Hello, and welcome to my channel. My channel is about my experiences in my job as the Napa County Sign Man. I created this channel to show how traffic signs are made and just what goes in the behind scenes of the world of traffic signs.
On my channel I take you through my day to day activities in making traffic signs and what is involved in maintaining them. You can find many helpful tips and tricks on making traffic signs. Once in a while toss in some special videos that have nothing to do with traffic signs, like "Cook'in with the Sign Man"
I was born in the Napa Valley, where I have lived all of my life. I work for the County of Napa in the traffic sign shop. It is a rewarding job that I very much enjoy. I started this channel to show somebody how I make a traffic sign. From there I started to get more subscribers and more requests on how to make various signs. Follow me as I take you on my journey in the world of traffic signs.
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how much per sign? looks like a lot of work. Surprises me that road signs are made by small businesses. I think in my country it's a big company who makes them all
@@velocityfpv5231 These are made by the County in our sign shop
Bob, where are you getting your sign blanks from?
Mostly from Zap Manufacturing in Glass Valley California
Hi there Bob, Your videos are really informative. Glad to come across them. I’m preparing to buy a hp365. My shop currently plots everything and are looking forward to the abilities of printing. What factors come in to play when deciding whether to print onto reflective or apply transparent films atop the reflective? Also, when printing the red on the reflective, is the ink set to a specific transparency? Thank you in advance. Keep up the great videos!
I will use the printer when I have more than one signs to make. The color profile I use does a great job on the red ink. It is the traffic colors I use to print all the traffic signs.
Thank you Bob. Curious, do you ever print then transfer to your Graphtec?
@@steveg5928 No. I have separate files for the printer and the cutter.
We just bought the 48 inch highway handyman roller with the pre mask attachment. Looks identical to step 3. Awesome vidro
Where can I get a book with the measurements of the street signs ,construction signs etc?
This web site has a lot of sign specs. www.trafficsign.us/
How are you liking your table? I am going to be getting one myself here in a week. I am really a one man shop and this will increase the overall process a lot I am thinking.
@@kevssignsngraphics It’s definitely a game changer. A lot more productive. I can handle signs much more bigger.
@@BobTheSignMan thanks for the reply! Anything to share that has helped you since you have it for a while now, meaning anything you learned that could be helpful.
That would be perfect for a mowing crew.
Fast set up! I really like mine.
Did you have to screw the cutting mat to your table? We just purchased one for our work table and was wondering how to keep it in place
@@gregdpw I did screw down the cut mat when I had a wood top table. Now that I have a new application table with a glass top it stay put without have to screw it down. Also it would be impossible with a glass top anyway.
That's a fantastic monster of a squeegee system. Love it. How much and where can I get one? But how do you keep graphics center on the panels?
The cost is around 14 thousand dollars. Once the roll is in the down position the graphic stays in place.
good fix bob, too bad it adds to the cost by using the transfer tape, not to mention the extra step...oh well
It is extra work. But I have so much extra transfer tape that is going bad(harder to work with), so I put it to use. Lesson learned, use the pre-mask. I my experience there is always some kind of work around. When these three rolls are gone, no more 1160 unless it is pre-masked.
@@BobTheSignMan i agree...
Hay Bob im the supervisor for caltrans district 8 sign crew we have just purchase a new sign shop and were about 75% up and running we went with the Avery printer along with a sumo cutter and the table and the Laminator im learning just watching your videos keep up the good work and keep up with the videos im using your video to train myself were new to making signs.
@@cowboyblk1 There is a learning curve. I struggled when I first started. Try visiting some local agencies in your area and see what they are doing. We welcome any government agencies at our shop.
We use 1170C works good for us
@@kengray251 I have been using it but wanted to add graffiti guard too. I did find a walk around for the 1160ia. I usually close the loading try but this time I forgot. I noticed it a few minutes later and shut it.
Close the loading tray on the printer
We use 1160i sometimes. It's great stuff, but the non premask version really is only useful if you have an automatic heat assist laminator. We use the 1160i with the premask when laminating with our application table - makes our job a LOT easier! Definitely get the 1160i with premask next time!
@@Soccerdude7330Official Great advice, thank you.
iv'e had that thin film and i don't care for it either...i have a few wrinkly stop signs out there...usually my guest helpers made them but we will survive...
Buenas noches, tengo una micro empresa de señalización vertical en Quito, Ecuador y trabajo para algunas instituciones del país, estoy agradecido por subir estos videos sobre señales verticales, me puede ayudar con su correo para enviarle los trabajos que he realizado?
I´m Vicente Rubio, regards from Quito, Ecuador.
When laminating like you are doing, for thin laminate, I only unroll enough that it stays on the roller (12" or so, where you started with closer to 18-20") for the starting pass. Static will keep it straight on the roller. Rolling the other way isn't an issue at that point since you aren't taking the liner off. I also generally start from the end so I can pull the liner back without reaching over the table. I find it easier to keep the lam on the roller without moving it around.
@@kkoors Thanks. I’ll try that. This is the first time I’ve used this thin material.
Do you have any advice for restoring TTC signage thats been scratched? Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Depending on bad they are scratched I cover the damaged area with the same color sheeting. I sometimes make they area of the base sheeting and the legend on top. Example: a corner of a speed limit signs I make the area that was damaged and cover it with the patch. If the color is faded I just remake the new sign.
@BobTheSignMan Great tips. I'm in the field currently and looking for a possible way to fix scratches from sliding them in and out of the sign rack. Do you think a buffing compound would be a good temporary fix?
@@denniscampbell118 I store mine face to face, that way the blank side wont touch on the finished side. This helps with keep scratches down to the minimum. Also I started using the premask 3M 1160i. This is for printed signs. It has both ultra sunlight protection to keep sun from fading the ink and also a graffiti guard all in one. I just leave the premask on for a short time though. I mostly make my signs as I need them, leaving the premask one for a long time makes it harder to peel off. As far as buffing compound goes signs are not like a vehicles finish so I don't think that is a good option. But hey, you never know. I have just never tried that. Sounds like you have the same problem I have, traffic sign OCD! I want all my signs looking in tip top condition!
@BobTheSignMan even better tips. I'll give the compound a shot and get back to you. I'm a neat freak for sure but my current inspectors must have it out for me since I keep telling them their wrong and refer them to the MUTCD. They're used to being on the structural side of things and haven't spent much time on the road.
Hey Bob, what width reflective sheeting & overlay film do you use the most of ? I will be making mostly -Stop signs , turn lane signs , bike lane signs , street name signs , object markers , end of road markers , temporary, construction signs, swippp signs .
I mostly use 24", 30" and 36" wide 3M DG3 sheeting.
Where do you get your metal signs it
I buy most of my my blanks from Zap Manufacturing in Grass Valley California.
@@BobTheSignMan OK thank you
@@BobTheSignMan do they have a online shop
Bob, I watch your videos for all your tips and tricks building signs (and how to best set up your shop) and I really appreciate this video on digital file transfer and storage. Very nice. Thanks!
I’m always looking for simple fixes. Life doesn’t have to be complicated.
What version of flexi do you use? We have version 8. Just got a new computer and looking to upgrade to the latest vwrsion
I use Flexi 21
@@BobTheSignMan do you think all my pre loaded street signs that we paid for 20 years ago will transfer over to the flexi 21?
@@gregdpw I have sign files we bought 15 years ago and they do open in Flexi. If they open now in your current Flexi they should open in a newer version.
nice and simple...
I’m not a lazy guy, but simple is what I like.
Can you make street name signs with this printer ? white letters on green background . Im interested in adding this service to my business .
Yes you can. You just print the green over white material. We and color logos to our street signs too.
Hi Bob great informative video.I want to Start my own business sign. Try only
We just ordered a APC 2200VA UPS for the new TrafficJet we are getting. That will keep us going until the generator kicks on and transfers.
luckily my shop is within public works building and we have a generator that runs the whole building. we have gone 3 to 4 days on the generator in the past...
A lot do. Mine happens to be in a 1963 tin building. For years I had a little portable generator that could a few things at a time. It was a major pain. We use to buy signs and it was ok for a time. But now we need the power to make signs. Most government agencies have backup generators, I know of many who don’t.
Just to note, you said “sing” in title 😂
I sing a lot to myself in the shop. 😂
This is great! Can you send me some up close pictures and measurements of your bracketing on how you made the application tape holder?
We no longer have this table. I got rid of a few years age when we got our new application table. I remember I used 1” square tubing and drilled a 1/2” hole and just use conduit to run through the application tape. Drill a hole through the conduit and put a bolt through to hold in place.
Hi Bob! I love watching your videos and after getting decent amount of knowledege from your videos I was wondering how to get the sign library. And how can I contact you. I am currently located in India and starting the signage work with the help of your videos. I am still learning. I was hoping to get in touch with you and ask some queries which I have.
[email protected]
nice product, bob. i can see why you like them...
I wish we used these, they look light weight.
Your sign library, is it supplied by flexisign as an additional cost?
Flexi does have one. Many others sign suppliers also have them. They run on the average about 2000 dollars.
o, the ever troublesome yield signs...good job bob
I’m not sure yet if I got lucky or it’s the correct way. But I’m going with this hack.
@@BobTheSignMan if it works, go with it...
Why he look like Kevin from home alone
Me when I get roasted
Show us how you make them
Abushit😂😂
yet another reason that you cant just hand over the sign department to just anyone...
it's always nice to figure out some advanced features...
But they aren't
Where do you get the stickers or vinyl?
We buy the materials and then make our own.
@@BobTheSignMan Sorry, I probably wasnt clear. Where do you get the materials? Unless you make your own reflective stickers? My city has lot of problematic signs and I would like to repair them.
@@razawarrior I mostly buy from Zap Manufacturing in Grass Valley California. I’m in Northern California so shipping is that much. Newman signs in S Dakota has good prices too, and shipping isn’t that bad.
@@BobTheSignMan I'm in central California, Hollister. Small city growing but overgrowth, signs and trash are overlooked. I'm just doing my part and I appreciate the help Sir. Thank you.
@@razawarrior This company is right in your area. I’ve bought from them. Try Zap, their prices are great. www.safetynetworkinc.com/traffic-control/contact/
A b*******
😂😂😂 Bady
He’s trying to say bullshit
Fr
You cute little boy and that's no bullshit.
Who raised this kid😂