This is not a particularly original technique, but I’ve applied it in some ways that generate interest, so I’m writing it up here.
As an art project, I wanted to do a series of plaques with literary themes - specifically, great first and last lines from novels. I played with 3D Engrave, but it wasn’t creating the effect I was looking for. I tried some things with a base layer and cut letters glued on top, but didn’t want to comprehend the hell of alignment that would bring.
For another project, I was researching kerf and the thought struck me: I can use the standard SD Engrave to create a “trough” for my to-be-set letters if I make a pass on the first layer after expanding my text’s path by a point (I use Illustrator).
These are fantastic. I used a similar technique when making a sign for my house. Carving out a spot for the letters to sit in really helps with the alignment, as you say.
Very nice! I like your design eye and think these are very nicely done.
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I’ve also done some signage like this, but I’m really liking your twist on it, especially adding the graphic to the background! For mine I had actually engraved into the base like you, but also engraved the back of the words and had mirrored them for the cuts. Here’s an example of mine:
I started doing it with keychains so that the words didn’t stick out, but like I said, yours are actually visually appealing the way you’ve been doing them!
really cool work - I’ll give that technique a shot.