Planning / I wanted to create a typeface that sat between traditional type and contemporary media. It is styled it after classic American wood type with a thin face and fatter serifs.While doing the initial sketches. I knew I wanted to cut the typeface using a single bit on a CNC mill. This added a couple constraints to my type. For one, all the inside corners needed the same radius. I had to do away with any sharp inside corners. I designed the typeface in Robofont so I have a working .otf file as well as the wood type.
Cutting / When setting up my file for cutting, I spaced everything as tight as possible to maximize the amount of letters, while still allowing the bit to pass between them. I bought the raw lumber and cut and surfaced it down to the 0.918 in needed for type high on the press. After I had it machined, I took it into the wood shop and cut the letters apart on the bandsaw. After some light sanding to get rid of the burrs, my type was ready to finish with a couple coats of Bullseye Shellac and some light sanding.
Printing / For the maiden print I created a phrase related to each of the eight National Parks I visited as part of my thesis project. If you are interested in purchasing an original limited signed edition print contact me and let me know which one you would prefer.
