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Wooden Car Model

2026-10-01

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
3mm Plywood
Glue
Standard Laser Head
Project File Download
Software Used
Compatible Software
Tested by
Thunder Laser Application Team
Settings
Laser Cutting
Speed: 50mm/s
Power: 90%

Introduction

Looking for a fun laser cutting project to try with your laser cutter for wood?


This wooden mining truck model is made from 3mm plywood and is part of an engineering vehicle model series. It can serve as a creative display piece or a hands-on model-making project for families and classrooms.


With a CO2 laser cutting machine, you can cut precise plywood parts from a digital design file and assemble them into a detailed wooden truck model. This project is a practical way to explore laser cutting plywood while creating a functional, construction-themed model.

Before your work begins

Clean the lens and mirrors
Check the laser head and nozzle for dust or residue
Use appropriate air assist when cutting plywood
Test the laser cutting settings before processing the final project

Operational Process

STEP01

Prepare & Position the Plywood

Prepare the 3mm plywood and place it flat on the laser cutting machine's worktable.


Keep the plywood stable before cutting. Check the material for warping and adjust the design to match the actual sheet size. Since plywood can vary in thickness and composition, test the laser cutting settings on a scrap piece before processing the complete project.

put the wood on the laser bed-step1.webp
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Prepare the wooden truck model design file in CorelDRAW, then transfer it to the laser software using the appropriate laser plug-in or workflow.


Check the design dimensions and cutting paths before setting the laser parameters. Adjust the speed and power according to your machine and plywood, then use the Download function to transfer the design to your laser cutter.

laser cutting mining truck file.jpg
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

Move the laser head to the correct starting position and adjust the focal distance according to your machine's instructions before cutting.


After focusing, press Origin on the control panel if required by your workflow to set the starting position. Correct focus helps concentrate the laser energy on the plywood and supports cleaner, more consistent cutting results.

auto-focus-bolt.jpg
manual focus
STEP04

Frame the Design & Start Laser Cutting

Use the Frame function to check the cutting area and confirm that the wooden truck model design fits within the plywood sheet.


Once everything is aligned, check that the air assist and ventilation are operating correctly, then press Start to begin laser cutting. Stay beside the machine and continuously monitor the process. Never leave a laser cutter running unattended, especially when cutting wood.

Frame your design
laser cutting wooden car model.png
STEP05

Post Processing

After cutting is complete and the machine is safe to access, collect the plywood pieces and check that each part has been cut through cleanly.


Assemble the wooden truck model by hand and use glue to secure the parts where needed. Check for sharp edges or loose pieces before displaying the finished model. It can be used as a display piece or as part of a wooden engineering vehicle collection.

assemble the car model.png
wooden car model.png

Come and Try!

This wooden truck model is a practical laser cutting project for families, classrooms, and model-making activities. With a CO2 laser cutter, you can turn 3mm plywood into detailed parts and assemble them into a finished engineering vehicle model.


If you want to explore more wood laser cutting and engraving projects, visit the Thunder Laser Nova series to learn about laser machines for wood processing. Compare the working area, laser power, and configuration options to find a machine suited to your materials and project requirements.

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