By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Anyone who wants router carved wood signs at home needs three things: a set of templates or a kit that guides the bit cleanly, a router that can handle the work, and a clear idea of what they plan to make. This list focuses on the templates and sign making kits themselves, since the template system largely decides how clean your letters and numbers come out. Each pick was judged on the size range it covers, how many characters it includes, the bit and guide hardware it requires, and the patterns owners commonly mention, such as fit, durability and how much setup the kit demands. No product here was tested in our shop, so the notes below reflect specifications and general owner feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMilescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making KitView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for large character signsRockler Router Letter Template Set, 99-Piece State Park FontView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small lettering and house numbersMilescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set 1.5in (42 piece)View on Amazon - 4
Best for family name plaquesCustom 3D Wood Carved Personalized New Home Family Name SignView on Amazon - 5
Best for hunting and cabin décorDeer Hunting Gifts, Cabin Decor, Camper Decor, Outdoor Hunting, NatureView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit | Complete beginner setup | Horizontal and vertical templates with a 3/8 in. router bit included |
| Rockler Router Letter Template Set, 99-Piece State Park Font | Large, consistent lettering | 99 pieces in a single font style |
| Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set | Small lettering and numbers | 42-piece set designed for 1.5 in. characters |
| Custom 3D Wood Carved Personalized New Home Family Name Sign | Housewarming and realtor gifts | Established-date design for a finished family name sign |
| Deer Hunting Cabin Family Name Sign | Cabin and hunting décor | Nature-themed 3D layout for family or cabin names |
Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit
Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit for Routers- 2.5 in. & 1.5 in. Horizontal Letters (166 templates), 1.5 in. & 2.5 in. Vertical Numbers (80 templates) – 3/8 in. Router Bit Included- Complete Kit
Best for: Complete beginner setup
This is the most complete option on the list. It is aimed at someone who wants to start cutting signs with one purchase rather than assembling templates, bits and guides separately. It suits hobbyists who plan to make a mix of names, words and house numbers.
Key specs:
- Horizontal letters in 2.5 in. and 1.5 in. sizes (166 templates)
- Vertical numbers in 1.5 in. and 2.5 in. sizes (80 templates)
- 3/8 in. router bit included
Pros:
- Covers both letters and numbers in two sizes
- Bit is included, so you can start without a separate purchase
- Large template count supports long names and sign text
Cons:
- Setup and layout take time before the first cut
- Owners who only need a few characters may find it more than they need
Bottom line: Pick this if you want one kit that handles nearly any sign you plan to make, and you are willing to learn the template system.
Rockler Router Letter Template Set, 99-Piece State Park Font
Router Letter Templates – Professional Sign Making – Letter Template Set – 99 Pieces – State Park Font Rockler Router Letter Template Set, 99-Piece State Park Font, (1-1/2”H)
Best for: Large, consistent lettering
This set is built around a single font style and a large piece count. It is a good match for makers who want every sign to share the same look, such as a business sign or a series of matching plaques.
Key specs:
- 99-piece template set
- State Park font style
- Letter height listed at 1-1/2 in.
Pros:
- Consistent font across all pieces
- Large piece count covers most lettering needs
- Good fit for repeat projects with the same style
Cons:
- Only one font style, so no variety in look
- Requires a compatible guide and bit setup
Bottom line: A strong choice for a maker who wants uniform lettering across many signs.
Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set 1.5in (42 piece)
Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set 1.5in (42 piece) Router Template set for Sign Making
Best for: Small lettering and house numbers
This 42-piece set is sized for 1.5 in. characters, which suits smaller signs, address plaques and labels. It works well for someone who does not need a full alphabet kit and wants a focused tool.
Key specs:
- 42 pieces
- Horizontal character templates
- 1.5 in. character size
Pros:
- Compact set for small sign work
- Good for address numbers and short labels
- Simpler to store and learn than a large kit
Cons:
- Limited to one character size
- Not suited to large, long-form signs
Bottom line: Choose this for small plaques and numbers rather than full sign projects.
Custom 3D Wood Carved Personalized New Home Family Name Sign
Custom Established Date, Wall Art, Housewarming Gift, Realtor Gift 3D Wood Carved Personalized New Home Family Name Sign, Established Date
Best for: Housewarming and realtor gifts
This is a finished-style family name sign with an established-date design rather than a template set. It suits buyers who want a ready-to-hang gift or décor piece instead of cutting their own.
Key specs:
- Personalized family name and established date
- 3D wood carved design
Pros:
- Ready to display without carving
- Works as a housewarming or realtor gift
- Personalization is built into the design
Cons:
- Not a tool for making your own signs
- Design choices are fixed by the seller
Bottom line: Pick this if you want a finished sign to give or hang, not a kit to build your own.
Deer Hunting Gifts, Cabin Decor, Camper Decor, Outdoor Hunting, Nature Sign Custom 3D Wood Cabin Family Name Sign
Deer Hunting Gifts, Cabin Decor, Camper Decor, Outdoor Hunting, Nature Sign Custom 3D Wood Cabin Family Name Sign | Deer Hunting Wedding Gift
Best for: Cabin and hunting décor
This is a custom family name sign with a nature and hunting theme. It fits cabins, campers and hunting camps, and works as a gift for someone in those circles.
Key specs:
- Custom family or cabin name
- 3D wood design with a nature theme
Pros:
- Strong theme match for cabin and camp décor
- Personalized name option
- Suitable as a wedding or hunting-related gift
Cons:
- Theme is narrow and may not suit other décor
- Not a kit for making your own signs
Bottom line: A good fit for cabin owners and hunters who want a themed, finished sign.
Buying Guide
Template size and character height
Template sets are sized by character height, commonly 1.5 in. and 2.5 in. for the Milescraft and Rockler lines. Match the size to your board and the viewing distance. Larger letters read well from across a room, while small characters suit plaques and house numbers.
Good picks for this: Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit, Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set
Piece count and character coverage
Check whether the set includes both upper and lower case, numbers and punctuation. A set with 166 horizontal and 80 vertical templates covers far more ground than a 42-piece set. If you plan long names or sentences, count how many of each character you need before buying.
Good picks for this: Rockler Router Letter Template Set, Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit
Included bit and guide compatibility
Templates need a guide bushing and a bit sized to match. Confirm your router accepts the bushing size and that the bit diameter is listed. Kits that include a 3/8 in. bit reduce setup work, but you still need a router with a compatible collet.
Good picks for this: Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit, Rockler Router Letter Template Set
Font style and sign look
Single-font sets give you uniform lettering across projects. Multi-style kits give variety but can look mixed on one sign. Decide on the finished look before you buy, especially if you plan a series of matching pieces.
Good picks for this: Rockler Router Letter Template Set, Custom 3D Wood Carved Personalized New Home Family Name Sign
Use case: DIY or ready-made
If you want to cut your own signs, choose a template kit. If you want a finished piece for a gift or décor, a personalized sign is the simpler path. Be clear about how much time and skill you want to spend.
Good picks for this: Custom 3D Wood Carved Personalized New Home Family Name Sign, Deer Hunting Gifts, Cabin Decor Custom 3D Wood Cabin Family Name Sign
Durability and template material
Templates are usually made of plastic or phenolic and wear with repeated routing. Owners often note that thicker templates hold up longer and stay square against the guide. Store them flat and out of direct sun to prevent warping.
Good picks for this: Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set, Milescraft 1212 SignPRO Sign Making Kit
Care and finishing after routing
After routing, sand the recesses lightly and seal or stain the board to protect it from moisture. Clean dust from the template and bushing between cuts to keep edges clean. Test on scrap wood before committing to a finished board.
Good picks for this: Rockler Router Letter Template Set, Milescraft 2202 Horizontal Character Template Set
FAQ
Do I need a special router for router carved wood signs?
Most sign kits work with a standard handheld router that accepts the guide bushing size listed in the template set. Check the bushing diameter and collet capacity before you buy. A plunge router is often easier for controlled depth.
What bit size do sign templates usually need?
Many kits, including the Milescraft SignPRO, list a 3/8 in. router bit. Always confirm the bit diameter in the product listing, since the guide and bit must match for the letters to come out at the correct size.
Can I use these templates on hardwood?
Yes. Hardwoods like oak and maple hold crisp edges well, while softer woods such as pine cut faster but can tear. Test a few characters on scrap first to set the depth and feed rate.
How deep should the letters be routed?
Depth depends on the sign and finish. Many makers route in several light passes rather than one deep cut. Start shallow, check the fit and increase depth gradually. Dust collection and eye protection are recommended throughout.
What is the difference between a template set and a pre-made sign?
A template set lets you make your own signs with custom text and sizes. A pre-made personalized sign is a finished product with fixed design choices, which suits gifts and quick décor.
Is a CNC machine better than templates for sign making?
A CNC machine can cut complex designs without templates, but it requires more setup and cost in time and equipment. Template kits are a simpler route for most hobbyists making names and short text.
Conclusion
For a complete starter setup, the Milescraft 1212 SignPRO kit covers the most ground with letters, numbers and a bit included. Choose the Rockler 99-piece set if you want uniform lettering across many projects, and the Milescraft 2202 set for small plaques and numbers. If you want a finished gift or décor piece rather than a kit, the personalized family name signs are the simpler route. Match the tool to your project and you will spend less time on setup and more on the carving.
Sources
- Workplace safety guidance on power tool operation, eye and hearing protection, and dust control (osha.gov)
- Consumer safety information on power tools and woodworking equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Standards and measurement references relevant to dimensional accuracy in woodworking (nist.gov)
Related reading
- Wood Router Letter Stencils: 4 Best for Sign Making and Crafts (2026)
- Top 7 CNC Router Wood Signs Picks: Bits and Kits for Sign Making
- Top 5 Routers for Wood Signs Picks: Kits, Templates and Jigs Compared
- 7 Best Wood Router Sign Making Kits for Beginners and Hobbyists (2026)
About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
