47 Issue 257 - February / March 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk There is no doubt that sign-makers are an incredibly talented group of people whose skills are sought after for all manner of applications. However, without the right tools for the job, these can create a whole host of problems for even the most skilled of sign-makers. For this reason, sign-making businesses, no matter their size or stature, should ensure they have not only the right tools for their employees to use but also high-quality and reliable solutions so that staff can produce the best work possible. Be it applying vinyl to a vehicle or producing a traditional sign, proper investment in specialist tools is crucial. Speaking with several suppliers of these tools and equipment, we find out more about their latest and most popular solutions. Consistency and Quality Up first to offer guidance is LKH Tools, a Nottingham-based CNC machine tools provider and consultancy to the industry. LKH Tools is the UK Distributor for Crown Norge tooling, which, manufactured in Switzerland, use the highest-grade European carbide. Liam Hodson, tooling and machine consultant at LKH Tools, says the biggest advantages of using quality tooling is the consistency, quality of cut, and tool life which is achieved. He expands: “Our customers know that when one of our tools needs replacing, the next tool will be of the same quality and geometry as the one it replaces. “Using lower quality tooling can mean differences from one tool to the next. Customers who choose these tools will have to adjust the machine settings for each tool, even though they are supposed to be the same and can then lead to inconsistent cut edges on the material.” These tools, Hodson says, will often lead to frequent replacement, interruption of the machine production, and possibly even secondary hand finishing once the cut has been completed. Another issue with lower quality tools is the balancing of the tool itself, with Hodson saying an un-balanced tool will create vibration during cutting, creating a poor cut edge, excessive noise, and shortened tool life. “In extreme cases, this will also damage the machine’s routing spindle bearings, leading to an expensive repair,” he says, adding: “In contrast, our customers have the confidence to simply replace the tool without having to change any machine CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOL A good workman never blames his tools, but a good workman should also use the best tools for the job. Here, Rob Fletcher picks out some of the latest and most popular solutions on offer to the sign-making market SIGN-MAKING TOOLS
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