This laser cut and engraved model caboose makes a great gift or project for any train enthusiast.
Here we'll walk you through the steps of creating this piece as well as putting it together.
We used a 45-watt Helix with the following settings: 40% speed, 100% power for engraving and 20% speed, 100% power, 500 frequency for cutting.
After the job is done engraving and cutting, remove the pieces and set them aside. You'll want to repeat the same steps for all files in this project.
After the job is done engraving and cutting, remove the pieces and set them aside. You'll want to repeat the same steps for all files in this project.
Now it's time to cut the dowel rod. These two small pieces will connect the wheels of the caboose so we can secure them beneath the frame.
Open sc_caboose_dowel_cuts.cdr. The file is comprised of three small cut lines. Simply insert the dowel rod into the machine and send the job over. The result will be two small rods.
After all of your pieces are engraved and cut, it's time to begin assembling the caboose. We recommend gathering all your pieces together prior to putting together the entire thing. When you're finished cutting and engraving all the pieces you will end up with 10 window frames, 10 edging pieces to go beneath the windows (smaller pieces go beneath windows on top, larger ones go beneath windows on bottom), five panels that make up the cupola (the windowed projection on the roof), four hand rails, four wheels, two bumpers, two wheel connectors, one base panel, one top panel and two panels that make up the front and back of the caboose.
Start by securing the dowel rods to the wheels and then glue those pieces to the base of the caboose. This will help provide a solid foundation on which to build the rest of the piece. Set the base aside to dry.
Next, glue the frames to the outside of the windows and let them dry.
After the window frames are dry, place the side and front panels on the base of the caboose.
Next, secure the top panel to the pieces we've just inserted.
Now it's time to add the cupola. The cupola is the windowed projection on the roof of the caboose. Insert the four side panels and the fifth on top to secure the structure.
Lastly, we'll glue the remaining pieces, which include the bumpers and hand rails. After these are secure and the glue has dried, this caboose is complete!
We'll send you a brochure, as well as engraved and cut samples created with the laser.
Visit our full Sample Club for more ideas of what you can create with a laser system from Epilog.
View our full line of Co2 and Fiber laser engraving and cutting systems to see which is right for you.