New (?) handle molding idea

[Legion303]

I think this might work, wouldn't be too expensive if you had access to the equipment, and would make handle design very easy.

Step 1: create a detailed CAD drawing of your mold.
Step 2: fabricate the mold on a 3D design printer (prints objects in light plastic)
Step 3: coat the mold with plaster or something else which will air harden and keep fine details intact.
Step 4: use your new plastic mold (2 halves) with polymer clay and mold it around your pick or metal stock.
Step 5: profit!

-steve

[Legacy712]

Certainly no offense meant, but it sounds like a lot of work, unless you're going to make a lot of them.

[Legion303]

None taken. I'm gearing up to sell picksets and I can tell you I've already put more work and wasted materials into the process than my above idea would take, just through trial and error.

I definitely wouldn't want to go through all this just to make one or two picks for personal use.

-steve

[jamesphilhulk2]

how are you going to get a 3d printer

[Legion303]

I have a friend who's getting a masters in architecture, and he has one at school.

Essentially, anyone in drafting/design school or in the industry will have access to one.

-steve

[Jaakko]

Or just use NC-machining to make aluminum/brass/steel mold halves and pressure cast the wanted plastic (you could even use recycle bottles or the like)

[Gordon Airporte]

Has anyone managed to produce single-piece picks where the blade and the handle are machined from a single piece of steel?
Seems like there must have been discussion about it here somewhere but I don't recall any results. Seems like it would be tricky if you wanted the blade to have the right springiness / toughness.

[jamesphilhulk2]

i made one of those as my first pick out of stainless steel. it didnt work out only because i didnt really know what i was doing at the time lol, i didnt quench the blade at all so it was ruined from the start, but yeah it can be done easily just quench it every 3 seconds thats what i do now.

hmm i think i will make one now