Arboretum Sign Markers

[pajoube]

I will be developing a parcel of land with my new PowerTrac this coming summer. As I will be growing many varieties of grasses I have a need to identify by using the small plastic engraved signs by each type of grass.
Does anyone know who I can contact regarding the purchase of a machine new or used? I would prefer a low end, as the computer driven types are very pricey.
PJ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Go on Ebay and search for Engravrer.
New Hermes are the best, giving you variable ratio to the font used. You'll also need a font.
Since the invention of computer driven engravers, the older manually operated ones are relatively inexpensive.
You could also consider an inexpensive thermal tape printer that makes plastic lables. they will last at least 1 season.

 

[pajoube]

Franz,
Appreciate your help.
You probably have seen the type of plastic sign that I am looking to make. It is about 4 inches by 4 inches held up by a metal stake to identify plants. I believe it is a two ply plastic piece that you would engrave on using a pre-selected font.
We would be doing approximately 1,000 per year.
PJ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Before you get too far down the road, you might want to search for web sites for both New Hermes & Scott engravers.
New Hermes is a superior machine, at least for me, as Scott is a fixed ratio pantograph, and requires you to own more Fonts.
There are several types of engraving material available, from Formica to vinyls. Scott used to offer the best price on 2 ply Vinyl. You also need to investigate how resistant the material will be to UV solar deterioration.
Formica is a lot tougher on the cutters than vinly is, so if you can use vinyl, it will probably offer more bang for the buck. Formica is also difficult to cut to size and edge (saw) where vinyl can be cut with a large paper cutter, or utility knife.
There is a learning curve, so plan on it.
You can also do a lot of edging with a piece of sandpaper glued down to a table or board.

 

[pajoube]

Franz,
Thanks again for your help. I have looked at Ebay and found a number of machines available including New Hermes and Scott. As far as blanks go, I was considering buying pre-cut blanks, as all of my signs will be the same size (for the most part). I need a sign to hold up in the cold/hot weather for at least two years. The other part that I need to find is the metal stake to attach to the back. I assume there are manufactures out there that cater to the arboretum trade but so far have heard of only one company - H Square. Don't know much about them as yet.
PJ

 

[hazmat]

<font color=blue>my new PowerTrac</font color=blue>

Time to update your profile

Why not ask the experts (besides TBN) where to get the metal stands

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.plantations.cornell.edu/>Cornell Plantantions</A><font color=red> GO BIG RED</font color=red>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/>Arnold Arboretum</A> Hahvahd sucks! but they got some nice trees in Jamaica Plain

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Geez Haz, one could almost draw the impression you attended NY's land grant college.
Why ask on TBN? Well, it is the internet's most eclectic knowledge base, and veritable cornucopia of little known facts & techniques.
Now I gotta hope the wiff don't read this, or she will be conflicted, Penn MSNc & Cornell Master Gardner Program and all.

 

[hazmat]

<font color=blue>Geez Haz, one could almost draw the impression you attended NY's land grant college.</font color=blue>

Yup Engineering College Class of '97

<font color=blue>Why ask on TBN? Well, it is the internet's most eclectic knowledge base, and veritable cornucopia of little known facts & techniques.</font color=blue>

Agreed/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif Hopefully the links help Paul out.

 

[pajoube]

hazmat
Thanks for the links, have contacted both for information.
This has been a very interesting subject for me. Completely new to the engraving subject but know the end product we are looking for. Our arboretum will be small and five plus years in the making. Will be using the PT to develop the land (PT purchase coming in early summer of 2003) along with maintaining.
PJ