FANTASY & SCI-FI from the SAME DIY Miniature Terrain - I show you how!

[@PeachyPixel28]

More work has gone into this one video than some creators put into a year's worth of content.

[@thestateofplay2023]

And it makes me cry when “my cat fell off a roof” gets more views. 🤣🤣

[@LorgarsFinest]

Everyone of these you make, makes that lasercutter more and more tempting. These are amazing!

[@thestateofplay2023]

🤣🤣 all those things I had in my head for years that would take days to cut by hand now get done in hours.

[@tristantjones]

Fantastic video yet again. Watching this and the Zone Mortalis pricing video back to back does make a laser cutter seem like pretty fair value. £1500 on a single table of terrain or £1500 on limitless terrain. The only problem is that my wife would definitely notice a laser cutter but I may be able to smuggle the terrain into the house without her noticing!

[@thestateofplay2023]

My wife asked me to make custom coasters for Christmas. On the laser. Which surprised me but hey whatever works!

[@spacecentergames]

Such great work. The layering really does set off the pieces. And with your files as templates, a creative can literally make a limitless number of different facades.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Exactly, that was my hope. One set. Many. Many options for people!

[@spacecentergames]

@thestateofplay2023 One set to rule them all and in the crafting free them! 👍

[@BouvToTheMax]

I absolutely love how you are growing and adding content. From social media to videos to maybe a store!?

[@thestateofplay2023]

That’s on the website now. 😜

[@dragonpuppetuk]

This is great! So much thought has gone into your design you're making me consider buying a laser cutter ;)

[@thestateofplay2023]

Only get one if you want or need one. 👍🏼

[@HacksawsHobbyBunker]

I need a shark with a frickin' laser. Brilliant design. Cheers!

[@thestateofplay2023]

I have to admit, they do open up loads of possibilities

[@metajock]

Wow. This is a massively well thought out set. Really well done!!! Might I suggest one more addition, please: a set of straight, corner, tee and cross parts to replace where columns don't get used? Keep up the good work!!!

[@thestateofplay2023]

Thanks James, I’ll look into that. Might be difficult as they’d need some kind of support to stand up.

[@Noctan_1]

Great looking kit. Most of this would be easy to cut out with a hobby knife and a metal ruler, if you chose to use the grey board only. Something to consider adding would be watchtower toppers. Stack up 2 columns, then design a slightly larger section topper (maybe fitting about 4 models) that looks like a lookout tower.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Nice idea!

[@virrcraft]

It's nice to see a new video! Great idea and an awesome base for imagination. If someone needs more terrain details, they could easily be attached to your design. So great, thanks for the video! It motivates me - at least to try out. Easy and simple... but so genius

[@thestateofplay2023]

Thank man. Late to the party this time, where’ve you been? 🤣

[@virrcraft]

@@thestateofplay2023 oh don’t ask… a lot of sht around… but still hope for the best :)

[@thestateofplay2023]

Well don’t stress. Keep trucking!

[@virrcraft]

@@thestateofplay2023 thanks. as always counting on the best, preparing for the worst. but from good news - bought a license for lightburn :) have some wood... so need good weahter to run the cutter... but most probably after current project

[@chrisboyd4433]

I am impressed. Just a note .... I work at a technical High School in the States which has two shops with laser CNC machines. With the files and materials, I can get the instructors or students to cut them for free. Check out your local technical school or makerspace for options while you are saving up for your own laser.

[@thestateofplay2023]

That’s a handy tip. Although I’d love some students to do the work for me. 🤣🤣

[@fael3140]

Finally a new video! I was already getting worried about you sir. I hope you had a good end of the year and enjoyed your rest. I love your content. Welcome back. ❤

[@thestateofplay2023]

Thank you! Yeah turns out school holidays are impossible to make content.

[@HavasiP]

The amount of work you put in to this is very impressive. Makes me wish I had a laser cutter.

[@thestateofplay2023]

There’s loads of ways to cut this. But yes, a laser cutter is by far the quickest. They are coming down in price though. Competition is getting fierce.

[@marcbohlen7105]

Once again an amazing video. I'm baffled by the amount of thought you put into the modularity of your sets. Always a good watch.

[@thestateofplay2023]

I think it stems from boredom. If something only does one thing, I get bored super quick. 🤣

[@WarChimp]

Hats off to you for all that work and creating something great for the gaming community. Just been on your new website and it mirrors your channel perfectly, such high quality. Regarding your problem with stuffed brown envelopes going missing in the post, I would stick to the more traditional park bench handovers. Perhaps not as convenient for new signups though 🤔.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Thanks! It’s a big park near me. It could handle a really long queue. 🤣

[@WarChimp]

​@@thestateofplay2023😂

[@markburton5292]

with the laser might be able to add texture engraving as well for more details.

[@thestateofplay2023]

You can. You’d just need multiple designs inset or outset using differing speed and power.

[@FarawayPictures]

Just amazing. It feels like you need a holiday after doing this!

[@thestateofplay2023]

Holiday? What are those? 🤣🤣

[@TrickySoB]

Fantastic video as always. I’m looking forward to seeing the ash wastes buildings you’ve been doing!

[@thestateofplay2023]

They were done so long ago I’d wondered if anyone even cared to see them.

[@TrickySoB]

@@thestateofplay2023 yes! Most definitely, otherwise the channel name will become ‘the state of walls and columns’ 😂

[@thestateofplay2023]

Ooh, I might do that. Change the name. 🤣

[@JBenderP]

You, Sir, are a genius. This is amazing! Sadly I have no space for an mdf cutter…but I now wish I did!

[@thestateofplay2023]

I thought that. But I found space. I just sold the refrigerator- I don’t think we really needed it anyway. 🤣🤣🤣

[@tommytoenail]

Looks great! I was definitely in the MDF hate club but the way you hid the tabs makes a huge difference. Let’s see if I am brave enough to try hand cutting a set of this!

[@thestateofplay2023]

Yeah I don’t like seeing all the joints either

[@orric77]

The bigg market lines made me laugh. Grew up in the toon, but escaped north over the wall.

[@thestateofplay2023]

I escaped the opposite way! 🤣

[@orric77]

But is that an escape though 🤣🤣🤣

[@jakecrowe3797]

You’re so freaking good! New fav channel.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Ah if only everyone I met would say that to me. 🤣

[@Hazzardstarzak]

Dude your awesome as always soon as my laser isent running flat out with orders I got to make some of this

[@thestateofplay2023]

I hope they serve you well!

[@MrJHDK]

Excellent stuff. Loving these builds and designs. 🫡

[@thestateofplay2023]

Thanks!

[@garyjenson1326]

Wow simply amazing.

[@thestateofplay2023]

You know I read your comment as Tina Turner singing. 🤣🤣 Thanks

[@MrStuffedowl]

Nice video laser cutter well out of my price range atm. Checked out the website and have to say good job really easy to navigate and well presented.

[@thestateofplay2023]

I was offered one last week at under $200 so they’re coming down! I’m just getting in early with designs. 😜

[@HuntersOA]

I wonder if greebles would be possible out of MDF and other materials :D I have a bucket full of trash for greebles but it would be lovely if you made some additions like that. Greebles are a nice way to bring in people as well as I think they can be used for "anything". Originally I bought dungeons and lasers sets just for this so I can detail environments. They have some amazing designs for scifi and fantasy as well. The use of 2mm tubes is grate! So I think it is possible to make 'simple' mdf ones like computer consoles and what not. Tiny wents to glue on, monitors, maybe skulls? There is the option for deeper engraving based on colour gradients - so maybe some dimensionality could be achieved as well?

[@thestateofplay2023]

That’s a good shout! I do actually make greebles but never thought of a video

[@HuntersOA]

@@thestateofplay2023 So, upcoming greebles vid? :D I am eyeing now this terrain set as I also have a laser. I ran out of material though :D

[@thestateofplay2023]

@@HuntersOA Yeah, I ran out of MDF after this vid too. Need more.

[@HuntersOA]

@@thestateofplay2023 I always used 3mm plywood but it was really hit - or - miss. I do not trust the glues in MDF but I'll order a bunch now for testing.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Make sure you grab the laser safe stuff. Less things n it that can harm you long term.

[@moeheep]

Outstanding video! I will have to start checking out laser cutters.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Awesome tools. Prices really vary though.

[@DrVesuvius70]

Really good design. All the functionality of the original and mutually compatible. Enough starting detail to distinguish the period/genre. I'd be really keen to see these detailed and painted up to full effect to see how they look alongside GW & others. The current cost of laser cutters alongside safety concerns are still the dealbreaker for me. Appreciate that prices of new technology always falls, but it has a long way to go to match the affordability of 3D printing. Consider that usually you can match a GW terrain or box set for the price of the printer + materials and still come in with a massive saving. With a fully tricked-out xTool S1 probably setting you back $2k, you're only going to break even on much bigger projects. I only say this with a sour grimace of jealousy because your design is so good and I wish I could be playing around with them right now. If/when in a few years time we have something comparable to the S1 at the sub-£500 price point, things may well be different. Keep up the good work.

[@thestateofplay2023]

I was recently offered a sub $300 laser so they are coming down. My main issue with 3D printing is the ridiculous amount of time I have to wait for a good quality print. That’s if it works first time. And toxic resin around my kids is just a non starter. I once waited 4 days for a print! That was me done with 3D printing until it’s faster, easier, friendlier and safer for kids. Bambu is the closest but still has layer lines. Which I hate. 🤣

[@nkari8971]

Man.. you remind me of the greatest gun channel of "Paul Harrel" (RIP), no nonsense and some humor.. Just as it should be.. Keep it up man.. !

[@thestateofplay2023]

Thank you. Although no nonsense and some humour has got me into so much trouble in life. 🤣🤣😜

[@ThKrY]

Today got an email about an enclosure of my laser. These look great, need to try.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Cool!

[@ThKrY]

Orky greyboard (or mdf) pieces would be great. Random girders, ladders, askew pieces of sheet metal and such. Some proper apocalyptic look.

[@thestateofplay2023]

All those can be added with corrugated card, sprues and bits of recycle junk. 👍🏼

[@heikieesmaa]

Really cool stuff! I wonder if this could be adapted for Boarding Actions (I guess the measurements are different enough though).

[@thestateofplay2023]

I use it for that. Walls are walls really. 🤣

[@randomvector78]

wow this is amazing! I am hoping to get hold of the 20W cutter one day :-) About the workspace, do you need a super sturdy table for the printer? Does the machine make any kind of movement at all? Thanks again for the amazing video...

[@thestateofplay2023]

I haven’t noticed much movement as these things cut slowly, but sometimes if it jumps around to cut it “could” cause an already wobbly table to wobble. But then everything does, including the material you’re cutting so I don’t think it’s an issue. No worse than a 2d printer.

[@randomvector78]

@@thestateofplay2023 Thanks for the reply! that is promising. If I may ask, how is your experience so far with the S1 so far? I can't afford the 40W one but might be able to stretch the budget to get the 20W. Also do you recommend using the honeycomb plate?

[@thestateofplay2023]

I love it. Safe, easy to use and so fine detailed. As for the 40w, it’s just too much power for desktop terrain. 40w will cut through super thick material which is just not needed. And yes, I’d recommend the honeycomb. The slat things that come with it just slide around too much.

[@drawbyyourselve]

Wouldnt it be possible to have the walls and diagonal pieces double sided and flip between fantasy and sci fi/gothic (or whatever you want)? naturally glueing them in place is a no go then, but seeing it as it is in the video the tolerances should allow for double sided walls.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Not impossible but would be difficult to stop things falling apart. The greyboard overlaps to hide Mdf joins which would make it quite difficult to pull off.

[@brennonr]

on the xtool, can you etch at different depths? or is it more like you can either etch or cut?

[@thestateofplay2023]

You can watch at loads of depths. You just need to play with speed and power.

[@romeo.3472]

What can I say? This is amazing. Your carving out a niche for yourself with the lasercut terrain for 40k. Your right, one day we'll all have laser cutter next to our 3d printers knocking out boards over the weekend, and on that day, you'll be a millionaire. 😂 Like a child, I could sit all day and build a terrain board and not play a single game on it. Just think, for the cost of an engagement ring I coulda bought a laser cutting setup.

[@thestateofplay2023]

I was going to make a joke about a ring vs a laser cutter. But there’s things a laser cutter just can’t give you…. Stick with the ring.

[@ebc1f7]

Can’t wait for the “simple and effective ways to paint and modify MDF terrain” to make it come alive. Maybe by combining your idea of using pictures for pond effects to create depth and complexity where there isn’t. And apply it to in the arch ways?!

[@thestateofplay2023]

🤣 That’s an oddly specific set of requests there. It is something I’ve thought about but takes an incredible amount of time. And sadly investing time and effort on KZbin doesn’t equate to better return.

[@Ex3quias]

Question: I'm planning on getting a 20W xTool s1, so I'm wondering if the air assist is something you'd reccomend? I read that MDF tend to smoke quite a bit and that without the air assist there's a lot more burnt edges and that the lens gets plastered with sticky bits in no time. Also, happy with the 20W or would you go for the 40W is given the chance? Kinda curious about the cutting speed and quality of the cut since 3mm MDF is what I plan on using it for.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Ooh. Lots of questions! 👍🏼 you don’t NEED the air assist with the S1. Because it’s enclosed the fan sucks out the smoke. It’s nice to have because of slight charting on the cut edges but if you’re making terrain then you’ll probably paint it anyway. If you want clean Mdf then yes, get the air assist. I haven’t really seen a sticky bit problem to be honest and it’s super easy to clean. 40w will cut through super thick wood in one pass but for Mdf terrain at 3mm I think it’s overkill. The 20w cuts through up to 1cm in one pass.

[@Ex3quias]

@@thestateofplay2023 Thanks for the info! You've saved me a lot of money here. Which is money I can use 'cause there's this guy who's selling these real nice looking Eden Prime inspired templates!

[@christophercassidy-schroed9169]

I have just stumbled onto your channel from Reddit and fuck me dude, your hilarious. Flexible like a gymnast in the bedroom... 🤣

[@thestateofplay2023]

Oh it gets worse from here. 🤣🤣

[@PijamasGagarin]

Amazing stuff! I did something similar when the Necromunda was re-released in 2017, and one of my friends had a laser cutter. Are those files just for Patreon or will you sell them from your webpage too? A suggestion for columns: you can bring forward the corner piece that is "hiding" behind sides by reducing the size of said sides and then increasing the width of the 1mm pannels, to hide the gap.

[@thestateofplay2023]

They’re linked from my website to Patreon. No Patron membership required for the shop. As for the columns. Good shoot. Although I like the inset corners to give them some depth. I did try your way but felt they looked like boxes. 🤣

[@Veqtor]

Does it work with regular zone mortalis terrain and tiles?

[@thestateofplay2023]

I don’t know. I don’t have any zone Mortalis tiles. I probably err on the side of a no even though I reckon at a push they’d work with some minimal filing.

[@abcdodd]

SPIRAL STAIRCASE KIT! :o

[@thestateofplay2023]

Straight in there with the most complex one then….🤣

[@abcdodd]

I wonder what methods might be available to make complex shapes, like stretching a thing out to make another shape. Origami, perhaps. @@thestateofplay2023

[@Weird_Viking]

very quick tip if someone cant find plastic rods in that size: snip the ends off of toothpicks and use those.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Good advice!!

[@octogames6823]

Lasers are extremely cheep now. I worked on co2 / Nd yag lasers for about 13 years. In the Co2 laser world, customers were paying upwards of $1000+ per optical watt.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Yeah, I’ve been offered some super cheap laser recently. Not so safe but can be made so.

[@janne3013]

Any chance to make those parts 3d printable?

[@thestateofplay2023]

A guy on my Patreon called Jameson figured out how to do that with my last set of terrain. I got rid of my 3D printer so can’t do it myself.

[@ronstaton3622]

Umm.. Where do you get Grey Board?

[@thestateofplay2023]

I got it from Amazon. If you’re US based I believe it’s called chipboard card. Should come in varying thicknesses and be grey coloured.

[@skrittar82]

Hahaha I still have all my stuff too... castle, siege tower and siege book too

[@thestateofplay2023]

Yeah and you can still use it. I never did understand this “slave to new rule books” thing that GW does.

[@lordunborn]

Gald you survived the Holidays!

[@thestateofplay2023]

Barely! 🤣

[@S.A.S.H.]

Seems it might be time to assemble my Elegoo laser system...well unbox and assemble to be more precise.

[@thestateofplay2023]

Do it!

[@kainoctis7724]

Bro, how you're shitting on old world is hilarious. I'm still baffled how people actually spent £175 for the worst looking skeletons out there. The new sculpts look nice though.

[@thestateofplay2023]

One new sculpt in a box is depressing. And I would have loved Old World had they used something like the Deathrattle skeletons

[@kainoctis7724]

@@thestateofplay2023 Takes far more effort to sculpt one skeleton, do different variations/poses and cut the mould than just pick the old mould off the shelf