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SignCrafter
Sign Making Jig
Routed Signs
Sign
Character Template Set

SKU: 1206/1256

SignCrafter™

For professional looking router-cut wood signs, the Milescraft SignCrafter™ is the hobbyist’s tool of choice!

(3 customer reviews)

Read Reviews

$64.99

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SignCrafter™ - Replacement Parts

Create custom wood-engraved signs with the SignCrafter™. Self-spacing 2-1/2” horizontal characters fit into the 36” adjustable clamping system, without having to make any measurements. Affix the character templates and start routing, for uniformly spaced letters and numbers. With TurnLock™ as an integral feature on the BasePlate, bushing exchange is tool-free, hardware-free, and takes only seconds.

Guide Bushing

  • Durable 5/8″ guide bushing maintains consistent alignment with any router template
  • Bushing guides you through the templates to create great-looking signs
  • Metal nose guide bushing provides long-lasting durability

TurnLock™ BasePlate

  • 7″ TurnLock™ BasePlate fits most popular routers
  • Made of clear  polycarbonate for visibility of the work area
  • Can be modified with a drill or file to fit nonstandard routers
  • Allows you to change your bushing size quickly with no tools needed

Equipped with the patented TurnLock™ Technology

  • Fast tool-free guide bushing and router attachment exchanges
  • TurnLock™ base plate accepts all Milescraft bushings

SignCrafter™ Templates (82 pcs. total)

  • 2-1/2″ character templates included:
    •  A to Z plus one additional A, E, and I  (2 each)
    • 0 to 9 (2 each)
    •  period and quotation mark (2 each)

Low Profile C-Clamps

  • Securely hold the workpiece without obstructing the router
*Make sure that the bushing is installed on the BasePlate before routing

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18″ RAIL
24″ RAIL
30″ RAIL
36″ RAIL

TurnLock Base plate compatibility chart and template.

 

Compatible Compact/Palm/Trim Routers:

Bosch/Colt PR20EVSPK
Bosch GFK125CE
DeWalt DCW600B
DeWalt DWE6000
DeWalt DWP611
Ridgid R2401
Ridgid R24012
Ridgid R86044B
Ridgid R860443B
Ryobi P601

Not compatible w/o plunge attachment:

Makita RT0700C (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Makita RT0701C (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Makita XTR01 (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Bosch/Colt PR20EVS (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Milwaukee 2723-20 (requires Milwaukee plunge attachment 48-10-5601, will align with slots I and E.).

Not compatible:

Porter Cable PC450
Bauer 19121E-B

Specs

  • Includes:

    Two Sets of 2-1/2″ Horizontal Templates (82 pcs. total)
    One – 3/8″ Router Bit
    One – 5/8″ Metal Nose Bushing
    Four – 18″ Letter Rails with rail joiners
    Two – Support bridges
    Two – End Caps
    Two – Low Profile C-Clamps
    One – 7″ TurnLock™ BasePlate with mounting screws
    One – 1/4″ and 1/2″ Centering Pin

Reviews

Lee
Lee
Reviewer
3/5
I have had my Signcrafter kit for a few years now. It is fine so long as you limit your signs to using the single 18" bars. The problem starts when you go to 36" length. No matter where I put the "...
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2 years ago
SignCrafter™
victor j.
victor j.
Verified ownerVerified owner
5/5

Have not used it yet but everything is there and looks impressive.

4 years ago
SignCrafter™
anonymous
anonymous
Reviewer
4/5

For really basic sign work, it's good. It's too bad there aren't any other styles of lettering available for this kit.

6 years ago
SignCrafter™

3 reviews for SignCrafter™

4.0 Rating
1-3 of 3 reviews
  1. Lee
    Reviewer

    I have had my Signcrafter kit for a few years now. It is fine so long as you limit your signs to using the single 18″ bars. The problem starts when you go to 36″ length. No matter where I put the “tightening slides ” the templets will work their way loose. On long signs I have to use extra clamps. Also it’s not that great on wood stock less than 4″ wide. It needs support under both side rails to make a decent cut. 4″ wide and 18″ long signs is pretty much what this is for. And yes…I have watched lots of YoiuTube on this.

  2. victor j.
    Verified owner

    Have not used it yet but everything is there and looks impressive.

  3. anonymous
    Reviewer

    For really basic sign work, it’s good. It’s too bad there aren’t any other styles of lettering available for this kit.

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FAQs

Can I modify the base plate to fit my router?

In some instances, NOT ALL holes in the router’s base will match the mounting pattern. Only two diagonal holes matched to a router’s base are required (as a minimum) for proper installation and operation. You may decide to modify an existing slot or add hole(s) to better suit your router. The screws supplied may not fit your router. If you supply your own screws, DO NOT use “countersink” head styles.

 

Is my compact/palm/trim router compatible with the base plate?

TurnLock Base plate compatibility chart and template.

 

Compatible Compact/Palm/Trim Routers:

Bosch/Colt PR20EVSPK
Bosch GFK125CE
DeWalt DCW600B
DeWalt DWE6000
DeWalt DWP611
Ridgid R2401
Ridgid R24012
Ridgid R86044B
Ridgid R860443B
Ryobi P601

Not compatible w/o plunge attachment:

Makita RT0700C (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Makita RT0701C (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Makita XTR01 (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Bosch/Colt PR20EVS (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Milwaukee 2723-20 (requires Milwaukee plunge attachment 48-10-5601, will align with slots I and E.).

Not compatible:

Porter Cable PC450
Bauer 19121E-B

Is the Ryobi One+ compatible with the base plate?

Yes, the Ryobi One+ P601 is compatible with the #30681 TurnLock Base Plate. This Ryobi router does not require special screws.

 

Can I make my own templates for the SignCrafter™ & SignPRO™?

Milescraft does not make special character templates, however, you can create your own templates by purchasing material and cutting it out.

The material you will need to purchase is a polycarbonate material that is 3/32” thick x 4” wide and will need to be cut down to 3-1/4” to fit into the frame of the jig.

You will then need to draw or stencil the desired character onto the material and then cut it out. This will allow you to create a character to your desired height.

Do I have to use a plunge base router with the SignCrafter™ or SignPRO™?

It is not required to use a plunge base router with this kit. Below you will find information on using both types of routers so you can see the difference in operation.

If using a fixed base router:
Lower router bushing into letter opening. With bushing in contact with the inside of letter opening and router bit above wood (NOT TOUCHING), start router motor. Lower bit into the wood until router base is resting on both rails. The router bushing traces around the letter opening. When the letter is complete, turn the router off. When the motor stops, remove router. Proceed to engrave all letters in the template assembly.

If using a plunge router:

Lower router bushing into letter opening. With bushing in contact with the inside of letter opening and router bit above wood (NOT TOUCHING), start router motor. Lower bit into the wood. The router bushing traces around the letter opening. When the letter is complete, raise router bit. Stop the router motor. Proceed to engrave all letters in the template assembly.

How do I keep my letters from falling out of the rails?

It is recommended that you use a support bridge even with signs that are 18” or less. You may also find it beneficial to clamp down the support bridge to ensure that the letter templates do not come lose while you are routing.

 

How do I make signs that stand out?
  • If you are painting your sign, almost any wood species will do
  • For clear finished signs, laminate two contrasting wood species, such as padauk-on-maple (best for indoor use)
  • For outdoor signs, choose cedar, redwood, or white oak (these species resist rot)
  • After routing signs, use spray paint for a quick way to add contrast, plane or sand after the paint dries
  • Don’t apply a clear-film finish to outdoor signs; the sun’s ultraviolet rays will cause it to discolor and peel
  • Use pigmented deck finish or leave outdoor signs bare and allow it to weather naturally
How do I prevent the spread of sawdust when using my router?

If your router comes with a dust deflector, we recommend installing this before routing. It may also be helpful to install a dust collection adapter on your router, should this accessory be available for your particular brand/model number.

 

Can I modify the base plate to fit my router?

In some instances, NOT ALL holes in the router’s base will match the mounting pattern. Only two diagonal holes matched to a router’s base are required (as a minimum) for proper installation and operation. You may decide to modify an existing slot or add hole(s) to better suit your router. The screws supplied may not fit your router. If you supply your own screws, DO NOT use “countersink” head styles.

 

Is my compact/palm/trim router compatible with the base plate?

TurnLock Base plate compatibility chart and template.

 

Compatible Compact/Palm/Trim Routers:

Bosch/Colt PR20EVSPK
Bosch GFK125CE
DeWalt DCW600B
DeWalt DWE6000
DeWalt DWP611
Ridgid R2401
Ridgid R24012
Ridgid R86044B
Ridgid R860443B
Ryobi P601

Not compatible w/o plunge attachment:

Makita RT0700C (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Makita RT0701C (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Makita XTR01 (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Bosch/Colt PR20EVS (requires a plunge attachment for installation on the base plate)
Milwaukee 2723-20 (requires Milwaukee plunge attachment 48-10-5601, will align with slots I and E.).

Not compatible:

Porter Cable PC450
Bauer 19121E-B

Is the Ryobi One+ compatible with the base plate?

Yes, the Ryobi One+ P601 is compatible with the #30681 TurnLock Base Plate. This Ryobi router does not require special screws.

 

Can I make my own templates for the SignCrafter™ & SignPRO™?

Milescraft does not make special character templates, however, you can create your own templates by purchasing material and cutting it out.

The material you will need to purchase is a polycarbonate material that is 3/32” thick x 4” wide and will need to be cut down to 3-1/4” to fit into the frame of the jig.

You will then need to draw or stencil the desired character onto the material and then cut it out. This will allow you to create a character to your desired height.

Do I have to use a plunge base router with the SignCrafter™ or SignPRO™?

It is not required to use a plunge base router with this kit. Below you will find information on using both types of routers so you can see the difference in operation.

If using a fixed base router:
Lower router bushing into letter opening. With bushing in contact with the inside of letter opening and router bit above wood (NOT TOUCHING), start router motor. Lower bit into the wood until router base is resting on both rails. The router bushing traces around the letter opening. When the letter is complete, turn the router off. When the motor stops, remove router. Proceed to engrave all letters in the template assembly.

If using a plunge router:

Lower router bushing into letter opening. With bushing in contact with the inside of letter opening and router bit above wood (NOT TOUCHING), start router motor. Lower bit into the wood. The router bushing traces around the letter opening. When the letter is complete, raise router bit. Stop the router motor. Proceed to engrave all letters in the template assembly.

How do I keep my letters from falling out of the rails?

It is recommended that you use a support bridge even with signs that are 18” or less. You may also find it beneficial to clamp down the support bridge to ensure that the letter templates do not come lose while you are routing.

 

How do I make signs that stand out?

  • If you are painting your sign, almost any wood species will do
  • For clear finished signs, laminate two contrasting wood species, such as padauk-on-maple (best for indoor use)
  • For outdoor signs, choose cedar, redwood, or white oak (these species resist rot)
  • After routing signs, use spray paint for a quick way to add contrast, plane or sand after the paint dries
  • Don’t apply a clear-film finish to outdoor signs; the sun’s ultraviolet rays will cause it to discolor and peel
  • Use pigmented deck finish or leave outdoor signs bare and allow it to weather naturally

How do I prevent the spread of sawdust when using my router?

If your router comes with a dust deflector, we recommend installing this before routing. It may also be helpful to install a dust collection adapter on your router, should this accessory be available for your particular brand/model number.

 

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WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/product