about
project name
Fighter Plane Models
date
Feb. 2023
overview
After learning to use the laser cutter, I decided to practice my laser cutting skills by making laser cutter models of the F-14 Tomcat and BF-109 fighter planes.
background
During my first year of undergrad at the University of Melbourne, I attended various equipment training sessions at the Telstra Creator Space, a fabrication lab used by University of Melbourne staff and students. One of these training sessions focused on operating the laser cutter, during which I was impressed by the laser cutter's precision and ability to cut/engrave intricate designs.
I decided to practice my laser cutter skills by building a few wooden models, which I planned to use as shelf decorations. I browsed the internet for publicly available laser cutting templates, and eventually chose the following laser cutting templates for practice:
background
During my first year of undergrad at the University of Melbourne, I attended various equipment training sessions at the Telstra Creator Space, a fabrication lab used by University of Melbourne staff and students. One of these training sessions focused on using the laser cutter, during which I awed by the laser cutter's precision and ability to cut/engrave intricate designs.
I decided to practice my laser cutting skills by building a few wooden models, which I planned to use as shelf decorations. I browsed the internet for open-source laser cutting designs, and eventually chose the following laser cutting templates for practice:
manufacturing
Both models were built by uploading their vector files to the laser cutter, which was then used to cut and engrave the components for each model. I chose to cut the BF-109 and F-14 models from 3mm and 6mm MDF boards respectively, which were provided at the Telstra Creator Space.
Similarly to the wooden model kits found in hobby stores, the components for both models featured tabs and slots to facilitate the assembly process. Thus, the fighter planes were quickly assembled once the components were cut from the MDF boards. However, I found that the components fit rather loosely in both models, so I used wood glue to bind the pieces together.
The BF-109 model's vector file also included a stand that elevated the model above the surface in a flying pose. I chose to cut the stand from a 3 mm acrylic sheet instead of MDF, since the transparent stand made the model's flying pose more vivid, especially when viewed from afar.
My completed BF-109 model with its acrylic stand.
My completed F-14 model.
final thoughts
I enjoyed my first laser cutting project and was glad that I chose the fighter plane models to practice my laser cutting skills, especially since they were a great addition to my shelves.
The completed F-14 and BF-109 models on my shelf.
Overall, this short project made me more confident in undertaking personal projects involving delicate/intricate components, which could be easily made with the laser cutter. This project also showed me that the internet is an excellent source of inspiration for personal projects that involve the laser cutter. In terms of future laser cutting projects, I am interested in applying my new laser cutting skills to build small furniture items (e.g. a coffee or bedside table), shelf accessories, containers, as well as wall art.
project name
Fighter Plane Models
date
Feb. 2023
overview
After learning to use the laser cutter, I decided to practice my laser cutting skills by making laser cutter models of the F-14 Tomcat and BF-109 fighter planes.
background
During my first year of undergrad at the University of Melbourne, I attended various equipment training sessions at the Telstra Creator Space, a fabrication lab used by University of Melbourne staff and students.
One of these training sessions focused on using the laser cutter, during which I awed by the laser cutter's precision and ability to cut/engrave intricate designs.
I decided to practice my laser cutter skills by building a few wooden models, which I planned to use as shelf decorations. I browsed the internet for publicly available laser cutting templates, and eventually chose the following laser cutting templates for practice:
manufacturing
Both models were built by uploading their vector files to the laser cutter, which was then used to cut and engrave the components for each model. I chose to cut the BF-109 and F-14 models from 3mm and 6mm MDF boards respectively, which were provided at the Telstra Creator Space.
Similarly to the wooden model kits found in hobby stores, the components for both models featured tabs and slots to facilitate the assembly process. Thus, the fighter planes were quickly assembled once the components were cut from the MDF boards. However, I found that the components fit rather loosely in both models, so I used wood glue to bind the pieces together.
The BF-109 model's vector file also included a stand that elevated the model above the surface in a flying pose. I chose to cut the stand from a 3 mm acrylic sheet instead of MDF, since the transparent stand made the model's flying pose more vivid, especially when viewed from afar.
My completed BF-109 model with its acrylic stand.
My completed F-14 model.
final thoughts
I enjoyed my first laser cutting project and was glad that I chose the fighter plane models to practice my laser cutting skills, especially since they were a great addition to my shelves.
The completed F-14 and BF-109 models on my shelf.
Overall, this short project made me more confident in undertaking personal projects involving delicate/intricate components, which could be easily made with the laser cutter. This project also showed me that the internet is an excellent source of inspiration for personal projects that involve the laser cutter. In terms of future laser cutting projects, I am interested in applying my new laser cutting skills to build small furniture items (e.g. a coffee or bedside table), shelf accessories, containers, as well as wall art.