Each time we sit down to design a sign or feature, we also want to address some critical logistical questions. The design is of utmost importance, but we also need to know which materials, or combination of materials, we will use. That, along with how the sign or feature is to be mounted, in turn determines how we will design the internal structure and where the structural lift points will be located. The next question is how we will position the piece to work on it comfortably and efficiently. The final question is how we will secure and transport the often fragile pieces, for thousands of miles.
For the Downey’s signs, we built a custom steel pallet and welded on some steel brackets. The sign mounting plates will securely bolt to these welded plates. There is also an internal steel frame laminated inside the sign with two HSS steel tubes sticking out the back of each sign to keep the signs in place during construction, in transport and on the building in its final home. Even if a couple of tough fellows weighing in at 300 lbs each decided to do simultaneous chin-ups to impress their significant others, the sign should stay securely bolted to the heavy-duty 8” x 10” timber on which it is fastened. The final step in our design/fabrication is to locate pockets for the dolly wheels to slide into so we can easily roll it around our shop. These wheels drop off when we lift the frame onto the truck, so we can reuse them on the next project. A little planning goes a long way to make our projects go smoothly through the building process and safely to our customers.
