How to Make a Light Up Acrylic LED Sign

[@MelNunez-b4t]

Amigo that looks awesome you are the best of the best. Keep doing the hard work you deserve everything on this planter amigo. God bless you and bless I’ll your family

[@thevinstigator2511]

I made one almost exactly like this for my girlfriend, at the time I only had a hand router and I sanded the letters myself. Definitely want a cnc router! I made the base out of a solid block of wood, a little crude but it looked so cool. Love this signs.

[@rhwoodshop]

Great project Steve. You always amaze me that you have a smile on your face no matter what you're doing in your project.

[@SuperYtviewer]

Nice sign design - kudos to X-Carve for the work. Great design for the stand. Nice choice for lighting, remote, installation of the strip. Overall great collaboration between man and machine. - Annie

[@SteveCarmichael]

+SuperYtviewer Thank you Annie! Yeah, the machine is great at carving the logo which I have no patience for. lol

[@jagoehring]

Short and sweet. Right to the point. Thanks for sharing! I really like the setup!

[@NickFerry]

nicely done Steve - turned out really nice!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Nick Ferry Thanks Nick! I could really go nuts with putting these LEDs everywhere. Disco shop!

[@CarlJacobson]

Great project Steve! it's looks so cool, he's going to love it.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Carl Jacobson Thanks Carl! Yep, he saw the picture but I haven't delivered it yet.

[@A2ZGeek]

This dude is always so stoked in his videos! I love it! Subbed!

[@SteveCarmichael]

Hey thanks! Yeah I do this for fun, so always happy to be in the shop. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@DavidBishopinc]

Thats a beautiful piece of work and great use of the CNC. Excellent video buddy.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+David Bishop Thanks man! I'm finding more uses for that thing everyday. It makes up for having a crappy router table/fence.

[@JohnHeisz]

Flashy! Interesting project Steve :)

[@SteveCarmichael]

+John Heisz Thanks John! I'm finding the CNC comes in handy since I have a sucky router table.

[@alsmith1025]

Carmichael is always awesome. Very Cool project.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

I should definitely experiment with plexi and led lights! Thanks for the inspiration! It came out great!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Scrap wood City Yes, you should. It's fun seeing it light up the first time. Scrap Acrylic City! lol

[@ScrapwoodCity]

+Steve Carmichael lol!

[@KellyBrownwrsd]

Turned out really nice Steve. Makes a great sign.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Kelly Brown Thanks Kelly!

[@richparker7778]

Very cool Steve. I really enjoy your videos and look forward to them. You are a very creative man.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Rich Parker Thank you very much Rich!

[@JeremyMcMahan]

Simple and fun. Looks great Steve!

[@GiacoWhatever]

Very nice Steve! You think I can do the same with glass? I have a left over piece I could use... Thank you! :)

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Giaco Whatever It might be possible to etch the glass chemically. I bet there's a video on that somewhere.

[@robertevans6481]

I wonder if Rob has any spaces left in his day care .....,.,Steve nice project, looking forward to your sign....

[@Irwin-Aviation]

Very nice Steve. I think you should definitely make one of for yourself with your logo. It looks really cool with the different colors. Nice project.

[@MichaelLawing]

That'd be a definite have-to project for a CNC owner. Great work, Steve!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Michael Lawing Thanks Michael!

[@CJyoumark456]

Pretty cool Steve! I tend to clamp stuff like that by putting something heavy on top... but it does run a risk of slipping a little first. Maybe brad nail it in place?

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Great project Steve, the sign looks really good, well done mate, Best wishes Harry

[@toddbelden5514]

Nicely done Mr Carmichael.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+todd b Thank you Todd

[@ragtie6177]

another great project Steve, that was phenomenal great build real professional!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Rag Tie Thanks!

[@searingcustomguitars3899]

now that's awesome steve another grate project

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Jason searing Thanks Jason!

[@peterstewart9376]

Cool! Those CNC machines can do some really cool stuff Best, peter

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Peter Matthew Thanks Peter! Yes, they are nice for personalizing projects and doing lettering etc.

[@chemcody5119]

That is totally cool Steve!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Chem Cody Thanks!

[@matt3642]

Awesome job Steve i recently brought a Christmas decoration with the same design! But this is a fab unique sign nicely done your friend should be super greatful

[@SteveCarmichael]

+mathew capel Thanks Mathew! I really wanted the base to be simple and not bulky. I will make my sign the same way.

[@sapelesteve]

Great project Steve! Gave me an idea for making a circular one with the surrounding wood painted Red/Green with a nice Christmas scene on the Acrylic which then could be placed at the top of a Christmas tree. Now that would be a very cool ornament.......Thanks!

[@NicholasGomez]

Those are some pretty cool lights and what a GREAT sign !! I always wanted to do something like this before getting rid of my laser engraving machine but - I'll have to find another way to make it happen sometime. Thanks for sharing!!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Nicholas Gomez Thanks Nicholas! It was fun to make.

[@moyperezwoodshop1722]

Very cool steve .. I'm sure he will really enjoy it

[@marjfrank9331]

Nice project. Would love to see what you need to connect leds for next project .I'm having trouble finding right ends that connect from the cut end of the lights to the remote control box. thanks,

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Marj Frank The other end of the LED strip has a plug on it too, so I just bought this kit that contains everything but the LEDs and saved a few dollars. After I cut off that end though, I will be left with just the LED strip with no connectors on it. I see connectors are available, but it's probably just easier and cheaper to order a whole kit again.

[@SteveCarmichael]

www.ebay.com/itm/161424602061

[@MikeKapotsy]

nice job Steve! very cool sign.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Mike Kapotsy Thanks Mike!

[@Huck249]

Cool project Steve. I'm sure your neighbor will return the favor someday.

[@DanielVilarino]

Hi Steve! Very nice project my friend! Your friend Rob will be very happy I reckon! Cheers! Daniel

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Daniel Vilarino Thanks Daniel!. I took it to him and he loved it. He's going to keep it on display in his shop.

[@MattDiresta]

Awesome project my friend! "Day care for adults" love that

[@Shopcat22]

Splendid project. If everyone keeps making all of these CNC videos I'm going to have to end up buying one.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Waylight Creations I am finding more uses for it on different projects. It's especially nice to have since my router table setup is not very good.

[@gregceltorius4962]

Love your toolbox brah, respect!

[@wtfidd]

Awesome work Steve. Will you share your CNC specifics (bit diameter, IPM, RPM, etc.)? Last time I tried to do this I broke a bit and I haven't gone back to experimenting since Christmas is almost upon us and I've vowed not to give anyone anything unless it came off the CNC machine.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Daniel Howell Hi Daniel - Here are the bit and settings I used. .0625 bit, 25 in/min, .02 depth per pass, not sure what rpm that knock off rotary tool was spinning at. Hope that helps!

[@wtfidd]

+Steve Carmichael Thanks Steve!

[@PaulMeyette]

Very cool, nice job Steve

[@mb3581]

Cool, simple project. I noticed your switched from the stock spindle to the Dewalt trim router between the acrylic and wood parts. Did you decide to upgrade in the meantime between milling the two or did you just switch back and forth for the different mediums?

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Michael Baker Hi Michael! Thanks! I used the Shapeoko2 on the acrylic, then used the X-Carve for the wood. I did upgrade my X-Carve from the stock spindle to the Dewalt recently though. It cuts deeper/faster per pass, but I usually go conservative on the settings.

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Many thanks!

[@WesHamstra]

Great video. Can I have a link to the light strips?

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Wes Hamstra (Wes Hamstra Woodworking) Thank Wes. Here's an amazon link and you can also find them on ebay. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP4DUMU?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00BP4DUMU&linkCode=xm2&tag=thecarmwork-20

[@eberhardhofer1690]

Nice Sign! Looks very nice!

[@MRrwmac]

Another great project by Professor Steve C to enlighten your life.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+MRrwmac Thanks Mac! Light it up!

[@mihumus]

Very cool project, Steve!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Humus Woodwork Thanks! I keep playing with it. lol

[@athiker7209]

That's a very bright idea! Those CNC's are a cat's meow.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Ron Briz Thanks Briz! Yeah, they are pretty nifty. I was trying to think of a way to do this without a CNC too, for people who don't have one. Maybe some sort of etching chemical? hmmm.

[@woodworkinginthe21stcentur36]

Great application of CNC. My wife and I have a blog/ KZbin channel that focuses on 21st century technology applied to crafts like wood working. Your web site has been an inspiration!!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Woodworking In the 21st Century Thank you very much! I will have to check that out. It sounds interesting. I keep running across different uses for the CNC in my shop...it's just another tool I can use to make better stuff.

[@johnreed5015]

Very cool. I'm sure your neighbor will like it. Thanks

[@SteveCarmichael]

+John Reed Thanks John! Yes, he saw the video but I haven't given it to him yet. Still playing with the flashing lights. lol

[@marceaton3128]

Very nice job Steve, thanks for sharing the tips. Gonna put it on my face book page.

[@donnythedart]

Nice job Steve! Fun project!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+donny carter Thanks Donny! I like adding electronics to stuff. Need to do more of that.

[@DieterSchneider]

Very nice. What rpm did you use on your router? I have tried something similar but the acrylic just keeps melting.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Dieter Schneider Photography Thanks! The shapeoko2 had the stock spindle on it, which is a knock off dremel tool. The speed setting was on 5. The fastest speed on it is 7. Not sure what rpm that would be.

[@DieterSchneider]

+Steve Carmichael ok, thanks. I have a Makita router on my Shapeoko 3. I'll guess I just have to experiment a little more :)

[@civ8458]

Great job! That came out fantastic!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Carb IV Thanks! Yeah, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it's really cool looking.

[@rezaghk3464]

hi...awesome 😎... what kind of tools u use for cutting these kind of glass?!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Reza ghk Hey, it's a 1/16" spiral bit in the router. It only works on cast acrylic though, not the extruded acrylic.

[@MikeMerzke]

That looks like a fun project to make! Great job and keep up the good work!!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Mike Merzke Thanks Mike! You should do one. Hope your finger heals quickly.

[@elesixestepa373]

Way to go Steve that's one bright project!!! You're very creative and awesome. Don't get a big head now. ;-)

[@KkmakeUkv]

Great, project Steve. Something I want to make for long time but I don't have a CNC and I don't trust steadyness of my hands enough :D

[@miriamsanchez7125]

uao cuantas herramientas!!!! buen proyecto saludos desde México!!

[@HMAnetwork]

Hey there, what type of acrylic sheet will I need for something like that and where can find them?

[@SteveCarmichael]

Search for cast acrylic online. Inventables or Amazon maybe.

[@ktme26752]

Awesome design, could you make the lights solar?

[@SteveCarmichael]

+ktme26752 I don't know. I've seen solar yard lights at harbor freight. I might have to buy one to see if I can take the electronics out of it. hmm

[@Cooltoolshedwoodworking]

Cool project Steve!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Cool Tool Shed Woodworking Thanks Chris!

[@cybercapri]

While I was on active duty, we used florescent lights at the top edge of Plexy Glass and Grease Pencils to mark certain map locations. We also kept the tent very dark and it allowed folks at night to enter and leave the tent without losing their night vision and the map locations to pop as it reflected off the Plexy... Great project...

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Paul Bialozor Wow, that's pretty cool Paul! I have some thin fluorescent lights that came from a store display. Maybe I could use those for a bigger sign. hmm. Thanks

[@cybercapri]

+Steve Carmichael I am sure it will work well, just like this project....

[@willemkossen]

That is nice! How deep is shallow?

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Willem Kossen Thanks Willem! It cut .02" deep on this one. I just did another one .01" deep and it looked good too. I think as long as the surface is scratched up and frosted looking, it will glow. Every little scratch catches the light and shows up.

[@RichMcNatt]

Looks great Steve! on the search for some of them there lights.. Thanks for the idea

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Rich McNatt Thanks Rich! I just ordered 3 sets of these. The 5050 lights combine to make different colors. www.ebay.com/itm/160849365291

[@thecomptonfamily]

I wonder if you could use some stencils and chemical etching if you don't have a cnc.

[@SteveCarmichael]

Yes, I've seen people use etching chemical, sandpaper, dremel tool, sandblaster, and even just white paint or window frosting stuff.

[@jimkodysz5404]

Great project Steve! I love those LED strips I put them on top of our kitchen cabinets and now when my wife puts her decorations on top of the cabinets, she can adjust the color for each season. Merry Chistmas if we don't see you before!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Jim Kodysz That's a good idea. I need to get more of them. Looks like it's just as cheap to buy a whole kit again, rather than try to get just the parts to make my leftovers work.

[@jimkodysz5404]

+Steve Carmichael You're right about the cost. What I do is splice the leftovers if I need more than 5 meters (16 ft) Just make sure to solder the ends together with the right polarity. There is a maximum length for 1 transformer (I don't remember what it is, but you can search Google).

[@mcelfishb]

I like it. By the way, Nice paint job on the tool cabinet. EVH 4evah!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+BRIAN MCELFISH Thanks Brian! 5150!

[@rickvestuto]

what thickness is the acrylic, please?

[@DavidProctorGBD]

Great veideo Steve! I've been wanting to do this for quite sometime for myself. Yours turned out great.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Gearbox Designs Thanks! I've had this unfinished project in the shop for a while. Finally decided to finish it and design the simple base. It worked out great.

[@yohkodevilhunter8292]

Would the light travel further into the acrylic if the edges were polished?

[@SteveCarmichael]

Yes, I think so, which would be good for a larger sign. I've heard it also helps to carve deeper the further away the logo gets from the light. If the front of the logo is leaning forward in the acrylic, it with catch more light across the whole logo.

[@beauhunt3132]

Loved this project. It makes me want to get a CNC router. Thanks so much.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Beau Hunt Thanks Beau! The cnc is fun and I keep finding uses for it, especially since my router table is not the greatest.

[@jamesgreensfww]

Love It Steve Looks Awesome

[@SteveCarmichael]

+James Green Thank you James!

[@rylch44]

Hey Steve is there any way you can link the specifics on the ebay purchase for the LED strips and power etc....?

[@SteveCarmichael]

+rylch44 Hi - You can search LED strip lights on ebay, but here is a link to the kit on Amazon too - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP4DUMU?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00BP4DUMU&linkCode=xm2&tag=thecarmwork-20

[@jonfromnj]

Question..i'd like to make a house number in similar fashion.. how deep did you engrave the acrylic? are their tricks to refracting more light into the etched area? THANKS - nice video.

[@SteveCarmichael]

Hey, I think it was only about .02". Just enough to scratch the surface. The only trick I've heard is to gradually engrave deeper from the bottom of the sight to the top so the light can hit it. I think that might be needed for larger signs. Thanks!

[@jonfromnj]

hey, thanks..makes sense..thx again.

[@WT7791]

Are you using any type of sanding around the edges to trap the light in? If so, all sides but where the light is?? Any thing you are using on the acrylic to make it shine like that?? Thank you in advance.

[@SteveCarmichael]

I sanded the edges with micromesh pads and tried to make them as clear as I could, especially the edge that sits on the lights. Just cleaned it with windex glass cleaner.

[@WT7791]

@@SteveCarmichael Does that make a big difference for how it lights up?

[@SteveCarmichael]

@@WT7791 I didn't do a before/after comparison. I just thought that making the edge as clear as possible would help the light shine through better to the engraving.

[@roychapman7646]

Like it Steve, just wish I had a CNC machine. Keep the videos coming😀

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Roy Chapman Thanks Roy!

[@spastroboy]

Hey mate. Looking to make one of these for a concept project. Looking for something on the cheaper entry end model at around $500. You have any recommendations?

[@SteveCarmichael]

You could get a Cricut and cut a vinyl template to put on the acrylic, then apply etching cream. Or, I think you can use a cheap laser engraver to do this. Or, maybe apply a vinyl template and sandblast it. I haven't tried these alternatives.

[@cgarrido1]

Is it possible to make this type of sign but with a battery pack? Wanting to make one that can be carried.

[@SteveCarmichael]

Sure! Search youtube and instructables...I'm sure someone has done it. Wonder how long the batteries would last. hmmm

[@robertjacquin]

If you frost the edges or rough them up a bit the light will show up a lot more on the words. It's a very cool sign nice work.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Robert Jacquin Thanks Robert. I cut the sign to size with the table saw so they are kind of rough. I might go over the edges with 80 grit sandpaper to rough them up some more.

[@robertjacquin]

+Steve Carmichael that should help out keeps the light from escaping just do it on the 3 sides that are exposed!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Robert Jacquin Ok cool! Yeah I did sand the bottom of it from 80 up to 12000 micro mesh grit so it would be clear for the lights to shine through.

[@robertjacquin]

+Steve Carmichael awesome job would like to see the results if you try it.

[@sickchickdesignz8022]

Did you ever find more power sources and remotes without having to buy more lights?

[@SteveCarmichael]

Yes, all the separate components are on ebay, so I bought extras of everything but the lights.

[@AwesomeWoodThings]

Love the pro-tip: have a cold beverage nearby for those long glue-up sessions. Got it! Great looking project too!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Awesome Wood Things Thanks! Yeah, don't forget the straw...that's the most important part.

[@mtemp2006]

Nice video buddy. Keep up the fun projects.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+mtemp2006 Thank you very much!

[@matt_williams1015]

Really cool project!

[@timothymcduffie2006]

I watched your video and I appreciate it I'm going to make me an LED glass sign. I got an LED ring light bar 8 and 1/2 inch long but it's almost an inch and a half wide. I might can take the LED light control board out of this plastic brain but I don't want to. Any help thanks

[@SteveCarmichael]

Hi Timothy! Sounds like you want to take the LEDs out of the ring light and repurpose them. If you can get them out without damaging, then might work out ok. LED strip lights are so cheap now and they have a remote for changing the colors, so that might result in a better outcome.

[@Wackywoodworks]

I am going to give it ago doing something like this by hand (since I don't have a cnc) to proove it can be done... I have done similar things in the past...

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Wacky Wood Works That would be awesome! Looking forward to it.

[@erike.erskine7648]

Wacky Wood Works use a pantograph with a router. that what i intend to try. 1/4 to 1/8 inch collett adapter with dremel bit.

[@muziqjazz]

Cool Steve. Very cool. Marc

[@lassehorsgard4332]

I really like that you always smils👍🏼

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Lasse Horsgård Well thank you. :o)

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

very nice! Looks great!

[@DaLastOne79]

How thick does the acrylic sheet have to be to do this ?

[@SteveCarmichael]

Hi Joe - I use 3/16" or 1/4". 1/8" would probably work ok since it's only scratching the logo into surface. Note that it must be CAST acrylic. (Home Depot and Lowes sell "Extruded" acrylic and that type just melts around the bit instead of engraving.) Search for Cast Acrylic on Amazon.com or Inventables.com

[@DesignBuildExecute]

Very cool, Steve!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Jason Rausch Thanks Jason!

[@mikecnelson]

Any reason you used shapoko rather than the x carve to etch the sign?

[@SteveCarmichael]

I don't remember for sure, but I think this was when I kept a 1/4" collet and bit in the x-carve, and a smaller collet and bit in the Shapeoko2. Saved me from having to change out collets and bits a lot.

[@whiteknight5951]

Great video, been going to do one of those, but just haven't took the time. Maybe now that you have done one, it will get me started. LOL Keep up the great work!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+William Johnson Thanks William! I started this project around April and just now made the base for it. lol

[@mfwoodshop]

Cool project

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Mike Fulton Thanks Mike!

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

The acrylic really made a mess on the CNC but the sign really turned out great. Nice job Steve!

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Saw Dust Maker Yep, Richard. It sure is messy just like turning acrylic pens. That's why I stick to wood pens. Thanks!

[@RobMitshi]

cool goings, nice work, cool video

[@mytechoftomorrow]

Do you know where I can get plexi or acylic for cheap? I checked Home Depot, but it didn't look as cheap as i would like.

[@SteveCarmichael]

This is where I would get it in Atlanta. Google a local place near you that can cut it to your specs. www.piedmontplastics.com/

[@SteveCarmichael]

They have lots of locations. Click Contact Us and ask them for a quote. www.piedmontplastics.com/locations

[@SteveCarmichael]

btw, home depot and lowes don't sell cast acrylic, only extruded which won't cut with a CNC. Also, try Inventables at www.inventables.com/categories/materials&ref=CarmichaelWorkshop

[@marlawhite3682]

Hey where u get the LED light strip? website?

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Marla White Hi Marla - You can find them on ebay, or here is an Amazon affiliate link if that's easier - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP4DUMU?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00BP4DUMU&linkCode=xm2&tag=thecarmwork-20

[@marlawhite3682]

Thanks!!!

[@davemackinder6518]

Where did u get ya cnc body

[@SteveCarmichael]

Inventables.com

[@stevecollins9450]

Very nice, Steve.

[@SteveCarmichael]

+Steve Collins Thank you Steve! It was fun!

[@snapjamwoodworks710]

Day care for adults... Now that's funny!! Always a pleasure Steve. Can you email imagination?

[@hakeemm3574]

WELL DONE & GOOD LUCK .

[@alexmaakt]

awesome. Very flashy