Edge-Lit Sign Workshop

We are announcing a class on creating an edge-lit acrylic sign using the Makerspace’s laser cutter/engraver. These signs use clear acrylic and an LED base to “light up” an engraved design.

YOU MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE LASER CUTTER MEMBER ORIENTATION TO SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP. 

The course will meet initially at the Make717 IC as a group (course is limited to 6 participants to start). In the first meeting, I request that you bring:

1. A laptop computer (if you have one - we have a limited number of machines at the IC and some may be in use when we are there) with the open source software Inkscape (www.inkscape.org) installed.
2. A sign/design/phrase/picture or other digital file that you would like to make into an edge-lit “sign”. This could be for your business, an inspirational phrase, or perhaps a technical drawing - the sky is the limit. Bear in mind that you won’t be able to have different colors - there is only an engraved region and an un-engraved region. There are limits to this medium.

During our initial 2-hour meeting, I will work with you to refine your file to make it ready for laser-engraving and cutting as necessary. I will go over design principles to make a work “laser-ready” and some tricks that have worked from my own experience.

At the end of our initial meeting, we will schedule a 1-on-1 follow-up meeting as our schedules permit for a 1-hour “engraving session” during which time we will reserve the use of the laser to engrave your piece and mount it in the stand.

All materials will be provided to you for the edge-lit sign. At the end of this course, you will have a professional looking sign that you can proudly display in your home or business! The signs come with a remote control that allows the LED lights to have a color set or to blink or rotate through different “modes”. Please contact nate@make717.org with any additional questions about the course. Space is limited to a first-come-first-serve registration. 

YOU MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE LASER CUTTER MEMBER ORIENTATION TO TAKE THIS WORKSHOP. 

If you have not completed the laser cutter member orientation offered by Michael Dennis, you will have to complete this prior to taking the workshop. Future orientations will be scheduled and this workshop will be offered again in the future. If you sign up and have not completed the orientation, we will have to cancel your registration and refund your registration fee.