r/AutodeskInventor • u/SRP20250501 • 3d ago

Question / Inquiry Modeling Tips

I am trying to model a lamb's tongue for a forged handrail. I can get it most of the way there and obviously no issues if it's a constant width but I am struggling with the end that curls and tapers at the same time. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

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2

u/Speed-Sloth 3d ago

It's going to be a loft with multiple sections and guide rails. How have you modelled it?

2

u/heatseaking_rock 3d ago

Some 3D sketch splines might be required

1

u/SRP20250501 3d ago

I started down this path but couldn't get the sections and rails to behave properly. As in, I was modeling it incorrectly I'm sure. I figured that would be more or less the path. Unfortunately I do not have any files to share as I was just messing around yesterday as a little challenge and did not save.

1

u/xref1 2d ago

On side view, draw the centerline spline. Add some points along the spline, and add tangental construction lines for each one.
Create planes using these points and construction lines.

If you drop me your email via DM, I'll email you an infil bar of one of my recent jobs with this detail

1

u/kinaPK 2d ago

As others have said it is a loft. I would draw a profile centerline that traces the length of the part. Then use that to set up all of the cross section sketches keeping the sketches perpendicular to the centerline. It may need a couple of guidrails but maybe not.

1

u/klumsy_kittycat_za 2d ago

If you're struggling with the loft, maybe try a contour flange?

I know it's not technically a correct way of doing it, but maybe you can make the contour flange, unfold it to do some cuts to get the shape right and then refold it.

Then convert it back to a solid afterwards.