inside of the letters and characters. If you use a larger drill bit, you might wind up drilling into the sides of the letter or character and crack or damage them, thus having to start all over again.

Fonts

I use Victorian Letter fonts because it looks fancier and elegant. There are many types of fonts on the internet that are free to use. Just make sure that at least one of the sides of the letter that is touching the base is wide. You will be cutting into the narrowest point of the letter and the letter will be supported by the wides part on the bottom.

Finishing Touches

I then use 1/8 inch thick dowels and glue to attach everything together for a more secure attachment. I finally use gloss spray after everything is put together and this gives the character a nice shine that can be wiped clean.  If you need any help making one of these items, please feel free to contact me through eBay.