Airplane construction kit out of wood | Trotec laser DIY sample

Let your imagination soar with an airplane model made from Trotec's veneered wood!

Step-by-step instructions and a downloadable template are available below.

Preparation

Materials

1 sheet of Trotec Veneered Wood (1/8")
Material to cover the laser's work area (e.g., printing paper)
Wood glue (optional)

Trotec Laser and Accessories

NOTE: Any laser from the Speedy series can be used for this project.

Tips

The Aluminum Cutting Grid Table minimizes beam reflections, which can form undesired markings on your workpiece
The 1.5" lens is ideal for producing very fine engravings and cuts

Wooden Airplane

PDF

Download now

PDF

Download now

Step by step

Step 1

Step 1: Configure the Design and Send the File to JobControl®

Create your own design, or use our template (available below) and adjust the graphics as needed. Use the following JobControl® Process Options in the Print menu:

Important!

Our template has been designed for 1/8-inch-thick veneered wood. Adapt the sizes of the connecting pieces and slots in accordance with your material's thickness.

Process mode	Resolution	Cut line
Standard	500 dpi	none

Halftone	Others
color	enhanced geometries, inner geometries first

Step 2

Step 2: Process the Veneered Wood Sheet

Place the wood sheet on your laser's work area. Cover the remaining space with material (e.g., standard printing paper) to maximize the exhaust's suction on the workpiece. This trick prevents the wooden sheet from moving out of place when being processed.

Open the JobControl® Materials database window and enter the parameters indicated below.

NOTE: The exact parameters may vary depending on your laser system and its wattage.

Laser Parameters

Color	Process	Power (%)	Speed (%)	ppi/Hz
black	engraving CO₂	70	50	500
red	cut CO₂	100	1	1000

Passes	Air Assist	Z-Offset	Advanced
1	on	+6	High quality
1	on	-	-

TIPS

Click Here to download the recommended JobControl® parameters
The higher the Z-offset, the darker the resulting engravings will be. However, the engraving will not be as fine. For this application, we recommend a Z-offset value of +4 to a maximum of +6 mm.

Step 3

Step 3: Clean the Finished Pieces and Assemble the Model

Clean the surfaces and edges of the cutouts using a damp, lint-free cloth.

Finally, assemble the airplane by fitting the pieces together. Use wood glue if necessary.

Your model airplane is now ready!

TIPS

To allow the propeller to move, do not glue the propeller or secure the wooden washer too tightly.

Inspiration

If you want to give the model as a gift, you can engrave the name of the recipient on fuselage or wings.
Add a pop of colour to your airplane by cutting the wings from 1/8" TroGlass Color Gloss.
Create different types of aircraft: jets, helicopters, gliders — and even hot air balloons!