HAND CUT LETTERS & LOGOS
Prior to the invention and use of automated CNC cutting machines, our dimensional letters and logos used to be all cut out by hand. Simco maintained 25 standard fonts for clients to choose from, in sizes ranging from 4" to 30". Each font had to have a template (a master wood pattern used for repeat cutting) for each individual letter of the alphabet. This meant a template had to be made for every size, every upper and lower case letter, numbers, and punctuation in each font. There were also additional templates for various graphics, background panels, and decor items. Until converting to all CNC machines, Simco had approx. 19,000 'stock' templates, and close to 25,000 additional custom templates for hand cutting!
For non-standard work (custom logos, graphics, alphabets and/or sizes not part of our standard offering) we had to create a new master template for each unique letter/logo. This was a laborious process that involved multiple steps to create the necessary pieces for custom fabrication. Custom Color Graphics also had to be screen printed (with 1 screen for each color), as digitally printed vinyl was yet to be an option.
With templates in hand, Simco had skilled craftspeople utilizing inverted routers, pin routers, scroll saws, and bandsaws to hand cut our dimensional letter products, depending upon the material.
Sears Craftsman Shop (1" Thick Painted Foam Letters).
3/4" Thick Gatorfoam Letters (WAWA) and 1/2" thick Gatorfoam Letters (Gum & Candy).
Wine Shop and Soda (1" Thick Painted Foam Letters).
Boeing Vertol (2" Deep Custom Hand Cut/Hand Welded Fabricated Aluminum Letters)
Dairy (Combination of ¾" and 1" thick Painted Foam Graphics/Background Panels/Letters).
QVC Network (1/4" thick Black Acrylic Panel with screen printed gold lines, and 1" thick Metal Laminated Gatorfoam Letters/Logo).
QVC Money Prize Wheel (Painted Wooden Wheel with 3/16" Painted Gatorfoam Money Prize Inserts).
QVC Grand Prize (Painted Wooden Wheel with 3/16" Painted Gatorfoam Prize Inserts).
Pizza at the Patio (1" Thick Painted Foam Letters).
Merchants Green Stamp Gift Center (3/4" Thick Painted Foam Letters and Screen Printed Plaque).
Deli & Bakery (Combination of 1/2", 3/4", and 1" thick Painted Foam Graphics/Background Panels/Letters, with Screen Printed Graphics).
Combination of 1/2", 3/4", and 1" Foam Lettering/Background Panels/Photographic Plaques, with Custom Photographic Enlargement Inserts.
Plants and Pet Supplies (1" Thick Painted Foam Letters and Graphics).
Food Fair Seafood department sign (1/4" Thick Wood Letters and Custom Multi-Dimensional Painted Wood Graphics).
Smoked Meats (1/2" Thick Painted Background/Letters/Graphic).
Snack Shack letters 1" Thick Painted Foam Lettering; Plaques and Smaller Lettering 1/2" thick Painted Foam.