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You can make a simple edge-lit sign from an acrylic offcut, scrap wood, a salvaged bracket and a compatible 12V linear LED strip. Scratch straightforward lettering into the acrylic with a printed template and a razor blade, then align its edge over the strip so light enters the panel and catches the marks. The featured build, reported by Tom Nardi at Hackaday on April 22, 2022, uses reclaimed materials and does not require a laser or CNC router for simple text.
What you need
Start by checking what you already have. In the reported build, the acrylic is the sign face, scrap wood supports the light, and a rusty angle bracket from an old Meccano set holds the panel over the strip. The LED strip and a matching power source are the parts you may need to find if they are not in your scrap supply.
- Acrylic offcut: clear acrylic suitable for a sign face. The featured panel has text scratched into it; the report does not specify its dimensions or thickness.
- 12V linear LED strip: the featured sign uses a continuous line of light rather than separated LED points.
- Scrap-wood base: carries the LED strip and gives the panel support.
- Angle bracket or other upright support: holds the acrylic edge in position over the light. A reclaimed bracket is one option, not a required part.
- Compatible power supply: choose one that matches the selected strip’s voltage and current requirements. The Hackaday report does not identify the supply used.
- Printed lettering template and razor blade: the low-equipment marking method for simple text.
A base or enclosure can also hide the LED strip and wiring. Full Spectrum Laser’s Edge Lit Acrylic Light project uses a base for that purpose, while a separate Hackster project documents a plywood enclosure with support brackets. Those are optional ways to tidy or protect a build, not requirements for the improvised sign.
How to assemble the sign
- Mark the acrylic. Print text sized to suit the panel and align the template with the area you want to mark. Scratch the lettering into the acrylic with a razor blade, following the template steadily. The Hackaday example uses a display-style font suited to hand cutting.
- Attach the LED strip to the wood. Arrange it so the panel’s lower edge can sit over the light. The reported build uses a 12V linear strip mounted on the scrap-wood base.
- Fit the support. Attach the salvaged angle bracket, or another suitable upright, so it holds the acrylic at the strip’s center line.
- Align the panel edge with the light. Position the acrylic so light enters its edge. The etched marks scatter the light and make the text visible.
- Connect a compatible supply. Follow the strip maker’s wiring and power requirements. Check that the supply matches both the strip voltage and its current needs before powering it.
The project report does not give measured brightness, strip length, current draw, exact dimensions or a tested comparison between lighting setups, so treat the layout as a construction example rather than a performance specification.
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#1 Best Overall
- Package Includes: each set includes 24 pieces of transparent acrylic boards and 24 pieces of 3D night LED light lamp holders, with 24 pieces charging cables and 24 pieces remote controls; The quantity is enough for you to use as a daily decoration, night light or as a gift for your family and friends
- 16 Color Changing and 4 Modes: the acrylic light base are equipped with portable remote control, which has 16 static color light and 4 modes (flash, strobe, fade, smooth), touch the switch or use the equipped portable remote control to control the change of colors and choose different flashing modes, bright colors can better display the acrylic art
- USB and Battery Powered: the 3D night LED lamp base has 2 power supply methods, which can be powered by the 3 AA batteries (not included) that fit into the bottom of the base, or use the included USB cable to power, which is convenient and effortless to use
- DIY Crafts: the sheet is made of 4mm thick quality acrylic with good scratch resistance, which is good for engraving, using the sculpting pen or brush, you can create different style pictures on this transparent acrylic plate; Please tear off the protective film on both sides of the acrylic board before use to achieve better effect
- Wide Application: 3D night LED light lamp base can be applied to make your DIY acrylic artwork, applied as beautiful home decoration or wonderful gift for friends and family; And can also be applied as a special night light to make the room warm and dreamy, suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, bars, shops, cafes, restaurants, offices and so on
Choose a marking method for the artwork
Simple lettering: template and razor blade
For a word or blocky lettering, the hand-scratched method avoids the need for a laser or CNC machine. It depends on careful alignment and a steady hand. As Hackaday writer Tom Nardi notes, more complex images may call for something like a CNC router; the same limitation applies to intricate lettering or calligraphy.
More elaborate designs: rotary tool, CNC or laser
For artwork that is difficult to scratch by hand, Adafruit’s LED Acrylic Sign guide describes laser engraving, CNC milling and a handheld rotary tool with an engraving bit as alternatives. Full Spectrum Laser’s project uses vector cutting and engraving. These methods require access to the appropriate equipment and, in the case of a laser, a suitable machine and safe operating procedure; none is necessary for the featured hand-marked text.
Rank #2
- DURABLE. Signs are made from 118 mil thick acrylic and can withstand abuse. Sign's message is directly printed on the material providing extra durability.
- PROJECTING SIGN. Signs are noticeable in both directions. In an emergency, makes it easy to locate first aid equipment, evacuation routes and exits. Signs are suitable both indoors and outdoors.
- EASY TO INSTALL. Signs have a flange with pre-drilled holes for easy installation. Projecting signs come with mounting kit for fast installation. All signs include screws and adhesive tape.
- SIGNS ARE GREAT AREA MARKERS. Some spills can be highly dangerous and lead to injuries so post this Spill Response Kit Sign so it can be found immediately.
Available acrylic or purpose-made light-guide stock
A suitable clear acrylic offcut keeps the project centered on reuse. Adafruit also describes light-guide acrylic with light-diffusing particles, a material option for readers sourcing new stock or seeking more even illumination. That specialty panel is not identified as part of the scrap-pile build.
Select lighting and power to match
The featured sign uses a 12V linear LED strip. According to the Hackaday report, its continuous band of light gives more consistent illumination than traditional strips with spaced LEDs. The report does not name a strip model, specify its brightness or current requirement, or identify the power supply, so those details must come from the specifications for the strip you choose.
Rank #3
- ADVPRO 3rd Generation Programmable Multicolor LED Dynamic Glam Sign: the ultimate fusion of innovation and aesthetics
- Bright enough to illuminate any space with a Cut-to-Edge shape and slim, elegant profile seamlessly merging with the background
- Immerse yourself in a captivating spectrum of vibrant colors , resembling a beautiful rainbow
- Clean and clear design with an invisible light source effortlessly complements any space, adding a touch of modern sophistication
- Powered by a 6.6 ft/2m USB cable and user-friendly mobile app featuring 200+ modes for easy color and effect control, brightness adjustment, and convenient on/off scheduling. Enjoy efficient operation with low energy consumption as low as 10w
Other projects use different arrangements. Full Spectrum Laser says its design can use battery or plug power; Hackster documents a separate sign with a WS2812B strip and controller powered by USB. Hackster’s author cautions that larger signs may need brighter or denser strips and that the supply must provide sufficient current. Those examples do not establish that USB or a particular battery will power the featured 12V strip. Match the supply to the actual strip’s voltage and current requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep laser safety specific to laser builds
The hand-scratched version does not require laser cutting. If you choose a laser for a different design, follow the machine maker’s safety procedures. Full Spectrum Laser’s project guide calls for checking exhaust, airflow, cooling, material settings and focus; it also says to keep a fire extinguisher available and not to leave a job running unattended.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Meets or exceeds UL924 (21 separate tests), NEC, OSHA & NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements
- Engineering grade aluminum extruded housing
- 5 watts energy usage
- 120/277V operatio
- AC On indicator light and push-to-test switch
Rank #4
- ADVPRO 3rd Generation Programmable Multicolor LED Dynamic Glam Sign: the ultimate fusion of innovation and aesthetics
- Bright enough to illuminate any space with a Cut-to-Edge shape and slim, elegant profile seamlessly merging with the background
- Immerse yourself in a captivating spectrum of vibrant colors , resembling a beautiful rainbow
- Clean and clear design with an invisible light source effortlessly complements any space, adding a touch of modern sophistication
- Powered by a 6.6 ft/2m USB cable and user-friendly mobile app featuring 200+ modes for easy color and effect control, brightness adjustment, and convenient on/off scheduling. Enjoy efficient operation with low energy consumption as low as 10w
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