Oh! that is a simple setup! My original plan was to cut out hexagon cardboards and then glue on printed out graphics to create different tiles of grass, dirt, water, etc.
After that i can piece them together for a DND map, and change the terrian as we like by shifting it around or put a few extra layers to create altitude.
I'm also thinking about crafting a dice tower as well, i really like to make things but im currently working 2 jobs so it's really hard to find time to craft and make stuff that takes a lot of time.
(For once) DnD requires you to do none of that.
If you don't have the time to have fun doing it: Don't do it.
The whole cardboard hexagons, map, thing seems really overkill to me though. If you want to build some acceptable sized landscape you're going to need loads of them.
I was never a big fan of things like Dwarven Forge, too. It's just too much hassle to set up, etc.
Though I don't like preparing anything anymore, since I stopped GMing DnD. Players will ruin your preparation, and go somewhere you completely did not expect, as the OP already mentioned.
But... I have fun doing it? I like making things. And i think having the hexagon maps would be super cool. But i will agree with you on the fact that it'll be a pain in the ass to setup the game if i wanted to prepare the landscape and map. Just for the record this is what i want to do for myself.
My friends will probably do some premade map or make something on roll20 and print out, or one of the resources you linked.
Players ALWAYS ruin your preparations. So i can understand why you feel that way. Ive lost count how many stories i read online where DMs die a little inside because of the stuff their players do is always outside of their expectations.
I should have emphasized:
If you do it, when you have the time for it: Sure.
pssst Secret hint to all of these DMs:
Embrace the players going of to their own adventures, and see where it leads them to.
It's better for the players, because they can go and do what they want.
And it's better for the GM, because they're not wasting their time.