Circleville Signs
New Member
Anyone know where I can find this? Need to do a site sign that is final sized at 8'x8' - they are insisting in the specs that it be 1 sheet (this is for a school construction site, and the specs are state issued).
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8'x8' MDO
- Thread starter Circleville Signs
- Start date
SignosaurusRex
Active Member
That right there should tell you something. :ROFLMAO:
8'x8' MDO.............no such beast
J Hill Designs
New Member
yep, thats rediculous
Circleville Signs
New Member
i thought so too - just wanted to be 100% certain that I hadn't missed something out there....lol
SignosaurusRex
Active Member
If they insist on one-piece, glue up your own with (4) 4'x8' sheets
J Hill Designs
New Member
2?
Gino
Premium Subscriber
The largest MDO board I've ever heard of was 6' x 12'. I don't think that's available anymore. I know 'special orders' are available in 5' x 10's.
Your set up would be two [2] pieces 4' x 8', either horizontal or vertical. For rigid stock, other than polys, I don't think anything will come that large. It's going to have to be pieced together.
Many years ago, we did a sign for a school which had similar specs.... one solid piece.... 4' x 16' We made it by before painting it, we knitted two MDO's together with biscuits and epoxy. After it dried, we sanded it down and then filled the seam with bondo and sanded it down again several times over, building it up gradually. Once it was completely even, we primed and painted top coats on it. While it was in the shop we were very careful. The trick came when trying to transport the sign. Never had that part figured into the cost. We got a trailer and made a pallet which wouldn't flex and wrapped the sign in a ton of blankets. We traveled about 12 miles and nothing happened to it. Got it up on the wall and again, nothing happened to it. It was on the wall and remained in fine condition until it was taken down some 20 years later. Looked good up til the very end. It was all gold leaf on a maroon background and the split still never showed through.
Get them to re-evaluate their dumb specs. You can't build something if it's not available.
Your set up would be two [2] pieces 4' x 8', either horizontal or vertical. For rigid stock, other than polys, I don't think anything will come that large. It's going to have to be pieced together.
Many years ago, we did a sign for a school which had similar specs.... one solid piece.... 4' x 16' We made it by before painting it, we knitted two MDO's together with biscuits and epoxy. After it dried, we sanded it down and then filled the seam with bondo and sanded it down again several times over, building it up gradually. Once it was completely even, we primed and painted top coats on it. While it was in the shop we were very careful. The trick came when trying to transport the sign. Never had that part figured into the cost. We got a trailer and made a pallet which wouldn't flex and wrapped the sign in a ton of blankets. We traveled about 12 miles and nothing happened to it. Got it up on the wall and again, nothing happened to it. It was on the wall and remained in fine condition until it was taken down some 20 years later. Looked good up til the very end. It was all gold leaf on a maroon background and the split still never showed through.
Get them to re-evaluate their dumb specs. You can't build something if it's not available.
Circleville Signs
New Member
Agreed Gino 
I quoted it as (2) 4'x8' horizontally tiled. They can get over it - or not. It's not that big of a job...lol.
I quoted it as (2) 4'x8' horizontally tiled. They can get over it - or not. It's not that big of a job...lol.signguy 55
New Member
Let me guess, they also insisted on 6" x 6" posts probably 4' in the ground, specified the size bolt and washer and nut size to be used and how many. Also they sent you a design for the sign, using a Helvetica font and told you everything from the size of the lettering to also how much space between the lines. Am I getting close?
Priced one of these a couple of years ago, had to be screenprinted, couldn't get the guy to understand the process of screenprinting is for large quantities of signs, not just one. I finally figured I could cut a mask and brush/roll the paint, never got the job, probably a good thing I didn't.
Had another spec sheet one time that had a sign design for like 50" x 99", I didn't even respond to that request, though I would have like to meet the architect on that one.
Priced one of these a couple of years ago, had to be screenprinted, couldn't get the guy to understand the process of screenprinting is for large quantities of signs, not just one. I finally figured I could cut a mask and brush/roll the paint, never got the job, probably a good thing I didn't.
Had another spec sheet one time that had a sign design for like 50" x 99", I didn't even respond to that request, though I would have like to meet the architect on that one.
Circleville Signs
New Member
You hit it on the head The line spacing is spelled out meticulously As is the bolt measurements. They at least spec'd out 4"x4" posts. Although they want 10' posts, which means we can only sink them 20" into the ground...for an 8'x8' sign...LOL. At least it's not screened - it's calling for vinyl.
The line spacing is spelled out meticulously As is the bolt measurements. They at least spec'd out 4"x4" posts. Although they want 10' posts, which means we can only sink them 20" into the ground...for an 8'x8' sign...LOL. At least it's not screened - it's calling for vinyl.
Circleville Signs
New Member
Yup I plan on using 12' posts and dropping them 40". Screw their specs...lol.
I plan on using 12' posts and dropping them 40". Screw their specs...lol.
Gino
Premium Subscriber
You should still get it approved by codes and call your 'call 800 dig' number. The school might've given you those specs, cause they know there are underground services or something else down there. Unless the school was built in 1903 and hasn't upgraded much.... there's a good possibility there's a lota chit down there.
Rick
Certified Enneadecagon Designer
I have gotten that spec before... the nimrod designer was looking at MDF and figured MDO had the same sizes.
I get this crap all the time. I actually have gotten a few clients off me asking questions by reviewing their specs before they go out to bid.
If this is an open bid, and IF there is an RFI (request for information) process built into it, you can have them specify the exact manufacturing spec or vendor equivalent for that panel. You might also request information on engineering for their inadequate posts... you have to spell out everything they miss, when it's time for install, you don't to get bit in the butt at engineering and/or inspection time.
Like Gino said, there may be services down there, that means a spread footing, 4" wood post may not engineer correctly, if there is frostline with a spread footing, you may need to add some other anchor to that.
I get this crap all the time. I actually have gotten a few clients off me asking questions by reviewing their specs before they go out to bid.
If this is an open bid, and IF there is an RFI (request for information) process built into it, you can have them specify the exact manufacturing spec or vendor equivalent for that panel. You might also request information on engineering for their inadequate posts... you have to spell out everything they miss, when it's time for install, you don't to get bit in the butt at engineering and/or inspection time.
Like Gino said, there may be services down there, that means a spread footing, 4" wood post may not engineer correctly, if there is frostline with a spread footing, you may need to add some other anchor to that.
Circleville Signs
New Member
I'm lucky on this one - there are no services down there. This is undeveloped farm land currently. Brand new schools being built. I imagine I will hook anchor into the 4"x4" and then concrete around the footer to the 10" line, then pack it above that with fill.
Si Allen
New Member
hahahahahahaaaaaaa .... Here is a recent example from a contractor that I have dealt wil for a number of years.
Hi! Mike ... I have been looking at the spec sheet for the temp site sign.
Do you want 2 signs?
No .... just one!
Ummm We have a problem! If I use the specs for the text, it will require 2 signs to get it all on!
Uh! OK! Then size it to make it fit.
Good! Then can I change the color? White letters on a white background is kinda hard to read.
Hahah! OK, use black letters.
Good! Now please tell me where I can purchase 4X10 sheets of 1 inch marine grade plywood.
Um not available?
Nope!
What can you suggest?
MDO is pretty much the best thing available.
OK
The sign will be one 4X10 and one 2X10 panels that will use panel clips between them when installed.
OK sounds reasonable.
By the way... this is a sign and not a run-away truck barrier! 6X12 posts 5 ft into the ground with 4X4 cross braces and 4X4 back braces 45° into the ground is a bit of over build for something that will be up 6 months and then used as a wheel barrow ramp.
What do you suggest?
Save a few Bucks and have your laborers plant 2 4X6s in the ground 4 ft deep and 6 ft apart .... I will deliver on site and they can nail them on.
OK! We need them before Friday!
Not possible ... will deliver them the following Thursday!
OK! That will be billed to PO number XXXXXX.
Hi! Mike ... I have been looking at the spec sheet for the temp site sign.
Do you want 2 signs?
No .... just one!
Ummm We have a problem! If I use the specs for the text, it will require 2 signs to get it all on!
Uh! OK! Then size it to make it fit.
Good! Then can I change the color? White letters on a white background is kinda hard to read.
Hahah! OK, use black letters.
Good! Now please tell me where I can purchase 4X10 sheets of 1 inch marine grade plywood.
Um not available?
Nope!
What can you suggest?
MDO is pretty much the best thing available.
OK
The sign will be one 4X10 and one 2X10 panels that will use panel clips between them when installed.
OK sounds reasonable.
By the way... this is a sign and not a run-away truck barrier! 6X12 posts 5 ft into the ground with 4X4 cross braces and 4X4 back braces 45° into the ground is a bit of over build for something that will be up 6 months and then used as a wheel barrow ramp.
What do you suggest?
Save a few Bucks and have your laborers plant 2 4X6s in the ground 4 ft deep and 6 ft apart .... I will deliver on site and they can nail them on.
OK! We need them before Friday!
Not possible ... will deliver them the following Thursday!
OK! That will be billed to PO number XXXXXX.
signcrafters london
New Member
We used to get a lot of jobs like this. They always called for 1" marine plywood (and always got 3/4" mdo).