Making Flight Sim Panels with my eBay Laser

Welcome to The Warthog Project!
This video explains the basic construction method of the panels in my cockpit. I'm using the Fuel QTY panel as an example, but all are basically the same design.
The laser I'm using is a cheap eBay (the cheapest actually) Chinese 40 watt 'K40' style laser.
BE AWARE- Those lasers are barely usable from the factory- I've upgraded mine using a upgrade pack from www.lightobject.com, as well as a 60 watt tube.
Expect to spend double what you pay for the laser to have one that is any good. All up mine cost a little over $1200 AUD (including the machine), which is still relatively cheap considering that the decent brand name ones are about $5000. Its not the greatest most capable unit around, but its perfect for my needs as one hobbyist in his garage.
All my plans, panel files, and 3D printing .stls are free for download at thewarthogproject.com/
I sometimes livestream on twitch- / thewarthogproject
Or check out my Instagram at- / thewarthogproject
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How much did this cost?
Answer is explained fully right here! - • What it Cost! - A10C W...
What Game/Sim is this?
Digital Combat Simulator World (A-10C Tank Killer II) - www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
Can I have a free copy of all your panel design files?
Yes you can! - thewarthogproject.com/downloads
What software do you use to warp the projector image? Fly Elise-ng Immersive Diplay Pro - fly.elise-ng.net/products/
What software do you use to export the gauges on the main panel?
Helios - github.com/HeliosVirtualCockp...
What are your PC Spec?
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master, Intel i7-9700k OC to 5ghz, 32GB Corsair RAM, Gigabyte Aorus GTX1080ti Waterforce Extreme Edition, Samsung 920 EVO M.2 1TB SSD (OS and DCS), Samsung 860 QVO 2TB 2.5" SATA SSD (Storage), Two XSPC 360mm Radiators, EKWB Velocity CPU Waterblock, EK-RES X3 250mm with D5 water pump, Custom Hard Tubing, Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic Black Case. All RGB turned off!

Пікірлер: 526

  • @hxhdfjifzirstc894
    @hxhdfjifzirstc8944 жыл бұрын

    This is only the second video of this project that I've seen, and I didn't realize it was all made from scratch. You must be quite proud of all the craftsmanship involved.

  • @davewasthere
    @davewasthere3 жыл бұрын

    Ex avionics engineer here. And yeah, that looks seriously good. Really respect the effort you've put into it. Well done!

  • @BrianDressel
    @BrianDressel5 жыл бұрын

    Your technique to create a guide for the engraving at 13:00 is brilliant. Great video, keep them coming! Thanks.

  • @Power5

    @Power5

    5 жыл бұрын

    Quick coat of brown spray paint would remove any confusing lines as well.

  • @killorkubed

    @killorkubed

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know I'm late to the party but I buy foam board like 20 sheets at a time to make guide sheets (and I normally reuse it to cut test shapes out of after I make a template out of it) and have *never* thought to tape down the foam board how am I so dumb.... I normally just locate it into a corner of my bed but that works like crap lol, I will say I see no reason to tape the piece your engraving to the template though... imply rarely reuse it it's so cheap...

  • @hardy_bm

    @hardy_bm

    2 жыл бұрын

    gamechanger!

  • @un65tube
    @un65tube5 жыл бұрын

    Wow - this video brings the possibilities using a K40 laser to a next level! Perfect. Thank you and greetings from Germany!

  • @iankirwan8156
    @iankirwan81564 жыл бұрын

    As others have said, this is simply fantastic. Your skills and vision are inspiring. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this with the rest of us and I'm already looking forward to learning more. Keep up the excellent work

  • @DeltaBravoProductions
    @DeltaBravoProductions5 жыл бұрын

    OMG! YOU ARE THE VIDEO IVE BEEN WAITING FOR! nice job my friend!

  • @MrAnimal1971
    @MrAnimal19715 жыл бұрын

    your commitment to detail is awe inspiring. keep the videos coming, Im getting so many ideas.

  • @Sly_Wolf_1
    @Sly_Wolf_15 жыл бұрын

    Really don't know why I watched this other than nosey curiosity.... But wow totally blown away with the quality of your project. Thanks for posting 👍

  • @lsdave
    @lsdave4 жыл бұрын

    Amazing work. Everything done just right. Love the use of the vinyl to cover up the light bleed as well as insulate the wires.

  • @captainboing
    @captainboing5 жыл бұрын

    probably the best rear-illuminated panel method I have seen. Excellent work! I used your conformal coating idea on the wiring for safety on exposed hi-voltage on my own boards. Cheers

  • @fahndraco526
    @fahndraco5264 жыл бұрын

    I found that one of the most informative video's on KZread... Nice clear and easy to understand what you were doing at each stage... And now i am even more jealous of your A-10 Warthog cockpit and how you have built it, i just wish i had the know how and cash to spare to build something like this...

  • @calpilotmike
    @calpilotmike5 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! I've been scheming on using my Glowforge to build both my avionics panel and individual instruments. Thanks for the insights and demonstration!

  • @reginaldcrudstump383
    @reginaldcrudstump3834 жыл бұрын

    The panel looks superb, thanks for showing us your technique.

  • @terryandreson3914
    @terryandreson39143 жыл бұрын

    I love sim racing but your DIY projects are so educational that I use them to make sim racing gauges. Nice job mate.

  • @markmaker2488
    @markmaker24885 жыл бұрын

    Great job mate, super professional finish 👍

  • @velizarzdravkov6686
    @velizarzdravkov66865 жыл бұрын

    Not exlend ... Magnificent! This quality of work is rematkable!

  • @undercrackers56
    @undercrackers565 жыл бұрын

    I am envious that you have space to do this stuff. Here in Blighty we live in sheds and if lucky enough to have a garage then it is only big enough to park a small lawnmower. I applaud you saving material at 4:40.

  • @ibrahimbayri7290
    @ibrahimbayri72903 жыл бұрын

    Well done mate, great job! Some tips like how to position the panel on the laser for etching is gold. Thank you

  • @MacheteBushcraftAustralia
    @MacheteBushcraftAustralia5 жыл бұрын

    Mate I got to say, the huge nerd in me really like this project!!! Nice job buddy and thanks for sharing. Really tidy looking bit of kit. I have not taken the leap into getting a cnc laser...but it's not to far away.

  • @gracebyseven
    @gracebyseven3 жыл бұрын

    Nice mate. Almost exactly how I do mine. Just a tip, apply a little Bondo filler to the edges and sand down a bit to eliminate the seam where the parts meet. Another way around this is by actually welding the layers together first and then cutting as the heat from the laser will make the edges look seamless. Keep up the good work!

  • @stijnwenselaar1268
    @stijnwenselaar12685 жыл бұрын

    Bruh. So nice and good looking. You made me wanna buy a laser engraver.

  • @howardgreenwood
    @howardgreenwood3 жыл бұрын

    Finally found a good channel for this. Keep up the good work. Im making a KSP control panel.

  • @r.a.monigold9789
    @r.a.monigold97895 жыл бұрын

    Clever use of materials. Nice work. Thanks for sharing...

  • @sorryeh7
    @sorryeh75 жыл бұрын

    This is an awesome video! I am looking forward to a video on how you make your custom gauges.

  • @niklazz7037
    @niklazz70374 жыл бұрын

    Amazing work, really detailed and very clean build!

  • @hypersmudge1
    @hypersmudge14 жыл бұрын

    A fascinating process! Thanks for taking us through it!

  • @v8dave517
    @v8dave5173 жыл бұрын

    Good job mate, great video and well presented. I learnt alot of tricks in such a short time. Just about to route through your other videos please keep them coming

  • @TheSilmarillian
    @TheSilmarillian4 жыл бұрын

    Best 17 or so minutes I have seen on UTube in some time tk for the upload hello from Australia

  • @schuur10
    @schuur105 жыл бұрын

    After a year since you,ve uploaded this one i see this and it has some potentional for " How do they do it" ! It was fun to see how you make these "Important" instruments.

  • @PWingert1966

    @PWingert1966

    4 жыл бұрын

    There is a video on here on how Boeing does side lighting for its gauges as well. the technique is quite similar.

  • @gvrose1
    @gvrose15 жыл бұрын

    Very cool. Love that little laser cutter!

  • @andresmiguel39
    @andresmiguel395 жыл бұрын

    Very nice, I was looking for this kind of videos long time ago, waiting for more, please.

  • @nilscrawford4100
    @nilscrawford41005 жыл бұрын

    Awesome videos mate. Your explain it all and show it all really well. Nice to see your work methods. 👌

  • @keirfarnum6811
    @keirfarnum68114 жыл бұрын

    That’s really impressive. Nice work. Green with envy!

  • @garystump1776
    @garystump17765 жыл бұрын

    hey that was BOLD indeed I have never had the time. I am ready now lets get at it. tkank you

  • @BillySugger1965
    @BillySugger19655 жыл бұрын

    Excellent work. Looking forward to the gauge video you mentioned...

  • @richpayton7162
    @richpayton71622 жыл бұрын

    I had to repair or replace these panels when I was in the U.S. Navy. Back in 1973 a panel like you made here would cost at least $ 1K. They were certified flight equipment though. $100 for the part, $900 for the cert. Yours look great.

  • @rallywagon261

    @rallywagon261

    Жыл бұрын

    Well. 100 for the part, 100 for the cert... 800 for the gov contract upcharge... I used to be a mechanic in the Army (thank you for your service btw) and was regularly blown away by the upcharge on common parts.

  • @jpr0729
    @jpr07293 жыл бұрын

    324k views, this video is still one of the best references on the internet for how to make these, fantastic job.

  • @joesim9577
    @joesim95775 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. I thought about getting that laser at one point. I like your modifications to it.

  • @mtbiker8
    @mtbiker83 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the excellent tutorial. I learned some great tips for my K40. BTW, that's quite some control panel on your laser.

  • @mobayguy
    @mobayguy3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing work - Excellent Craftsmanship! You've inspired me. When I retire, I resolve to build a SIM Cockpit of my very own F18 Super Hornet ! -Cheers

  • @jpotter2086
    @jpotter20865 жыл бұрын

    Love my cutter. They're magic boxes. Great project!

  • @blaster-zy7xx
    @blaster-zy7xx4 жыл бұрын

    Yes, way cool. I do model making myself and it is great to see somone being very clever with homemade tools to create something so real looking and functional. I still have a hundred other questions how things were made, guess I need to subscribe.

  • @darrenb3214
    @darrenb32144 жыл бұрын

    Not only does it look quality, but these videos are also quite therapeutic lol. Great work. Would love to have the room for your set up.

  • @StreetComp
    @StreetComp5 жыл бұрын

    You have a talent for making stuff (including how to videos) and could make and sell panels, etc and probably make decent cash as simulators of all sorts are just gonna get more popular and most people don’t have skills/patience/gear

  • @antonwinter630
    @antonwinter6305 жыл бұрын

    very cool. great result on the panel

  • @MakerFarmNL
    @MakerFarmNL5 жыл бұрын

    Very nice back lights and clever to laser-engrave the paint.

  • @muzzaball
    @muzzaball4 жыл бұрын

    Incredible..... and realistic! Well done.

  • @cerberes
    @cerberes4 жыл бұрын

    What a great technique. excellent job!

  • @GateKommand
    @GateKommand5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for an interesting insight into LASER cutting mate!

  • @ammuka
    @ammuka5 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for showing how it's done.

  • @sengle3
    @sengle35 жыл бұрын

    Well done, indeed! That looks great.

  • @finnigan16
    @finnigan165 жыл бұрын

    Insane quality! It looks perfect. I'm curious about the modifications you've made to the laser engraver, do you have a video or post detailing that?

  • @claudehebert3131

    @claudehebert3131

    5 жыл бұрын

    I second the motion! Please upload a dedicated video about your laser cutter, along with the mods you've done.

  • @GaryMcKinnonUFO

    @GaryMcKinnonUFO

    5 жыл бұрын

    If you search for k40 laser cutter, youtube is full of detailed mod videos, there's also many blogs on the net about it.

  • @lm198
    @lm1984 жыл бұрын

    Excellent Work. Thanks for sharing. Amazing work

  • @dmm8658
    @dmm86585 жыл бұрын

    Very clever processes. Thanks for the explanation.

  • @nagualdesign
    @nagualdesign5 жыл бұрын

    I've always thought it would be cool to have a custom-made control panel above the windscreen in a campervan, like an airplane cockpit with buttons and gauges for all the extra electronics. Now I know who to ask! 😎

  • @Ryan_1988
    @Ryan_19885 жыл бұрын

    one of the most satisfying vids ive seen, great job. New sub and like.

  • @thewarthogproject

    @thewarthogproject

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @liveriesfsx9352

    @liveriesfsx9352

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@thewarthogproject Hi mate , I watched few videos about your project and it's really impressive. I'm a newcomer to the subject and after making first simple panel with ~30 switches and buttons I'm working on the more sophisticated one, with backlighting, displays, etc. That's why I have few quick questions, also looking for advices. I appreciate if you could help me. How powerful power supply u used? I'm playing around with the LEDs in Tinkercad now to see how bright they can still be when connected multiple of them to several teensy/andruino boards but it seems with few dozens of them (in one of the panels with 120cm of width and ~20cm of heigh) it will be better to connect them separately to 12V power supply. They get too dimmed when using 5V, even with few circuts with separate 5v sources. I also consider to use 5050 led strip (30leds/m, 12V) cut in several pieces since I got >10m of it lying down in the cabinet. The middle plexi sheet - what transparency % would you recommend? Would it be not better to use also opal sheet for front panel? Tho I didn't have any of them in front of me, I though the solid one won't allow the light to go through. Cheers Mark

  • @liveriesfsx9352

    @liveriesfsx9352

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ooh one more question. What font size you use for engraving text?

  • @hamiltonpianos

    @hamiltonpianos

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thewarthogproject Any chance you could let us know what type of vinyl you're using at 15:58? Would love to see the method too if possible! :)

  • @michaelh9667
    @michaelh96675 жыл бұрын

    That was awesome finally a decent video about using a k40 :)

  • @mxcollin95
    @mxcollin953 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done man!

  • @sammyflorczak8800
    @sammyflorczak88005 жыл бұрын

    Looks amazing!

  • @jrazzarelli
    @jrazzarelli5 жыл бұрын

    This is pure genius. Thank you for sharing.

  • @jothain
    @jothain5 жыл бұрын

    Really nice looking project. Definitely thumbs up

  • @DerekSpeareDSD
    @DerekSpeareDSD5 жыл бұрын

    Just superb work!

  • @rexmyers991
    @rexmyers9912 жыл бұрын

    Top notch! Thank you for sharing your expertise.

  • @myk3l9675
    @myk3l96755 жыл бұрын

    That is super cool looking!

  • @flybobbie1449
    @flybobbie14493 жыл бұрын

    Knocks my MDF flight panels into the shade. Inspiring video.

  • @SpinStar1956
    @SpinStar19565 жыл бұрын

    Super video; super project. Sure would like to see a video on the actual gauges. Have an application that has to have a custom gauge that I can't purchase. Will you be doing one sometime?

  • @cameron.turner
    @cameron.turner5 жыл бұрын

    Amazing work

  • @andrewhardie8138
    @andrewhardie8138 Жыл бұрын

    Best thing ive seen yet, fairly new to your channel so catching up :)

  • @thekehoeshow..
    @thekehoeshow..3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for doing what you do.

  • @florianakkermans6334
    @florianakkermans63345 жыл бұрын

    done properly, great work

  • @fd1150
    @fd11505 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely brilliant.

  • @KyleSoldani
    @KyleSoldani4 жыл бұрын

    This is really damn cool... well done!

  • @divarachelenvy
    @divarachelenvy3 жыл бұрын

    awesome ... Very professional outcome..

  • @qkitselectronics5415
    @qkitselectronics54155 жыл бұрын

    Wow, just awesome. Thanks for sharing.

  • @DFX2KX
    @DFX2KX5 жыл бұрын

    wow that turned out really nice.

  • @SpinStar1956
    @SpinStar19565 жыл бұрын

    Hi there -- Big Thumbs Up on your nice panel making. Did you ever make the video on making the gauges? In this gauge I noticed that you have watch-like concentric needles/hands and was wondering how you implemented the hand mechanics. I would sure love to see your gauge making video as I want to make some gauges/meters for my own use. Anyway, really awesome work and attention to detail -- Thanks!

  • @ericwilliams2122
    @ericwilliams21223 жыл бұрын

    VERY PROFESSIONAL, WELL DONE

  • @maartenblokdijk
    @maartenblokdijk4 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant video! man what machinery! jealous!

  • @ReconSWAT
    @ReconSWAT4 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic! I do the same to make my F35 panels! Good job!

  • @Leadnap
    @Leadnap5 жыл бұрын

    You can use rubber cement as a masking agent in the dial recess instead of tape - the liquid form will ensure no seeping of the spray paint at the edges of the mask. I know since the dial went over it wasn't a big deal, but IF it was this would allow that precision. Likewise, it can be much faster than trying to get the tape to conform.

  • @djbabbotstown
    @djbabbotstown5 жыл бұрын

    Clever lad. Well done.

  • @FlightSimMuseum
    @FlightSimMuseum4 жыл бұрын

    Looks great!

  • @bobidderis3880
    @bobidderis38804 жыл бұрын

    What a neat job!

  • @redlioness6627
    @redlioness66272 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you said Zed table as I couldn't tell if you meant C or Zee when you mentioned it earlier, Zed is less confusing as no other letter has that same sound unlike B, C, D, P, T, V and for septics (septic tank = yank) Z, we can discount B, P and V, but pronunciation can bleed when pronouncing C, D, T and Z if someone uses American pronunication of Zed.

  • @xxJohnxx77
    @xxJohnxx775 жыл бұрын

    Very intresting, thanks for sharing! Looks like I have to get myself a laser at one point...

  • @AlJay0032
    @AlJay00323 жыл бұрын

    Very impressive!

  • @chadwatson3287
    @chadwatson32875 жыл бұрын

    Great work, great vid. Very tight.

  • @h4z4rd42
    @h4z4rd425 жыл бұрын

    Funny, last year we made a complete cockpit for a C5 and for a KC-10, for Terminator, I used almost the same method. Hint: you don't need to copy-paste-save as from a new tab, you can export selected object to dxf from the very same page you used for drawing directly.

  • @kerrycorbin2773
    @kerrycorbin27734 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic to watch..... I Would love to buy some finished panels if you end up selling some...

  • @knottreel
    @knottreel5 жыл бұрын

    I learned so much from this!

  • @seanc6754
    @seanc67542 жыл бұрын

    Very satisfying watching that laser cut that big perfect circle lol

  • @roygreig2843
    @roygreig28432 жыл бұрын

    This guy is awesome, shares everything, can't wait to start my hog

  • @keithglaysher737
    @keithglaysher7375 жыл бұрын

    That's awesome fella!

  • @OzDeaDMeaT
    @OzDeaDMeaT5 жыл бұрын

    Dude, that is sensational.

  • @littlenemo14
    @littlenemo144 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely fascinating.

  • @vincentkeith5259
    @vincentkeith52593 жыл бұрын

    That's some serious dedication.

  • @vlofvl
    @vlofvl4 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding I’d love to be able to do this

  • @jy4141
    @jy41413 жыл бұрын

    Mate what a legend!! Home grown talent in Oz

  • @JustAnIslandGuy
    @JustAnIslandGuy4 жыл бұрын

    Totally cool mate!

  • @davidnichols1192
    @davidnichols11925 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff mate, next project is the Hornet cockpit.