If you follow my site, you probably know by now that I’m a big fan of component upgrades. Check out this kickstarter campaign that has some cool-looking, laser-cut tokens for a couple of different games. I’m tempted on the Lords of Waterdeep upgrades since I really can’t stand the cubes that come with the game. There’s also an ongoing thread on BGG talking about a variety of ideas using laser-cut for board game accessories and components.
The pics on this post show the tokens for Lords of Waterdeep.
I totally agree about creating high-quality components, but why go with a very expensive laser cutter when you can get excellent quality using a scroll saw at a fraction of the price. Heck, you could use a hack saw or a jewelers saw if money is really tight!
With a fine, spiral blade and a power drill, there are going to be very few designs you can’t make.
Laser cutter – $8K
Scroll saw – starting at $100, probably $250, topping out at less than $1K.
Hack saw – less than $20
Quality game components should he available for anyone who wants them!
I think the challenge with scroll saws and hack saws is that each component would have to be manually created, I’m guessing that with the laser he is able to cut them in sheets making many at a time. I don’t disagree that you could get results with other tools, but making them viable cost wise might be a bit of an obstacle for selling them.
There are a good number of people making a living selling scroll saw items at pretty reasonable cost. You can stack cut patterns so that you are cutting a lot of pieces at one time (5 or 6 is definitely possible, 3 is pretty easy depending on materials and skill).
There is a pretty serious barrier to entry for someone wanting to create game pieces with a laser cutter. The scroll saw makes things viable for smaller runs at lower costs… and as you know, most games don’t sell that well. Scroll saw based design can be used for game production on demand further reducing risk.
… I’ve also been considering using polymer clay to create game pieces from molds and stencils.
The other advantage of this approach is you might be able to charge more – look at the prices some craft makers sell chess sets, cribbage boards, and backgammon sets for.