One of our recent projects involved recreating an obsolete tractor handle grip that is no longer available for purchase.

The objective wasn't simply to make a replacement—it was to faithfully reproduce the original part while preparing it for modern manufacturing methods.

To accomplish this, the model was recreated with close attention to the original geometry, including:
• Overall dimensions
• Chamfers and edge details
• Surface features
• Embossed lettering and typography
• Manufacturing-ready geometry

The final design was developed to be compatible with multiple production methods, including FDM 3D printing, silicone molding, and future injection molding if production volumes justified it.

Projects like this highlight what I enjoy most about mechanical design—taking an existing product, understanding how it was originally manufactured, and creating a modern CAD model that preserves its function while opening new manufacturing possibilities.

At Gaines Design, I help manufacturers, restorers, inventors, and small businesses transform ideas, legacy parts, and concepts into production-ready engineering solutions.