Making models with the Algolaser Alpha 22W Laser Cutter

[@ModelMinutes]

You say the models need refining, but they look great! A laser cutter is something that many modellers could add to the tools :)

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Matt. Yes, it's definitely a great tool to have!

[@northernrails4462]

Well you’ve nailed it once again Andy. That is a cracking machine

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Craig, much appreciated

[@davidharle952]

Great video, it just shows what can be done with a laser machine, of course it helps when someone has the skills you have. Loved seeing it though.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much David 😁

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Laser cutting is good for some things but, I do not like the dog tooth effect on the corners of buildings, having built some MDF loco kits for the garden railway I found it is best to seal the ply and MDF before painting, you can then flat this off to provide a nice smooth finish. Sadly I still prefer my Wills sheets for making my buildings.

[@DartsideScenics]

I completely agree about sealing the MDF - I had the issue with the MDF expanding but I suppose we're always learning!

[@Tcuel]

Last week my 22W lasercutter came in, (different brand) It amazes me what you can do if you can design yourself. No more store bought buildings from me!

[@DartsideScenics]

It opens up so many possibilities. Have fun with yours!

[@MichaelHenfrey]

Great video! I have been toying with the idea of a laster cutter for awhile. Seems like a fantastic way of making buildings and objects. I just need to learn the software first :) Cheers

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Michael. It is a great tool to have and the software doesn't take too long to learn the basics. I use Lightburn which offers a 30 day free trial if you want to have a look before committing.

[@shawnpowell5876]

Great video of using a lazer machine to create these 3D models! Everything you attempt always looks amazing when you get done. I'm looking forward to seeing your next railroad diorama. Thanks again for sharing your videos with us along with your PRICELESS time and effort! Cheers from Laurel, Delaware USA.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😊

[@alexmorgan2296]

Amazing machine - matched by the skill in designing and operating it!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Alex! 😀

[@davehunt0000]

Beautiful and artistic work! Thanks for producing a video that shows a completely different set of capabilities of things that can be done with a laser than what we commonly see out here. Great job!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Dave! 😃

[@daveaauk]

Stunning results

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Dave! 😊

[@ravusursi893]

I think, for a practice run, you’ve achieved great results. I particularly liked the gate. I know the material is very fine but could you simulate the wood joints on the gate with an exacto blade? Perhaps try on your next run. I know it sounds trivial but little bits of detail like that really make it for me. Great job buddy! 👍🏻

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much. Yes, a very good point and would enhance the realism.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Lee

[@stuartmiller8053]

very nice results. love to see what it could do in n scale (hopefully I'm right in thinking that was HO or similar)

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Stuart. This was OO gauge and although I haven't tried n gauge before, it would be interesting to see how it looks scaled down.

[@steverileyretired]

Very clever, well done

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Steve

[@DioramaNooks]

New to the channel. Glad to see a fellow laser cutting enthusiast. Have you used chipboard on any project?

[@DartsideScenics]

I’ve tried quite a few things but not chipboard. Have you?

[@DioramaNooks]

@@DartsideScenics Yeah! I typically work with 1/16th but it comes in thicker sizes. Tacky glue is all that’s needed to adhered pieces together too

[@pv_hobbying]

When making the brick work, can you adjust some of the bricks to have more pronounced pointing around some/random bricks, and then some that are more shallow also, and then just randomly placing those across the brick work to make it look a bit more realistic? Allternatively can you cut down the bricks to make it look more jagged/realistic?

[@DartsideScenics]

Hi Paul. Yes, you could set random bricks to engrave to give them a crumbling effect. Not sure about the pointing - it could be done but it’s possibly easier to deal with that with filler or plaster of paris afterwards. I think cutting some individual bricks from a very thin material and then sticking them in random places would give the illusion of slightly pronounced bricks. I need to revisit the design to make improvements but it’s going to take quite a few attempts before I’m happy with it.

[@RobP6516]

That looks amazing. Can I ask what software you used to draw the bricks? I’ve tried with a few things but I always end up with thousands of individual lines that are hard to manage. Thanks!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Rob! I did the bricks in Lightburn. The stones at the bottom were drawn in ProCreate on my daughter’s iPad!

[@PeachyTT120]

Hello Andy. Tidy little laser cutter. I’ve only ever used ones in cabinets with extraction to remove the smoke, how are you finding it without this?

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Peachy! It's hasn't been easy to film due to the garage door being open, makeshift fans, extractors, etc!! It's in an enclosure now with a built in extractor but I'm not sure how I'll deal with future filming!

[@rickywaldron8117]

What did you use for the mesh?

[@DartsideScenics]

Hi Ricky. It was left over from a kit I had - Scale Model Scenery Link Security Fencing LX007-OO-A