What software will enable me to do something like this handle?

[matt888]

The pic below is a handle to a speargun that shows the general end product I wish to accomplish...

I'm most concerned about the left and right side pieces of the handle (made of wood). The middle portion will be cut out of a flat piece of plastic instead of the metal in this example pic.

The idea is to cut 2 sides out of wood that are custom fit to a hand and then screw them into a center piece of plastic. Obviously the 2 sides will have the same outside shape, but have a unique 2.5d shape to fit the contour of say a right-handed individual.

Can the wooden sides be modeled in say Solidworks or would it have to be done in a more advanced 3d package like Rhino?

Also, I plan on routing unique contours into a long rectangle raw stock of wood for the gun barrel. My idea would be to route one side of the gun stock and then "flip" it over and duplicate the job on the opposite side for semetry. Is there a program best suited for this type of "flipping?" Almost like tricking a 3-axis machine into doing a 2.5d-3d part with multiple runs (rotating the part between a run)?

Thanks!

Here's a pic of the top handle question...

[ger21]

Just about any 3D CAM program should do what you want. Even inexpensive (±$200) ones. Whether or not you could do that in Solidworks probably depends on your skill level with Solidworks.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Wow thats a big handle

[matt888]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry for that pic size too. I forget to shrink them down sometimes with these darn megapixel cameras.

Yeah, I'm looking for a program that allows you to manipulate the surface area on the wood portions and make it fit your hand. Most people just do it the old fashioned way and carve it with hand tools...

[spoiledbrat]

Rhino/Rhinocam handles that nicely.

I would think about cutting the handles out of some 1/2" thick stock, individually. Drop the pieces out by cutting to .005, and just press them out.

My software could do the metal easily, too. Recommend making it in two pieces (the profile, then weld the rectangle shaped plate to it after machining)

I believe it is time for you to make an investment in some killer software...

Cheers,

Rob

[matt888]

That's outstanding. I'm most interested in how to draw and work the 3d aspects like you've shown in the second pic. I'm going to want to accomplish that in greater detail on each side of the wooden gun stock.

Thanks!