Model Railroading > Laser Cutting Files

If I am adept enough to draw parts with a CAD program, would it be possible to pay someone (or let them use my files in exchange) to cut the parts with their laser cutter?  Laser cutting material other than wood would be not necessary but a plus.

(3D printing would be awesome, but I'm not learned enough to  draw 3D files (yet).)

If so, what kind of files would the laser cutter need? I am leery of proprietary software that would come with a lower-end cutter and would likely be limited in it's capabilities and require you to draw the files in its program. (Been there, done that with other applications.)

I am not about to go out and buy me a laser cutter, as I would prefer the use of a cutter that is higher end than I want to spend for a limited amount of hobby projects. And I don't plan on going into production. And getting a production shop to do something like this is way too expensive,

I thought it would be much easier to have the parts cut like a kit rather than scratch-building each part (particularly the custom window frames). See attached for something I drew up for a mock-up. Of course, I would have to draw separate parts for a laser printer breakout sheet.

Victor Baird

 



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/25 11:52 by wabash2800.

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I answered my own question on the files, as I looked it up. Most cutters and engravers use vector files for better control, that include SVG, DXF, AI and PDF. I'm covered.

Some machines use raster files like BMP and JPG (that possibly incluedes a Tiff).  

Victor Baird



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/25 12:12 by wabash2800.

I have tried several times to make Vector files of my decal artwork but I guess I'm just too dumb. I don't like the "jaggies" in raster files no matter how small they are. I want nice clean edges.

Rich Shapard at RS Laserkits takes on outside laser cutting projects.

Jeff Johnston
thesugarpineshop.bigcartel.com

> I have tried several times to make Vector files of
> my decal artwork

There are online converters. I've not tried any. Usually going from raster to vector results in an unclear image if there is lettering involved. They are essentially tracing programs. And, you still need a vector program to doanythin with the converted files.

You should use a vector drawing program from the get-go. Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw are the biggies. And pricey.
Inkscape is open source and free. I've used it only a little bit since I work in Corel.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/25 15:21 by Lighter.

LOL, you guys are way above my pay grade! Quit posting in chinese!

Thanks for all the input so far. I will likely get in touch with Rich. Unfortunately, the problem IMO with a lot of these software applications is they require an annual subscription and monthly fee, working online. I can understand why, because of software pirates and wanting a steady cash flow. But it doesn't fit my budget model.

Victor Baird



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/25 15:09 by wabash2800.

A couple of years ago I had Laserkits do laser cut wood flat car decks to fit the ERTL USRA flat car!   The ERTL freight cars are really really nice, way better than any other stuff when they were new and still very nice today.   But of course they had plastic decks.    I just wanted a wood copy of the plastic deck and they said to send them a deck and they did a bunch for me.   They are perfect and WOW does that car pop with a real wood deck on it!!!!!!!!!!

Richard.

According to his website, at 76 years of age he is winding down.

Victor Baird


Jeff_Johnston Wrote:
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> Rich Shapard at RS Laserkits takes on outside
> laser cutting projects.
>
> Jeff Johnston
> thesugarpineshop.bigcartel.com

Posted from Android



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/28/25 20:41 by wabash2800.

I use Rhinoceros 3D, or Rhino. You can do both 2D and 3D CAD, and export to a litany of filetypes. I typically place certain lines on certain layers. One for light engraving, one for heavy engraving, and one for cutting. Color coding your layers is also helpful too. Just export as a .dwg file, and someone with a laser cutter can cut your file.