John,

I too was approached to make such a plaque but as my engraving skills are somewhat lacking I chose to decline.

I have a sad feeling the preponderance of non ferrous metal plaques in Jubilee and memorial woods is likely attract the wrong kind of visitors and I would therefore be inclined to consider a non metallic alternative such the plastic laminate of the type that has been engraved by sign makers for many years now. Such a plaque would perhaps not be as attractive as a polished metal one but at least the material would not deteriorate in the elements and would have little attraction to thieves.

On the subject of protective laquer I have in the past protected unpainted metal with the clear acrylic top coat from two part car paints, this is very easily available, seems to adhere well to most materials, has a high gloss and is very hard wearing.

Ian.

Most engraved plates here are done in stainless, bonded on to what ever and screwed as well, but bronze/ brass, even attached that way seem to disappear, and thats in a rural area. The Corian sounds like a good wat to go, anything with no scrap value. Ian S C

John, as a long time engraver I would recommend the Coriann sheet as a base and to fill the lettering use cellulose paint in whatever colour you want.

Then I would spray all over with an Acryilic spray that they use on circuit boards.

There are Laminates wwith various interleaved colours that can be engraved through to the one underneath, for instance Black sheet with a white underlay that shows when engraved through.

I found Hindleys.com and their price for coloured laminate is good.

Clive

Edited By Clive Hartland on 24/05/2012 15:21:12

Wood ? Corrian is plastic

From what I can find out acutting speed from 12000 to19000 rpm, with a feed rateof 1.5 to 3 inch per sec. If getting things wet is no problem, a spray of soapy waterwill help, or keep the nozzel of the vaccuum cleaner close to the cutter. The warning is to make chips, not dust. Wear a dust mask.

Ian S C