Making a Back Lit LED Sign

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  • čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
  • This video is sponsored by Lightify. You can find the LED flex light strips here: amzn.to/1svjw9W or here low.es/1qyCVW0
    For a written tutorial check out my blog at wilkerdos.com/2016/05/diy-back...
    Facebook: / wilkerdos
    Instagram: / wilker_dos
    Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=257047
    Check out my awesome sponsor Triton Tools!:www.tritontools.com/en-US
    Things I Used in this Video:
    Acrylic Sheet/Plexiglass: goo.gl/1ws9uq
    Rotary Tool: goo.gl/ZU0wVO
    Bit for Filling in: goo.gl/TDBmvQ
    Bit for Outlining: goo.gl/ZKa8Tg
    Packing Tape: goo.gl/iwf5Qo
    Exacto Knife: goo.gl/RBf385
    Tongue and Groove Planking: goo.gl/GLM6jq
    Orange Push Blocks: goo.gl/oiiUNk
    Biscuit Joiner: goo.gl/EymdW6
    Glue: goo.gl/WDyNYO
    Glue Bottle: goo.gl/UKySpK
    Right Angle Squares: goo.gl/ObaeJn
    T-Track Table: goo.gl/dyDx2a
    Track Saw: goo.gl/n7nE50
    Brad Nailer: goo.gl/ixoKf8
    Drill: goo.gl/s8LPiJ
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Komentáře • 443

  • @laurakampf
    @laurakampf Před 8 lety +27

    nice, i think the random pattern of the background looks so much cooler than it would have looked with a "clean" layout. i will put that dremel trick in my backpocket-looks great!

    • @EduardoMotta
      @EduardoMotta Před 8 lety +1

      +Laura Kampf Great Laura!! I'm your fan too. You and April are great woodworkers.

  • @peterbradbury1592
    @peterbradbury1592 Před 8 lety

    Brilliant bit of artistry, just love the lighting effect. Thanks for sharing April.

  • @daniellalor6244
    @daniellalor6244 Před 8 lety +1

    A great project and a departure from your usual projects. I like seeing you utilizing fresh skills and mediums. Well Done.

  • @TheAnimystro
    @TheAnimystro Před 8 lety +1

    Loved the effect of the glowing etching, I'm starting to see this more and more often, and I love it!

  • @StamosTee
    @StamosTee Před 8 lety

    So cool. The whole process on the plexiglass and the final result is awesome.

  • @MrMarinemike1985
    @MrMarinemike1985 Před 8 lety

    April, I have loved watching your projects for while. They always give me good ideas. I've always wanted to try the etched class look but haven't yet. Although with some of my other projects I have found that covering the wood (whatever) with a layer of painter's tape, then gluing your stencil on the tape, you can then use your exacto knife to cutout both your stencil and tape leaving only the wood (whatever) you want to paint (etch) exposed. That way, with glass you don't have to worry about the refraction of your stencil through your class. In any case, great work! always enjoy your videos, and I look forward to trying this one out.

  • @BradleyMakesThings
    @BradleyMakesThings Před 8 lety +1

    Love how that came out, April! Made a similar sign for my father in law for Christmas with the Harley Davidson logo. Could change colors but didn't have the app control. That's pretty neat! Will have to check those out.

  • @bobheltibridle6023
    @bobheltibridle6023 Před 8 lety +1

    Very Nice!! I have done several LED projects all have been edge lit, FYI if you do edge lit put you design on the backside of the plexiglass it makes it jump out at you.

  • @jamesrash4060
    @jamesrash4060 Před 8 lety

    Love your resolution of the back paneling issue, I think it looks better with the random sizes....awesome project!

  • @nuttertube
    @nuttertube Před 8 lety

    The staggered pieces idea is genius! Thanks for the tip, and that sign turned out great.

  • @savionsmith7418
    @savionsmith7418 Před 8 lety +2

    Quick tip- if you recess the lights further behind the trim you can hide the individual led lights and the etched pieces/logo will shine on its own. You can also use translucent vinyl stickers, and they will still glow.

  • @RonWaller
    @RonWaller Před 7 lety

    April, awesome sign. Those light are really cool and can be used in all kinds of ways. Keep up the great work.

  • @PoissonDemiVide
    @PoissonDemiVide Před 8 lety +29

    I subscribed to your channel about a month ago. 7 yrs ago, I became a part time cashier at a big box home improvement retailer to pay for college, and my friends joked that I didn't even know how to use a hammer! A bit exaggerated, but I truly had no interest in tools, and spent my money on clothes and makeup (like girls are supposed to! 🤔) I started buying tools, because I was struggling for the first time in my life, living in a new state (moved from Chicago to Nashville) with no friends or family. I couldn't afford to buy cool things I saw in stores, or pay people to fix minor things. I'll never forget the look on my Dads face when I asked for a miter saw for Christmas 😀 I'm constantly searching for how-to videos, & learning how to use my new tools. I've never commented on a video, but thought I'd let you know how much your videos have taught and inspired me. Thank you for documenting your learning process. You make things simple, and highlight any mistakes, so we learn, too 👍

    • @AprilWilkerson
      @AprilWilkerson  Před 8 lety +10

      : ) Haha that's awesome, you go girl! Oh, and there is no reason why a women can't spend her money on both makeup and tools. I love shopping for clothes, fingernail polish, and ear rings but I can also spend a few hours walking around a tool store...so don't think it's an either or thing.

    • @sambennett5441
      @sambennett5441 Před 5 lety +1

      I grew up doing a lot of this stuff with my family and always felt "off" while at college out of state and I genuinely think I was more tool-sick then home-sick.

    • @CatherineSTodd
      @CatherineSTodd Před 4 lety

      @@AprilWilkerson : me, too! Tools are my favorite gifts or purchases, and girly things go a long way too. Love them both!

    • @CatherineSTodd
      @CatherineSTodd Před 4 lety

      @@sambennett5441: "tool-sick" - exactly!

    • @ravisrivastava9009
      @ravisrivastava9009 Před 2 lety

      Hi

  • @atechwhiz653
    @atechwhiz653 Před 8 lety

    Another awesome project. LED backlighting is the rage now. Nicely done!

  • @martinberry574
    @martinberry574 Před 8 lety

    Wonderful job April as usual. Great idea the possibilities are endless.

  • @bamafan4747
    @bamafan4747 Před 8 lety

    Very cool. I recently did something similar for a project of my own. I bought a can of frost spray and sprayed a few coats over my template. It shows up really well with the LEDs. It looks like I had it sand blasted.

  • @jason-ge5nr
    @jason-ge5nr Před 8 lety +5

    That random chop up the t and g board really worked out well with the stain.

  • @diyhuntress
    @diyhuntress Před 8 lety

    This looks insanely awesome. Totally adding this to my list.

  • @johnconklin9039
    @johnconklin9039 Před 8 lety

    Turned out very nice. I've always wanted to try something similar by sandblasting glass.

  • @69virgin1966
    @69virgin1966 Před 8 lety

    Awesome job April! I love your creative designs. Your imagination is unlimited. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I wonder if there isn't anything you can't do when you set your mind to it.
    Keep up the great work.
    Roy

    • @AprilWilkerson
      @AprilWilkerson  Před 8 lety +1

      : ) Thank you Roy, I'm glad you liked this one.

  • @TheFurrminator
    @TheFurrminator Před 8 lety

    This is awesome April, I can see a sign like this with my logo hanging in my shop really soon. I like the idea of placing the paper under the plexiglass, that would save the tedious step of using the knife to cut it out. Thanks for sharing.

  • @kraftybeard4272
    @kraftybeard4272 Před 8 lety +1

    Cool project :) I have seen sign makers use a special wax paper for a stencil and then sandblast the the material to etch it to get a similar effect. The rotary tool is a great DIY alternative!

  • @btrswt35
    @btrswt35 Před 8 lety

    Excellent idea with cutting the back pieces in random lengths! Looks really nice but also makes use of what materials you had on hand.

  • @darrannewman7113
    @darrannewman7113 Před 8 lety

    Great idea April, especially etching the sheet , i have a reel of those RGB's and i may have to put them to use.
    Thank you.

  • @abuubaydullah1
    @abuubaydullah1 Před 8 lety

    Clean simpleness with class is always impressive and this is OH! so impressive thank you for sharing April you've opend a new door for me thanks again

  • @MrSteppingstone888
    @MrSteppingstone888 Před 8 lety

    That is so cool, and the stained wood looks awesome, gees the lettering you picked out looks great !
    a lot of work and patience too. awesome job as always.

  • @ConorMakes
    @ConorMakes Před 8 lety

    another good build and I love the endings (out takes/funnies) they are cool keep them coming. Thanks for the videos

  • @mightaliphon5556
    @mightaliphon5556 Před 8 lety

    I'm from Mauritius. I always enjoy your vids and woodwork. Great and awesome. Keep it up.

  • @treppas
    @treppas Před 8 lety

    Looking AMAZING! What a great project.

  • @briarz101
    @briarz101 Před 6 lety

    Very well done, my kind of project. Picked up some good pointers there...thanx for that! Working w/ led and plexi here. Keep up the good work.

  • @braindamage730
    @braindamage730 Před 8 lety

    awesome build April looks great

  • @pramlochanadhara
    @pramlochanadhara Před 8 lety

    It's nice. I loved the LED device. Whatever you do it is amazing. I think he helps you lot. Love you April.

  • @rgj5555
    @rgj5555 Před 8 lety

    I'm going to use that idea to make something for my daughter, she would love it. you do great work and love watching your videos. keep it up .

  • @jcmakes5977
    @jcmakes5977 Před 8 lety

    The background turned awesome! Great project

  • @MattDiresta
    @MattDiresta Před 8 lety +2

    very cool. love the etching. love the lights! great job

  • @drock6335
    @drock6335 Před 3 lety

    That came out awesome incredible. Loving the fact that you know how to use those tools😎🤙🤙

  • @DenAndMug
    @DenAndMug Před 4 lety +1

    After building our own LED sign we had to check out what other people have done. This looks ace!! 😀

  • @masm60
    @masm60 Před 8 lety +2

    I never would have thought of cutting up the tongue & groove. Brilliant idea and it looks awesome.

    • @AprilWilkerson
      @AprilWilkerson  Před 8 lety

      Thanks!

    • @GamingDad63
      @GamingDad63 Před 8 lety

      +April Wilkerson - Could you have made the cuts a little deeper and in that way hid the LEDs more but still kept the letters illuminated? As they are now, the LEDs are somewhat visible and perhaps a little "distracting"

  • @NickOlympios
    @NickOlympios Před 8 lety +1

    Very nice project! It was probably intentional to leave the led strips visible, but black duct tape works wonders if one wants to avoid light leakage (preferably with deeper slots for the led strips). Also what I usually do is etch the inner side of the plexi, that way the front is smooth and easier to clean (less prone to collecting dust inside the etched letters as well). Obviously you'd need a mirror print of the stencil for that. Great stuff either way!

  • @bhamjoe
    @bhamjoe Před 6 měsíci

    Aww your hubby is a cutie pie… also I love the led sign. I’d love to make one for in front of my house as it’s kinda dark at night and delivery drivers always seem to miss the mailbox numbers.

  • @danterusso6354
    @danterusso6354 Před 8 lety

    Well done! I must say that I always enjoy your projects and watching the process. Dante'

  • @ovidiub13
    @ovidiub13 Před 8 lety +1

    That background is awesome. Great job!

  • @slimslo73254
    @slimslo73254 Před 8 lety

    I really enjoy your build! Makes me want to get in the shop.

  • @mhonferari
    @mhonferari Před 8 lety

    This is an amazing artwork. for the first time I'd seen a woman doing such things like a man can do which almost trimmed her way to do almost better than the other guys. Thanks for uploading one of a nice LED sign coming out with different colors with the complete details. Viewers should ever learned something about it, and try something about their home improvements for a better place to live just like me hoping to build my home more convenient and comfortable..

  • @Brew84drum
    @Brew84drum Před 8 lety

    Great idea... I have a similar set of those lights. Been contemplating on how to use them. Thanks for the idea!! Cheers!

  • @OneWoodAuwoodworking
    @OneWoodAuwoodworking Před 8 lety

    That looks great April I wonder if you could use one of those bits on a CNC for more detailed patterns

  • @MarkChristopherpens
    @MarkChristopherpens Před 8 lety +2

    Great looking project April. So sporting of Cody to give you a 'sip' before sending you back to work 😝

  • @LivefreeanddiyTv
    @LivefreeanddiyTv Před 8 lety

    I think you're the first person I've seen do an etched sign by hand (i.e. not with a CNC). Nice work! It came out great.

  • @Flexxima38
    @Flexxima38 Před 8 lety

    I just built a custom amp rack for my car with a plexi top and im wanting to light it up and i didn't know how i was going to make a custom etching in it now i know how im going to do it thanks for showing great tips and ideas

  • @eduardo123987
    @eduardo123987 Před 8 lety

    Very cool April. Congratulations!!

  • @MikeMerzke
    @MikeMerzke Před 8 lety

    Awesome sign! Those LEDs are pretty cool. I've only used the kind that come with their own remote but using a phone app is even better. You've got to love losing a bet you came up with... After all you're the artist! Keep up the good work!!!

  • @Beobout6
    @Beobout6 Před 7 lety

    Wow! Good looking and she knows her way around a wood shop!

  • @nordyfamily
    @nordyfamily Před 4 lety

    Great work, thanks for taking the time and sharing.

  • @Ian-os7kp
    @Ian-os7kp Před 7 lety

    Very clever !!! You did a great job.

  • @mtbmdk
    @mtbmdk Před 8 lety

    Second best yet, the family vid has my vote for best!

  • @TheBeerbelly007
    @TheBeerbelly007 Před 8 lety

    Another great project video April, you are getting very good at these---

  • @DavidStanton
    @DavidStanton Před 8 lety

    Well done April! Might have to make one for my workshop.

  • @williemakit8548
    @williemakit8548 Před 8 lety

    Awsome job April. Thanks for the idea,

  • @rneustel388
    @rneustel388 Před 7 lety

    I'll bet the Christmas gifts you give are phenomenal. People probably have a fit if they don't get something handmade!

  • @Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm
    @Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm Před 8 lety

    Great project! I may be making something similar for my Man Cave/Shop. It's just too cool!

  • @DeaconWoodworks
    @DeaconWoodworks Před 8 lety

    Nice sign. And I loved your choice in writing utensils! ✏️😜

  • @marksinden4156
    @marksinden4156 Před 8 lety +2

    Plexiglas has a couple of properties to be aware of.
    #1 - the material "crazes" if it's exposed to isopropyl alcohol - I found this out when cleaning off Sharpie marks on a chunk.
    #2 - it blunts cutting instruments such as saws pretty fast. I had to hand-cut a few sheets of 20mm (3/4") Plexiglas with a hand saw, and by sheet #3 it was pretty darn blunt.

  • @KSFWG
    @KSFWG Před 8 lety

    I like the idea! Looks very cool!

  • @slomatt
    @slomatt Před 8 lety

    Nice solution for making the shorter pieces of tongue and groove work on the back panel. Some of the other comments mention using a CNC router, sand blasting, or etching to create the letters. If anybody wants to create a similar effect with low effort you can also just use a can of frosted glass spray paint.

  • @Karaon
    @Karaon Před 8 lety

    that stain is gooood.
    Nice project and good recovery from the lack of material

  • @thecomputerplacesalesrepai4679

    Nice tools collection.....nice work!

  • @rutgerssander
    @rutgerssander Před 8 lety +1

    Nice! I like the idea of using acrylic instead of glass. Makes it a lot safer, cheaper and easier. Thanks for sharing! Regards from a fellow maker from the Netherlands.

  • @leemontgomery72
    @leemontgomery72 Před 8 lety

    yepp, another project added to the to-do list! Looks great!

  • @follevite8
    @follevite8 Před 6 lety

    Doing some similar lights that are battery operated. Thanks for the great tips!

  • @chuckcostello5167
    @chuckcostello5167 Před 8 lety

    This looks awesome. Great job

  • @joshuasturt4242
    @joshuasturt4242 Před 8 lety

    love the sign and love the painting

  • @shanewyrick7896
    @shanewyrick7896 Před 8 lety

    Awesome job! What kind of stain did you use? Excellent choice.

  • @ericcorse
    @ericcorse Před 8 lety

    That is pretty neat I like the way the random length boards seem to give it depth. Oh and I'm glad you told us what it said cause I would have puzzled over that.

  • @Thom4123
    @Thom4123 Před 8 lety

    Really cool project came out fantastic

  • @DIYCreators
    @DIYCreators Před 8 lety +1

    Looks awesome April :)

  • @TomofAllTrades
    @TomofAllTrades Před 5 lety

    Nice tutorial. I liked the LED product mentioned.

  • @kporter85db
    @kporter85db Před 8 lety +8

    The ending was very cute. And funny.

  • @MaxPowers
    @MaxPowers Před 3 lety

    Loved this video. Explained very well. Thanks

  • @TonyPham-Creations
    @TonyPham-Creations Před 8 lety

    Nice, April! I make alot of acrylic signs, have you thought about using the CNC router to do an "area clearance", maybe? Love the background!

  • @talladegadude4852
    @talladegadude4852 Před 8 lety

    LOVE the sign! Great job!

  • @larrykilpatrick6513
    @larrykilpatrick6513 Před 8 lety

    Looks really great! You could use cut vinyl from a sign company like Fastsigns instead of cutting out paper. Much easier, faster and gets you perfect letters!

  • @sleighbor
    @sleighbor Před 8 lety

    This is really awesome. I have to do this. Thanks for sharing!

  • @thomschulte9045
    @thomschulte9045 Před 8 lety

    April, I LOVE this project. Can you tell me the final dimensions of the plexiglass? Also, what about the dados you made for the plexiglass and back?

  • @chrisrivera4143
    @chrisrivera4143 Před 8 lety

    hi April you should check out the little pneumatic manual sand blaster from harbour freight to do the etching on glass or plastic and even wood. thanks and keep up the great work.

  • @CorgonCorgon
    @CorgonCorgon Před 8 lety +1

    Hi April, nice little project I like it . Look at the LEDs on right side they are three of LEDs faulty. It's clearly visible at 5:46.

    • @beargun42
      @beargun42 Před 8 lety

      Glad I'm not the only one noticing it. Three red LEDs aren't lighting up.

  • @abdulaahmed6143
    @abdulaahmed6143 Před 8 lety

    As always great job April.👍

  • @jerryrasheff3213
    @jerryrasheff3213 Před 5 lety

    excellent video, you've inspired me to make my own sign! thank you!

  • @shannoninalaska
    @shannoninalaska Před 4 lety

    You rock girl! Thank you for the great tutorial. Great job!

  • @RobotJustice
    @RobotJustice Před 8 lety

    This looks great! If that's an outlet under the sign that it's plugged into, you could probably run an extension inside the wall and have an outlet directly behind the sign very easily.

    • @AprilWilkerson
      @AprilWilkerson  Před 8 lety

      Yep, I fully plan to do just that. : ) Just ran out of time for the sake of the video.

  • @stormking7763
    @stormking7763 Před 8 lety

    It looks great. I might end up doing something similar now.

  • @veesee9747
    @veesee9747 Před 7 lety

    You are awesome April!

  • @MrFoufou81
    @MrFoufou81 Před 8 lety

    Super idée April !! Je vais essayer !

  • @GeorgeLeite
    @GeorgeLeite Před 8 lety

    Great solution for the backboard. Cutting them random sizes looked great. And that's the same color as my TV room. Nice choice. :)

  • @BruceAUlrich
    @BruceAUlrich Před 8 lety

    The sign looks great! And that was funny at the end.

  • @WoodenCreationz
    @WoodenCreationz Před 8 lety

    Looks very nice!!!

  • @DigitalSwagg
    @DigitalSwagg Před 8 lety

    Super cool idea love it!

  • @rgj5555
    @rgj5555 Před 8 lety

    awesome project

  • @WinstonMakes
    @WinstonMakes Před 8 lety

    Did you consider using a sand blaster/air-eraser to do the etching? I've had a lot of success using that on glass, with masking tape as the stencil.

  • @EduardoMotta
    @EduardoMotta Před 8 lety

    Very cool!!!!! Congratulations.

  • @jas8256
    @jas8256 Před 8 lety

    Great concept ... You could use the lights and trim around your ceiling for a cool effect ...