Interest in Tapper Handle Reproductions?

DarkKobold

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Its been ages since I posted here, but here it goes.

I'm working (at my job) with a machinist who does his own molding of parts, and would be capable of recreating the Tapper handles. In my searches, I determined two things:

1) The tapper handle uses a galaga joystick base, and therefore it is a waste to recreate the bottom part.

2) No one has re-manufactured these handles.

I already have my set of 2, but they are somewhat scratched up, so I wouldn't mind creating a fresh set. However, it is the normal issue - the first two cost $100, then next two cost $0.10. (guessitimates) Anyway, I'm just trying to gauge interest, how much they would be worth to people, to see if it would even be an equal return on investment, or enough people interested.

Also, any other plastic parts the community is missing in large amounts?
 
I looked into this at one point and think there would certainly be demand. Will they actually be molded by hand with a silicone mold over the shaft? Or would the machinist machine the tops from plastic blanks? Just curious. Also go with stainless for the shafts...

Good luck!
 
I looked into this at one point and think there would certainly be demand. Will they actually be molded by hand with a silicone mold over the shaft? Or would the machinist machine the tops from plastic blanks? Just curious. Also go with stainless for the shafts...

Good luck!

good point - I'd definitely want stainless while we're at it
 
I looked into this at one point and think there would certainly be demand. Will they actually be molded by hand with a silicone mold over the shaft? Or would the machinist machine the tops from plastic blanks? Just curious. Also go with stainless for the shafts...

Good luck!

Yeah, he actually creates upgrade kits for models, for hobbyists who are really, really into modeling World War 2 airplanes. He tells me his customers complain about the inaccuracy of commercial models, down to the number of rivets holding a piece of metal on the plane.

He creates a mock-up in some sort of plastic, creates the silicone mold, and then casts them. Each mold creates about 50, before it wears out. We'd use my handle, most likely as a template, but they aren't perfect and new, so we'd have to recreate the plastic to mold from.

Aluminum for the shaft would be cheaper, but I have to agree that stainless steel would be better for longevity. The shaft seems like it would be pretty easy to make, on an industrial lathe.
 
Yeah, since this thread was posted I picked up a Tapper. So I'd be interested in 4 of these if they're ever made.
 
Does anyone know DarkKobold he hasn't been on since: Last Activity: 02-23-2012 03:04 PM
and has no email listed. If someone knows him please email him to let him know that there is interest in this thread....
 
forget the OP. Does anyone know anyone with a laser 3d scanner and a 3d printer? A Tapper Handle could be scanned and then perfectly re-created in a 3d printer on the CHEAP.
 
Would be pretty cool to have other taps of other beer brands to fit on the game...like at a bar. Now that would be cool to put on the game.
Beer_Tap_Handles-2483.jpg
 
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