For signage i will not go with a smaller than 8x4 machine if you are planning you to fabricate the stuff.
And when i say 8x4, better check the exact size of materials your providers will supply. for example in Spain all is 122x244cm, so my machine working area is 130 x 260 and i can cut the full length of the sheets

If you are working alone don't go with a bigger machine. And don't go with a vertical machine. In fact i greatly advice you against the vertical machine if you will be into the odd jobs like what i do. Explain to me how 1 person will load 100kg door onto it for a machining the door panel channels. And what about 200 doors? a job that will pay you off the entire machine at once. Also if you are one or 2 people, make the machine lower, like on the floor, you will thank me later.

If you are going to be seriously dedicated sign shop that even provides other sign shops in the area 300x150 cm is a must, as Dibond panels for large signs are that size. And best will be 400x200 and so you will take all jobs in the area , but this machine is for a shop with no less than 5 workers.


For this kind of work you better go with biggest spindle you can buy. As you will need to use insert tooling. I have on mine 3.2kw but only a couple of tools, i wish the collet size was not only 1/2 but 16mm or better 1 inch

Vacuum pump is a must for signage but you could do without it as i do, screws in bed at clever places. Serious vacuum pumps and the bed are a couple of thousand, i still can not justify that, as one man shop usually takes the odd jobs so not always needed.

A typical insert tool is 65mm long from the spindle then the bed, the work holding, etc. Nowadays i will not go with a machine with Z travel less than 180mm. Mine has 200mm and there were a couple of times i with it had 300, i had to split jobs..

For 3d jobs in PU or MDF or whatever epoxy the Z travel is very important, so is the fact that th spindle it self could become obstruction, so the spindle has to me able to slide down and the plate to clear the job.

Basically what i am saying a proper sign making machine is out of the scope of the usual DIY maker. Yes i did it and many others, but you will have to be very dedicated to finish it. Not to speak of that a proper one will cost you 8-10k in materials.

But when jobs start coming, you will reap the benefits.

And again- don't go with a vertical machine. If you have not place, you will need a lot more for the sign business