• Wood signs can be constructed and installed with a variety of carpentry tools.winery image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Wooden signs can be constructed using a variety of carpentry tools. Knowing which tools work best for what application can prove the difference between a professional looking sign and another roadside attraction. Power tools, such as the router, take some time to work with effectively. It's a good idea to practice routing the design of your sign on scrap wood before beginning the final sign.
  
  

Measuring and Marking Tools

• A good sign requires accurately laid out script and design aspects. You can choose to either print out your design from a computer drawing program or draw it by hand. To transfer the design to the sign's wood, trace the drawing or printout onto carbon paper before rubbing the design to the wood. A tape measure, set square, level and compass all help when designing a wooden sign.
  
  

Saws

• Saws are used when cutting out the shape of the wooden sign. Power saws like the circular and table saw work best for straight or angled cuts. For curved forms or cutouts, band saws, jigsaws and smaller hand saws work well.
  
  

Routers

• The router tool is used with different-shaped routing bits to cut out material from the sign's face. It can also be used to create decorative edges on the corners of the sign. The router tool combined with a straight bit is ideal for cutting out letters and numbers from the sign's face.
  
  

Sanders

• Power sanders remove wood quickly and effortlessly from the surface of your sign but cannot sand detailed or hard-to-reach areas. For detailed work, sheets of sandpaper are used to smooth the cut or routed wood. Wood should always be sanded in the direction of the length of its grain to avoid scratch marks on its surface.
  
  

Paints and Finishing Materials

• A wooden sign can be painted or stained to improve its attractiveness or effectiveness. These coloring and protective finishing materials can be applied in detailed sections or over the entire surface of the sign. Water-based paints like latex dry quickly and are best applied with synthetic-bristle brushes. Oil-based paints, stains and varnishes take longer to dry and are best applied with natural-bristle brushes. Stains and varnishes can also be applied with rags, sponges and pads to give the sign a textured or antique look.
  
  

Hanging Hardware and Installation Tools

• Electric screwdrivers and hanging hardware are used to mount and install signs. Screws, bolts, hooks, brackets and other forms of hardware should all be galvanized to resist rusting in the elements. For signs that will sit for long periods of time in harsh weather, hardware can be countersunk into the wood and covered with wood or plastic plugs or caps to help protect it.