An issue arose with the laser cutting of my chosen font Ombudsman Stencil as below. The internal connecting parts within the letters were clearly too small as the laser burnt right through them in places so some of the pieces broke away and it’s likely that others would come away in the water. So another font will have to be used as this is clearly not aesthetically acceptable.
My second choice font was Riks (from the shortlist of 18 I had) as below. The cuts into the letters are broader so I think laser cutting will not create the same issue. This font is wider but has a similar feel to Ombudsman – slightly industrial, confident but if anything it has a more modern aesthetic. I’ve considered this carefully against the original and I don’t believe I’m loosing any meaning or clarity of message.
Summary & next steps
I need to run a text laser cut to confirm that the new font works practically and visually and then (hopefully) run the final full set of paddle cuts.