Sand-blast sign-making apparatus

Abstract

A sand-blast sign-making apparatus for forming a plurality of horizontally extending and alternating grooves and peaks on the planar front surface of a degradable blank of synthetic substrate material having a non-degradable stencil removably applied thereto. The grooves and peaks are formed in the portions of the blank surrounding the stencil and are intended to simulate a naturally weathered or sand-blasted piece of wood with the peaks representing the hardest grains in the wood. A sand-blast hose is supported upon a carriage assembly which is movable simultaneously in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The hose is directed at the blank and a grille having a plurality of stock blades positioned in spaced, parallel planes is positioned between the hose and the blank. The grille is at least as high as the blank and is attached to and movable in the horizontal direction with the carriage assembly such that the sand-blast stream is directed through the spaces between the blades in the grille before it impinges upon the blank. As such, the sand passing through the spaces between the blades forms horizontally extending and spaced grooves in the blank which align with the spaces in the grille. The spacing between each blade and the thicknesses of the blades vary to more closely simulate the grains in a real piece of wood which has been naturally weathered or sand-blasted.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.