Nando Aqui
Member
Thanks to all, and a few answers.
After designing the inlay (44 pieces for the rifle) with DesignCAD, I cut the pieces from veneer with an Xacto knife. Yes, it was tedious; especially the walnut, as the knife wanted to follow the grain. And unfortunately, not all the veneers were exactly the same thickness (varied from 0.035" to 0.022"), so I had to do some preliminary sanding. I'm going to investigate cutting the pieces with a laser. (A suitable machine costs between $12,000 to $15,000)
Sven - I have thought about that; i.e., making a few more, and definitely they will be easier. Perhaps other firearms too...
Chipper - I cut the foam with a 2" long modeling knife. The very bottom is 1/4" thick, which I left uncut. The top is 1-1/2" thick, cut to match the shapes, and built up in some areas, as under the barrel. That indeed is red velvet. I sprayed both the foam and the velvet with 3M 77 to stick them together. This was the easy part. The locking and engagement of the bottom was not too difficult thanks to the design. Installing the barrel hinges was tricky, but I'm sure practice will make it easier.
I do appreciate your comments and suggestions!
Alex
After designing the inlay (44 pieces for the rifle) with DesignCAD, I cut the pieces from veneer with an Xacto knife. Yes, it was tedious; especially the walnut, as the knife wanted to follow the grain. And unfortunately, not all the veneers were exactly the same thickness (varied from 0.035" to 0.022"), so I had to do some preliminary sanding. I'm going to investigate cutting the pieces with a laser. (A suitable machine costs between $12,000 to $15,000)
Sven - I have thought about that; i.e., making a few more, and definitely they will be easier. Perhaps other firearms too...
Chipper - I cut the foam with a 2" long modeling knife. The very bottom is 1/4" thick, which I left uncut. The top is 1-1/2" thick, cut to match the shapes, and built up in some areas, as under the barrel. That indeed is red velvet. I sprayed both the foam and the velvet with 3M 77 to stick them together. This was the easy part. The locking and engagement of the bottom was not too difficult thanks to the design. Installing the barrel hinges was tricky, but I'm sure practice will make it easier.
I do appreciate your comments and suggestions!
Alex
That it one hell of a case!
What they said!
