process on low quality tools, a coarse grinding wheel is used from start to finish rather than being finished with a fine polish wheel. While this produces a low-quality tool quickly, it also produces a rough surface finish on the tool and cutting edge when inspected under magnification. “In contrast, the Crown Norge tools have many stages of grinding using different grit wheels before a final polishing wheel is used. This takes much longer to manufacture but the results speak for themselves when the tool is used by the router operator. Recalibration of the wheel is also important for maintaining accuracy. To save time on low-cost tools, the wheel may only be inspected and dressed infrequently.” Peace of Mind Having established the dangers of lower quality cutting tools, Hodson goes on to offer advice on how to establish what to look for in high-quality solutions. Focusing on the Crown Norge range of tools, manufactured in Switzerland out of the highest-grade European carbide, Hodson affirms that strict quality control measures are in place to ensure each tool is the same as the last one used. “This gives operators peace of mind, knowing nothing needs to be adjusted when changing over a worn tool,” he says, continuing: “The sound of the tool while cutting is generally a good indication of how well the tool is performing. The Crown Norge balanced range of tools allows for spindle speeds of up to 60,000 RPM. These tools are incredibly quiet while cutting materials and produce an exceptional cut finish.” Specific tools from Crown Norge are available for specific materials designed to increase the number of metres cut and give the best finish possible. For materials such as aluminium, Hodson says SUPERIOR and DLC coatings extend the tool life and allow for faster feed rates while cutting the aluminium dry. LKH Tools can also provide the correct cutting data for each tool, matched to the material and the machine it is being used on. The MP SUPERIOR coated tool was introduced by Crown Norge at FESPA 2018, with Hodson going as far as to say that the coated tool “revolutionised” how aluminium was processed on a CNC router. “Over seven years on and this tool still sets the benchmark for performance, tool life, and cut quality in cutting aluminium dry, HPL, brass, and ACM,” Hodson says, adding: “The coating is unique to Crown Norge and although many competitors now have similar looking coatings, they are generally thinner and in comparisons over cut meterage, and are generally much shorter in tool life.” Expertise and Reputation Also offering advice on sign-making tools is Scott Bale, sign media sales at Dorotape. Bale says while there is temptation to reduce costs and save money when it comes to tools, he warns opting for lowcost sign-making tools often proves to be a false economy. “While budget tools may look similar to premium alternatives, they rarely match the same durability, precision, or reliability. Cheap tools wear out quickly, lose sharpness, or fail under regular use, leading to poor finishes, damaged materials, and even safety hazards if blades snap or handles break.” Bale adds: “More critically, a broken tool can halt a job mid-installation, causing delays, frustration, and dissatisfied customers. In a fast-paced, deadline-driven industry, downtime from tool failure can cost far more than the initial savings.” As to how sign-makers can go about identifying a quality tool and ensure they are investing in a solution that will allow them to achieve a level of outcome that matches not only their own high standard but also the expectations of the customer, he says that quality tools are defined by reliability, performance, and trust in the brand behind them. “Sign-makers should choose tools from Mass produced tools, where quality control is not regulated, will give the end user a host of problems each time they change to a new tool ▼Available from LKH Tools, the MP SUPERIOR coated tool was introduced by Crown Norge at FESPA 2018 Mahlsticks, a traditional tool used to steady the hand during signwriting, date back over 500 years 500 42 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 SIGN-MAKING TOOLS | ROB FLETCHER
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