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**bestbrewtap** · 11-27-2012, 01:23 AM

One of our clients was interested in a tap handle with a F-16 incorporated into the design. After some work with Blender3D, we came up with this. It looks like its going to fly right out of the handle. This is just the faceplate which we'll mill into the handle. The area below is made for a retirement challenge coin for the Air Force.

We can include 3d modelling into your next tap handle too. Just drop us a note using our comments page at http://www.bestbrewtap.com/contact/ and we'll help you get started.

-- John
Lead Mad Scientist
www.bestbrewtap.com
Happiness! guaranteed

**bestbrewtap** · 12-02-2012, 02:45 AM

I wonder if there's any opinions out there....

**ThreeBrothersBrewery** · 12-02-2012, 03:26 AM

Looks pretty cool! It would be pretty awesome if you included some missiles hanging off the wings, but I like it as is as well.

**bestbrewtap** · 12-02-2012, 11:46 PM

Thanks for the feedback, 3Bros. Maybe if I turn it a bit, I can get the missiles to show up better. It really helps us when others take a look. Thanks much. If you need tap handles, send us an e-mail, and we'll send you a coupon code as a thanks.

-- John
www.bestbrewtap.com
Edge lit signs, personalized and full custom tap handles with an industry leading guarantee.

jholen · 12-03-2012, 03:46 AM

One day... your work is very impressive!

**bestbrewtap** · 12-04-2012, 02:23 PM

Jholen,

We've been experimenting with turning full 3d models into shallow relief carvings, and the results have been shockingly realistic. If you just take a 3d model and squash it, it loses all its detail, but if you apply a bunch of math to it, you can keep the detail, maintain perspective and still have it look like its leaping out of the faceplate. We'll definately be posting more work out of the Mad Scientist's Lair.

-- John
Lead Mad Scientist
www.bestbrewtap.com
Lighted signs and tap handles. Your ideas, our design and guarantee.

Easily_Distracted · 12-04-2012, 03:08 PM

Now that you explain it like that, I can see how it kept it's 3D perspective nicely even on a shallow cut. What type of coatings do you put on them and does it inhibit the detail at all on the finished product?

Very impressive.

**bestbrewtap** · 12-04-2012, 08:18 PM

E_D,

It depends. If we paint, we clean up with fine grit sandpaper, tiny rotary wheels and horsehair brushes. Then we use exterior acrylic clear, followed by high quality acrylic model paints, then clear overcoat. If its just wood tone, we buff lightly with something that's a lot like jeweler's rouge, then a finer compound, then carnauba wax. With gentle buffing, we can keep the detail while smoothing everything else. The darker compounds fill the wood pores nicely and highlight the raised areas pretty well.

We've also done some glazing with lacquer, hand rubbed gel stain, then a follow-up with the nitrocellulose. That's pretty spectacular, but its pricey because it takes a lot of time.

**ThreeBrothersBrewery** · 12-05-2012, 11:47 PM

Hey, was just wondering if you saw my PM. Haven't gotten a response in a few days.

**bestbrewtap** · 12-06-2012, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeBrothersBrewery

Hey, was just wondering if you saw my PM. Haven't gotten a response in a few days.

Got it. Check your PM. Just for you.

-- John