Raster engraves like brick textures take time, for sure. They are definitely a consideration for a manufacturer, which is why I opted to 3D print my brick walls.

I've never seen the mirrors on a laser move, though. The 2 X and Y axis mirrors are typically locked in place along the rails. The gantry and laser head move, of course.

Dave - some nice results here. Lasers are very particular per material. It takes a minute to dial them in for your stocks.

Plywood is a big no for lasers, by the way. Even the "laser-ready" plys. It's the glue between the layers that lasers just HATE. You'll be miserable trying to cut it, so I recommend sticking to Basswood.

For thinner details, all manuafacturers use Ivory Laserboard (.025). This resin-impregnated card stock cuts like a dream on laser beds. Encompass Media used to be my US-based distributor. Not sure if they are still in business though.

One other thing, focusing is super important to achieving clean (non-scorched) vector cuts.

Quote from: Jerry on September 10, 2026, 12:23:08 PM

Quote from: Keep It Rusty on September 09, 2026, 05:14:15 PMHowdy everyone.

Dave - I'm excited for you foray into laser cutting. It changed my world, for sure.

Today I looked over my library of kits, starting (of course) with my FSM collection - some of which is pictured below.

I have a plan. It's time to start building.

Do you really think you shout start on that pile??

Jerry

The pile of shame!

Quote from: deemery on September 09, 2026, 06:38:25 PMQuestion for those of you with a laser:  When you cut clapboard or scribed siding, do you cut it face-up or face-down?

dave

Face-up on everything. Cleaner cuts.

Howdy everyone.

Dave - I'm excited for you foray into laser cutting. It changed my world, for sure.

Today I looked over my library of kits, starting (of course) with my FSM collection - some of which is pictured below.

I have a plan. It's time to start building.

Good day to all.

Whilst I remain very busy, I've recently got my mojo back to get back to the bench and make some kits.

A big 'ole diorama is up first.

I've been after Carrick's Corner for years! If I lived on your side of the pond I'd be there in a heartbeat. Alas, a few thousand miles separate us.

A wonderful offer to the forum. Thank you for it.

Hi everyone - glad you are enjoying the refreshed forum logo!

There have been brief talks about settling on a new logo entirely, but in lieu of decisions being finalised I thought I would refresh our current one for now!

I have this kit on my shelf. I know Jeff speaks to the trickiness of the build, but that has only made me more interested in building it.

Your build (and this thread) is fantastic. Great work 

Having done my fair share of printing, I can say with certainty that it needs more supports.

Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 05, 2025, 10:11:51 PMI don't see where there was political content in either of our comments about "turds in the toilet". Then linking them somehow to an ideology was incorrect.


It was about noting the level of detail in Rich's Diarama. I've seen a few up close in my basement several years ago. The depth of detail he adds leaves me awestruck. Luckily my jaw was not made of glass, otherwise the boys would have needed a dustpan to pick up the pieces.

I remember a few of us teasing him in my home about one of his projects that I was able to observe closely. The only error we could find was needing more pigeon droppings on the roof.

🤔🤔😅

The devotion to planning, constructing, and detailing is way beyond average, or at least beyond my skills. I continue to be amazed by his patience and craftsmanship that goes into all of his works. I am in admiration of his skills.Simply spectacular!

No issues with any posts, Dave. All is well.

Quote from: Pennman on November 05, 2025, 06:50:02 PMOh! Ok, Craig. Over my head on that one. I don't follow politics, that's why I model and play with trains
instead. I would rather smell the smoke from a steam engine than anything else. 

Rich

I agree. Trains are the best remedy to life!

Quote from: Pennman on November 05, 2025, 03:40:20 PM

Quote from: deemery on November 05, 2025, 08:35:18 AM

Quote from: Dave Buchholz on November 05, 2025, 08:25:30 AMI just enlarged one of the last photos to see the detail better.What's that brown stuff in the toilet?

😅😂🤣
OMG I'm laughing my butt off!

Just a reminder:  Please keep your answers non-political. 

WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE SHOW ME WHERE ANYTHING IN THIS THREAD IS OF A "POLITICAL" NATURE", BECAUSE I DO NOT SEE THAT??  RICH

dave

Rich, this comment was made in jest - suggesting what is in the toilet represents a certain political figure. 

Fantastic additions to a wonderful build. Really nice work, Jeff. I'm thrilled to see the kit used in new ways.

More fantastic progress, Jeff. Watching you discover all the little details is such a joy. Thank you for continuing to share your build here.